Head of Paid Media

Initiate International; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading iGaming operator is seeking a Head of Paid Media in Cape Town. This role involves leading media strategy across digital and traditional channels, optimizing campaigns for performance, and mentoring a regional team. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in paid media and a strong understanding of the Eastern African market.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in paid media, growth marketing, or media buying.
• Proven ability to lead and scale multi-channel campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a high-performance paid media strategy.
• Oversee all paid media campaigns with a focus on performance and ROI.
• Drive large-scale offline media efforts to increase reach.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Data Analysis

Tools

Meta Ads

Google Ads

Job description

Head of Paid Media position availablein Cape Town.

Ready to lead media strategy for a high-growth iGaming operator making bold moves across Eastern Africa? This is your shot.

We’re on the lookout for a Head of Paid Media to take charge of paid media performance across both online and offline channels.

If you’re obsessed with ROAS, thrive in fast-paced environments, and know how to turn media plans into business impact, keep reading.

Your key job responsibilities will include:

• Build and lead a high-performance paid media strategy across digital and traditional channels, tailored to African market dynamics.
• Oversee all paid media campaigns (Meta, Google, programmatic, SEO, affiliate and influencer marketing) – with a laser focus on performance and ROI.
• Drive large-scale offline media efforts, including radio, TV, billboards, bus branding, sponsorships, and event activations, to increase reach and brand visibility.
• Collaborate with local teams and partners to align media with cultural nuances and consumer habits in each target country.
• Optimise media plans through A/B testing, attribution modelling, and data-driven insights.
• Ensure a seamless balance between brand building and performance marketing across all media investments.
• Lead, grow, and mentor a regional paid media team – setting the standard for creativity and efficiency.
• Use real-time dashboards and analytics tools to monitor campaign success, pivot fast, and double down on what works.
• Keep all campaigns compliant with local advertising laws and responsible gaming practices.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in paid media, growth marketing, or media buying – iGaming experience is a big plus.
• Proven ability to lead and scale multi-channel campaigns across emerging markets.
• In-depth knowledge of the Eastern African media landscape and user behaviour.
• Hands-on experience with digital platforms (Meta Ads, Google Ads, affiliate/influencer platforms).
• A solid understanding of traditional media – including radio, television (TV), media planning, buying, and vendor/agency management.
• Strong leadership and communication skills – you know how to inspire, align, and deliver.
• Data-obsessed, commercially sharp, and always two steps ahead of the curve.

This is your chance to take media strategy to the next level in one of the most exciting iGaming expansions out there. If you’ve got big ideas, bold execution, and the drive to lead, this is where you make your mark.