Paid Search Manager

Hargreaves Lansdown; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading investment platform in Bristol is looking for a Paid Search Manager to lead strategy and optimization of paid search campaigns. This role requires strong expertise in Google Ads and analytics tools, along with excellent analytical skills. You will be responsible for campaign management, keyword research, and providing insights on performance. The position offers a hybrid work pattern and a range of benefits including an annual bonus, enhanced parental leave, and private medical insurance.

Benefits

Discretionary annual bonus

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Flexible working options

Enhanced parental leave

Pension scheme up to 11% employer contribution

Income protection and life insurance

Private medical insurance

Health care cash plans

Wellness coach sessions

Inhouse barista and deli

Paid volunteering days

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing paid search campaigns, preferably in a regulated or financial services environment.
• Solid understanding of PPC strategies, keyword research, and conversion optimisation.
• Experience with A/B testing and performance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing paid search strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Managing paid search campaigns across platforms such as Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising.
• Conducting keyword research, ad copy testing, and budget allocation.

Skills

Strong expertise in paid search platforms including Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising

Proficiency in using analytics tools

Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills

Strong communication and collaboration skills

Ability to manage multiple campaigns in a fast‑paced environment

Education

Google Ads certification

Tools

Google Analytics

Google Data Studio

Microsoft Advertising

Job description

Excited to grow your career? Our purpose is to make it easy for people to save and invest for a better future. We are looking for great people to join us, so please come and invest in YOUR future at Hargreaves Lansdown.

We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they don't tick every box. If you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, please go ahead and apply. We’d love to hear from you!

About the role

Hargreaves Lansdown is undergoing major transformation and Marketing is central to that change. We're evolving fast, with a sharp focus on content, brand, product marketing, performance, website and CRO. We’re building a joined‑up, insight‑driven marketing function that delivers measurable impact from powerful brand storytelling and high‑converting content to optimised digital journeys and data‑led performance. We’re raising the bar, streamlining how we work, and unlocking new opportunities to grow, engage and convert, setting a new standard for marketing at HL.

The Paid Search Manager is a key role at Hargreaves Lansdown, responsible for leading the strategy, execution, and optimisation of paid search campaigns. Reporting to the Senior Paid Media Manager, this role plays a critical part in driving customer acquisition, engagement, and ROI through effective use of paid search channels. The role requires a data‑driven mindset, strong analytical skills, and a deep understanding of search engine marketing platforms.

What you’ll be doing

• Developing and implementing paid search strategies aligned with business objectives and marketing goals.
• Managing day‑to‑day operations of paid search campaigns across platforms such as Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising.
• Conducting keyword research, ad copy testing, bid management, and budget allocation to maximise campaign performance.
• Monitoring, analysing, and reporting on campaign performance, providing actionable insights and recommendations.
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders including analytics, content, and digital teams to ensure campaign alignment and effectiveness.
• Staying up to date with industry trends, platform updates, and best practices in paid search marketing.
• Working closely with the Senior Paid Media Manager in developing integrated media plans and cross‑channel strategies.
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and brand guidelines in all paid search activities.
• Providing coaching and guidance and mentoring to team members and new hires.

About you

• Strong expertise in paid search platforms including Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising.
• Proficiency in using analytics tools such as Google Analytics, Google Data Studio, and campaign management platforms.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with a data‑driven approach.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple campaigns and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proven experience in managing paid search campaigns, preferably in a regulated or financial services environment.
• Solid understanding of PPC strategies, keyword research, and conversion optimisation.
• Experience with A/B testing and performance analysis.
• Google Ads certification is a plus.

Interview Process

This will be a two‑stage process with a task.

Working schedule

This role is based in our Bristol head office (BS1 5HL) and we offer a hybrid working pattern, with a minimum of two days in the office per week.

Why us?

Here at HL, we’re the UK’s number 1 investment platform for private investors, based in Bristol. For more than 40 years we’ve helped investors save time, tax and money on their investments.

To achieve our mission, we believe we have a workplace like no other, with constant learning, dynamic teams, and a great ethos. We're steered by core values that promote service, quality, innovation, and opportunity in everything we do.

What's on offer?

• Discretionary annual bonus * and annual pay review
• 25 days * holiday plus bank holidays and 1‑day additional Christmas closure
• Option to purchase an additional 5 days holiday **
• Flexible working options available, including hybrid working
• Enhanced parental leave
• Pension scheme up to 11% employer contribution
• Income Protection and Life insurance (4 × salary core level of cover)
• Private medical insurance*
• Health care cash plans - including optical, dental, and out patient care
• Health screening programme
• Help@hand – confidential support including mental health counselling and remote GP
• Wellhub – unlimited access to fitness provider s and w ellness c oach sessions
• Variety of travel to work schemes with bike storage and shower facilities
• Inhouse barista and deli serving subsidised coffee and sandwiches
• T wo paid volunteering days per year

* dependent on role level

** only available to select during our annual benefits window, in November each year

Hargreaves Lansdown is an inclusive employer that values diversity in its workforce. We encourage applications from all individuals without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age.

This role may also be available on a flexible working or part‑time basis – please ask the Recruitment & Onboarding team for more information.

Please note, we are unable to provide employment sponsorship to candidates.