Paid Search Manager

Sphere Digital Recruitment Group; Claygate; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working

Remote-friendly

Annual leave 25-30 days

Job summary

Sphere Digital Recruitment Group is seeking an experienced Paid Search Manager to own planning, managing and optimising paid search campaigns for a portfolio of clients. The role focuses on PPC across Google Ads and Microsoft Ads, with exposure to Paid Social on LinkedIn and Meta.

You will collaborate with Account Directors and clients, delivering strategic recommendations, performance reporting and ensuring campaigns stay within budget.

Qualifications

• Strong agency-side Paid Search / PPC experience.
• Hands-on across Google Ads and Microsoft Ads.
• Solid GA4 reporting and Looker Studio experience.
• Advanced Excel or Google Sheets skills.
• Ability to manage multiple client accounts and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Plan, build, manage and optimise Paid Search campaigns across Google Ads, Microsoft Ads and other platforms.
• Develop data-led PPC strategies aligned with client objectives and KPIs.
• Manage budgets, bidding, targeting, ad copy and landing page alignment.
• Analyse campaign performance and identify growth opportunities.
• Build reporting with Looker Studio and present insights to clients.
• Collaborate with internal teams to deliver integrated client strategies.
• Support Paid Social campaigns on LinkedIn and Meta when needed.
• Contribute Paid Search expertise to pitches and new business.

Skills

Paid Search

PPC

GA4

Looker Studio

Excel/Sheets

Client facing

Budget management

Tools

Google Ads

Microsoft Ads

Looker Studio

GA4

Job description

Working pattern:

Hybrid / flexible for remote working

Employment type:

Full-time

About the Client

Our client is a specialist boutique marketing agency working primarily within the higher education and graduate management education sector. The agency supports universities and education providers with international student recruitment, brand awareness and performance marketing campaigns across global markets.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Paid Search Manager to take ownership of planning, managing and optimising paid search campaigns across a portfolio of clients. The role is heavily focused on PPC, primarily across Google Ads and Microsoft Ads, with some exposure to Paid Social channels including LinkedIn and Meta.

You will work closely with Account Directors and directly with clients, providing strategic recommendations, reporting on performance and ensuring campaigns are delivered accurately, efficiently and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, build, manage and optimise Paid Search campaigns across Google Ads, Microsoft Ads and other relevant platforms.
• Develop data-led PPC strategies aligned with client objectives, KPIs and performance targets.
• Manage budgets, pacing, bidding strategies, targeting, ad copy and landing page alignment.
• Analyse campaign performance and identify opportunities for growth and optimisation.
• Build and maintain reporting using tools such as Looker Studio.
• Present performance insights, recommendations and strategic updates directly to clients.
• Manage multiple accounts and campaigns simultaneously.
• Support Paid Social campaign activation across LinkedIn and Meta where required.
• Work closely with internal account teams to deliver integrated client strategies.
• Contribute Paid Search expertise to pitches and new business opportunities.
• Stay up to date with developments across Paid Search, AI Search, automation and the wider digital advertising landscape.

Requirements

• Strong agency-side Paid Search / PPC experience.
• Hands-on expertise across Google Ads and Microsoft Ads.
• Strong working knowledge of GA4.
• Experience using Looker Studio for reporting and analysis.
• Advanced Excel or Google Sheets skills.
• Strong understanding of campaign optimisation, bidding, budget management and performance analysis.
• Comfortable working directly with clients and presenting recommendations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing multiple client accounts simultaneously.
• Exposure to Paid Social across Meta and LinkedIn would be beneficial.
• Google Ads certification preferred.
• Interest in AI, automation and the evolving Search landscape.

What’s on Offer

• Flexible hybrid working. 2 days in office and 3 remote.
• Position is open to remote candidates in the surrounding area.
• 25-30 days annual leave plus public holidays and an additional celebration day.