Manager, Paid Search

WPP Media; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive medical insurance

Group retirement plans

Vision and dental insurance

Generous paid time off

Employee discounts

Job summary

WPP Media in London is seeking a Paid Search Account Manager to own day-to-day execution of paid search activities, manage client and supplier relationships, and lead a team of Account Executives with exposure to the Global Hub.

The role requires deep Paid Search knowledge, current certifications, and strong analytics, bid management, and reporting capabilities. This is a hybrid UK-based position with a focus on growth and performance.

Qualifications

• Line management experience and developing Account Executives.
• Deep Paid Search knowledge with current Google Ads and Microsoft Ads certifications.
• Strong bid management knowledge and core Paid Search platforms.
• Excellent knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience in Google Data Studio or similar reporting tools.
• Excellent data analysis skills and application of insights in digital marketing.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with precision and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day execution of paid search activity and client relationships.
• Lead and develop Account Executives and coordinate with the Global Hub.
• Ensure timely delivery of performance commentary and weekly reporting.
• Collaborate with the Account Director to devise strategy and translate into campaign delivery.
• Foster strong relationships with clients and suppliers to drive flawless execution.

Skills

Paid Search

Data analysis

Excel

PowerPoint

Google Analytics

Google Data Studio

Project management

Education

Google Ads Certification

Microsoft Ads Certification

Tools

SA360

GMP platform

GroupM Automations Portal

Adobe Advertising

Google Analytics

Job description

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world‑class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth.

WPP Media is WPP's AI‑driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.

Wavemaker positively provokes growth for clients by reshaping consumer decision‑making and experiences through media, content, and technology. Our name is both our mission and our method. We do our best work for brave brands and people who relish being challenged to go further and faster, together.

About the role

As a Paid Search Account Manager, you will be responsible for owning the day‑to‑day execution of all elements of paid search activity. You will employ strong platform knowledge and manage client/supplier relationships to make sure you and your team deliver flawless operations, experimentation, media plans, performance optimisation, and reporting & analysis.

The role involves managing one or several Account Executives (overseeing their workload and output, as well as managing their development) to successfully execute deliverables and exceed client’s expectations. The Paid Search Account Manager will also act as a key point of contact for the Global Hub, who are a core part of your team.

People

• Motivational Manager leading by example whilst coaching & developing your Account Executives in the UK & Global Hub; providing constructive feedback at every appropriate opportunity.
• Oversee, as appropriate, the performance of Account Executives and Global Hub; ensuring that you quality control work and advise them on the correct course of action, as needed.
• Delegating and managing the workload and output for your team, including in the Global Hub, who ensure daily diagnostics and governance is achieved to the highest standards.
• Assisting with the recruitment process for the immediate and wider team when required. Attending interviews and acting as an ambassador for the team to potential candidates.

Product

• Ensure adherence to the Wavemaker Way for Paid Search on your clients and contribute to the development our products.
• Making full use of the technology available. Adoption of 3 rd and 1 st party tools & technology (e.g. Unlock, GroupM Automations Portal etc.).

Operations

• Ensure that wider client or team deliverables (such as performance commentary and weekly reporting) are prepared, working with other team members on delivery of this information, and ensuring quality of output is maintained.
• Implementing processes and practices that maximize operational efficiencies whilst identifying opportunities for process improvement and providing recommendations to Directors.
• Takes ownership of issues when they arise and proactively suggests ways to resolve these and prevent them from happening in the future.

Performance

• Collaborate with and support your team in the implementation and optimisation of paid search campaigns for clients.
• Effectively manage you & your team’s designated accounts, ensuring ongoing and timely optimisation is delivered; proactively looking for both tactical and strategic optimisation opportunities, whilst working with your Account Director to devise strategy and translate this into campaign delivery.
• Take responsibility for wider client or team deliverables (such as performance commentary or weekly reporting) and guide Account Executives in how this can be effectively achieved.
• Foster a good working relationship across all clients & suppliers to facilitate flawless execution of plans and builds rapport to become a trusted advisor.
• Make sure that service level agreements are aligned with all relevant stakeholders and that all deadlines are met, with tasks managed through our project management suite.

Growth

• Responsible for the execution of a ‘fearless growth’ mindset in your team; continually experimenting and driving performance forwards for clients.

Skills & Experience

We are looking for candidates who are self‑starters, want to succeed and have a desire to push the boundaries. Passionate about digital marketing, specifically Paid Search and Cross‑Platform campaign formats (e.g. Performance Max, Microsoft Audience Network etc.). Successful candidates will have an analytical mindset coupled with creativity.

It’s essential that you have:

• Some experience line managing people, their development and workload.
• Deep Paid Search knowledge and experience, with current dated certifications (Google Ads and Microsoft Ads).
• Excellent knowledge of bid management and core Paid Search technology platforms (Google Analytics, GMP platform, SA360, Adobe for example).
• Excellent data analysis skills and understanding of the strategic & tactical application of paid search and digital marketing.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills which include Excel & PowerPoint.
• Experience in Google Data Studio or similar reporting platforms.
• Operationally proficient with excellent project management skills. You have a demonstrable ability to manage multiple tasks at once.
• You are proactive; our mantra is all about ‘Positive Provocation’. We need people who have the confidence to question the status quo.
• You have immaculate attention to detail.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.

We Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in‑office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we’re together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. Please note that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country.

Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location.

While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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