Senior Paid Search Manager

STM Agency Ltd; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days holiday

4pm finish Fridays

Hybrid working between home and office

Diverse brands across industries

Lunch & learns

Growth culture

Job summary

STM Agency Ltd in Manchester is seeking a Paid Search Manager to own and optimise Google Ads campaigns across Search, PMax, Shopping, YouTube and Display. You will plan budgets, report insights, and line-manage two senior executives within a collaborative performance team.

The role involves data-driven decisions, client presentations, and close cooperation with Paid Social, SEO and Strategy colleagues. Join a supportive agency culture with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of hands-on Google Ads management.

Responsibilities

• Plan, activate and optimise Google Ads campaigns (Search, PMax, YouTube, Shopping, Display).
• Manage budgets and pacing across accounts.
• Line manage two Senior Performance Executives.
• Analyse performance data and provide insights and actionable recommendations.
• Present performance updates and campaign recommendations to clients.
• Collaborate with Paid Social, SEO and Strategy teams.
• Input into new business pitches and performance forecasts.
• Create Looker Studio reports and monthly presentations.
• Manage Google Ads freelancers.
• Collaborate with designers and copywriters on ad copy.

Skills

Google Ads

PMax

Shopping

YouTube

Looker Studio

GA4

Google Tag Manager

Data analysis

Client presentations

Mentoring juniors

Tools

GA4

Looker Studio

Google Tag Manager

Job description

We're looking for a talented Paid Search Manager with strong hands-on experience across Google Ads to join STM REACH, STM AGENCY's performance and campaign activation arm.

You'll be responsible for the day-to-day management of Google Ads and Microsoft Ads campaigns, with a primary focus on Search and Performance Max, but also including Shopping, YouTube, and Display. This role will report to the Group Head of Performance Marketing and will collaborate closely with our other talented channel specialists, across Paid Social and Organic Search. This is a great opportunity to join a supportive, passionate performance team.

Maybe you're a Google Ads specialist who’s ready to step up into a more senior role with broader responsibilities, including team management. Or perhaps you're already a PPC Manager but craving more variety, ownership, and the chance to push your skills further. Either way, if you know your way around Google Ads, enjoy diving into data, and have a natural curiosity for making things better, we'll love to hear from you.

At STM Agency, we're united by curiosity, agility, and a commitment to perpetual thinking. We offer a collaborative and innovative environment where you can make a real impact.

THE ROLE

• Plan, activate and optimise Google Ads campaigns (with a particular focus on Search and Pmax, as well as, Demand Gen, YouTube, Shopping and Display)
• Manage budgets and pacing across accounts, ensuring campaign KPIs are being met
• Line manage and support two Senior Performance Executives
• Analyse and interpret performance data (Google Analytics 4, Google Ads) to deliver clear insights and actionable recommendations
• Confidently present performance updates and campaign recommendations to clients
• Contribute to wider campaign planning by collaborating with other channel managers across Paid Social, Programmatic, SEO and Strategy
• Input into new business pitches and performance forecasts where needed
• Stay close to industry developments and share updates with the wider team to keep us ahead of the curve
• Creation and build of Looker Studio reports and monthly presentations
• Management of Google Ads freelancers
• Work closely with our team of designers and copywriters to create ad copy and creative

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• 4+ years' experience working with Google Ads - Search and Pmax are essential, Shopping and YouTube are a bonus
• A strong understanding of how paid search fits into the wider digital ecosystem
• Comfortable analysing and interpreting data to make performance-led decisions
• Experience using reporting platforms like GA4 and Looker Studio
• Strong and hands-on knowledge of conversion tracking through GA4 and Google Tag Manager, ensuring campaign performance is accurately tracked and reported.
• Excellent communication skills - written and verbal - with the ability to present back clearly to both clients and internal teams
• Comfortable working across multiple clients and juggling priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proactive, curious, and always looking for ways to improve and drive results

DESIRABLE SKILLS

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Ads
• Understanding of other digital channels (Paid Social, SEO) and how they work alongside paid search
• Google Ads certification
• Experience in an agency environment
• Experience managing or mentoring junior team members
• Knowledge of programmatic platforms e.g. StackAdapt a bonus

WHY WORK FOR US?

STM Agency is full of people who genuinely enjoy working together. With a shared ambition not just for delivering great work, but for creating an environment where everyone can be themselves, contribute ideas, and grow their career.

Alongside the day job, there's a social club, volunteering days, breakfast clubs, wellbeing initiatives, and ongoing learning opportunities. But if you ask the team what they stay here for, the answer is usually the same: the people.

• 26 days holiday
• 4pm finish on Fridays
• Hybrid working between home and our office locations in Manchester or Rawtenstall (3 days in a hub, 2 from home)
• A varied role working with exciting brands across multiple industries
• Regular lunch and learns
• Supportive team culture with space to grow and shape your role