Paid Search Director: Lead Growth & Global Team

WPP Media; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

WPP Media in the UK seeks a Paid Search Account Director to lead the coordination and delivery of paid search campaigns for key clients. You will manage a team of Account Executives and Account Managers across the UK and Global Hub, driving performance and client satisfaction.

You’ll apply platform knowledge, govern budgets and schedules, and push for process improvements while maintaining strong client and supplier relationships.

Qualifications

• Experience line-managing people, their development and workload; leading hybrid teams across different markets.
• Excellent communication skills and storytelling ability to simplify complex problems.
• Expert Paid Search knowledge with up-to-date certifications (Google Ads and Microsoft Ads).
• Proficiency in bid management and core PPC technology platforms (Google Analytics, GMP, SA360, Adobe, etc.).
• Excellent data analysis skills and understanding of strategic and tactical paid search applications.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with reporting platforms such as Google Data Studio.
• Operational proficiency and excellent project management; ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Proactive attitude, challenging status quo with positive provocation.
• Impeccable attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Oversee performance of Account Executives and Account Managers, ensuring quality control.
• Train your team and others across the department to develop knowledge and expertise.
• Lead recruitment and interviewing processes to build strong teams.
• Take responsibility for your UK and Global Hub team’s development and career progression within the agency.
• Lead by example, coach your team and provide constructive feedback.
• Ensure your team adopts, executes, and adheres to Wavemaker Governance and the Wavemaker Way for Paid Search.
• Use 3rd and 1st party tools and technology effectively across your client set.
• Drive process automation through adoption of scripts and efficient ways of working.
• Implement processes and practices that maximise operational efficiencies while identifying opportunities for improvement and providing recommendations.
• Own operations in your team, proactively suggesting ways to resolve and eliminate issues.
• Lead on application and adherence to all paid search activation finance processes.
• Build rapport with clients and suppliers to ensure flawless execution of plans.
• Ensure service level agreements align with relevant stakeholders and all deadlines are met.
• Active member of the Paid Search community, contributing to internal meetings, training, and events.
• Develop strong relationships with clients and key suppliers, leading communications.
• Advising internal and external stakeholders on paid search and industry trends.
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of client industry and competitive environment to create effective solutions.
• Oversee output of your team, both client-facing and operational.
• Maintain strategic understanding of client business and KPIs; keep up to date with industry news and proactive trend spotting.
• Maintain a forward-thinking and innovative approach in all paid search activity.
• Direct paid search performance and wider team deliverables.
• Contribute to strategic revenue and service opportunities.
• Execute a fearless growth mindset within your team; continually experiment and drive performance for clients.

Skills

People management

Communication

Paid search certifications

Bid management

Data analysis

Excel

PowerPoint

Google Data Studio

Project management

Proactive mindset

Attention to detail

Job description

WPP Media in the UK seeks a Paid Search Account Director to lead the coordination and delivery of paid search campaigns for key clients. You will manage a team of Account Executives and Account Managers across the UK and Global Hub, driving performance and client satisfaction.

You’ll apply platform knowledge, govern budgets and schedules, and push for process improvements while maintaining strong client and supplier relationships.