Head of Performance

Kaitlin Mornet; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,674,000 - 2,567,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaitlin Mornet is seeking a senior Head of Performance to lead paid media and lifecycle marketing across multiple markets. This role combines strategic thinking with hands‑on digital expertise to drive customer acquisition, improve efficiency, and manage substantial advertising budgets.

You will oversee the full performance funnel, champion measurement, and collaborate with CRM, reporting directly to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in paid media and performance marketing.
• At least 4 years' experience in a leadership or team management role.
• Strong hands-on expertise in Google Ads, Meta and LinkedIn advertising platforms.
• Working knowledge of programmatic advertising.
• Proven experience managing large advertising budgets across multiple markets.
• Strong analytical capabilities, including experience with GA4, attribution models and conversion tracking.
• Experience working with lead generation and conversion-focused marketing funnels.
• A degree in Marketing, Business or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead paid media strategies across paid search, paid social, programmatic and emerging digital channels.
• Establish channel plans, budgets and performance targets in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor and develop a team of performance marketing and channel specialists.
• Oversee campaign performance across Google Ads, Meta, LinkedIn and other relevant platforms.
• Take ownership of marketing measurement, including tracking, attribution and performance reporting.
• Implement a structured test‑and‑learn approach to continuously improve campaign effectiveness.
• Optimise the full marketing funnel in collaboration with the CRM and Lifecycle Marketing function, from initial lead generation through to enrolment.
• Manage relationships with advertising platforms, media partners and other key stakeholders.
• Monitor budget allocation, campaign performance, brand safety and account management processes.
• Remain hands‑on with campaign audits, campaign development, optimisation and coaching.
• Analyse performance data, identify opportunities for improvement and present strategic recommendations to senior leadership and business units.

Skills

Leadership

Paid media

Cross-channel

Analytics

Budget management

Marketing strategy

Education

Marketing/Business degree

Tools

Google Ads

Meta Ads

LinkedIn Ads

Programmatic

GA4

Job description

Monthly Cost To Company (Market related)

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Head of Performance to lead paid media and lifecycle marketing across multiple business units and markets.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Head of Performance to lead paid media and lifecycle marketing across multiple business units and markets.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for a performance marketing specialist who can combine strategic thinking with hands‑on digital expertise. You will be responsible for driving customer acquisition, improving marketing efficiency, managing substantial advertising budgets and leading a team of channel specialists.
Working closely with other marketing functions, you will oversee the full performance marketing funnel, ensuring campaigns deliver measurable results and contribute directly to business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead paid media strategies across paid search, paid social, programmatic and emerging digital channels.
• Establish channel plans, budgets and performance targets in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor and develop a team of performance marketing and channel specialists.
• Oversee campaign performance across Google Ads, Meta, LinkedIn and other relevant platforms.
• Take ownership of marketing measurement, including tracking, attribution and performance reporting.
• Implement a structured test‑and‑learn approach to continuously improve campaign effectiveness.
• Optimise the full marketing funnel in collaboration with the CRM and Lifecycle Marketing function, from initial lead generation through to enrolment.
• Manage relationships with advertising platforms, media partners and other key stakeholders.
• Monitor budget allocation, campaign performance, brand safety and account management processes.
• Remain hands‑on with campaign audits, campaign development, optimisation and coaching.
• Analyse performance data, identify opportunities for improvement and present strategic recommendations to senior leadership and business units.
• 10+ years' experience in paid media and performance marketing.
• At least 4 years' experience in a leadership or team management role.
• Strong hands‑on expertise in Google Ads, Meta and LinkedIn advertising platforms.
• Working knowledge of programmatic advertising.
• Proven experience managing large advertising budgets across multiple markets.
• Strong analytical capabilities, including experience with GA4, attribution models and conversion tracking.
• Experience working with lead generation and conversion‑focused marketing funnels.
• A degree in Marketing, Business or a related field.

Advantageous

• Experience within the higher education or EdTech industry.
• Previous experience in an agency environment.

The Ideal Candidate

You are a performance marketing expert who leads by example, combining strong technical knowledge with the ability to develop and motivate a high‑performing team.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead paid media strategies across paid search, paid social, programmatic and emerging digital channels.
• Establish channel plans, budgets and performance targets in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor and develop a team of performance marketing and channel specialists.
• Oversee campaign performance across Google Ads, Meta, LinkedIn and other relevant platforms.
• Take ownership of marketing measurement, including tracking, attribution and performance reporting.
• Implement a structured test‑and‑learn approach to continuously improve campaign effectiveness.
• Optimise the full marketing funnel in collaboration with the CRM and Lifecycle Marketing function, from initial lead generation through to enrolment.
• Manage relationships with advertising platforms, media partners and other key stakeholders.
• Monitor budget allocation, campaign performance, brand safety and account management processes.
• Remain hands‑on with campaign audits, campaign development, optimisation and coaching.
• Analyse performance data, identify opportunities for improvement and present strategic recommendations to senior leadership and business units.

Minimum Requirements

• 10+ years' experience in paid media and performance marketing.
• At least 4 years' experience in a leadership or team management role.
• Strong hands‑on expertise in Google Ads, Meta and LinkedIn advertising platforms.
• Working knowledge of programmatic advertising.
• Proven experience managing large advertising budgets across multiple markets.
• Strong analytical capabilities, including experience with GA4, attribution models and conversion tracking.
• Experience working with lead generation and conversion‑focused marketing funnels.
• A degree in Marketing, Business or a related field.

Advantageous

• Relevant digital advertising platform certifications.
• Experience within the higher education or EdTech industry.
• Previous experience in an agency environment.

The Ideal Candidate

You are a performance marketing expert who leads by example, combining strong technical knowledge with the ability to develop and motivate a high‑performing team.
You are commercially minded, analytical and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. You understand how different digital channels work together and know how to translate data into actionable strategies that drive business results.
Please note that only suitable candidates will be contacted.