At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in Paid Digital, shaping strategies for top brands.
- Company: Join CNS Media, one of the fastest-growing agencies in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, gym membership, and a tax-free bonus scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with clear progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in Paid Digital with strong leadership and strategic skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
To support continued growth, we are looking for a Head of Paid Digital to join our expanding Digital team. The role offers clear progression opportunities as the Paid Digital function grows in scale, revenue, and leadership depth.
Location: Ideally commutable 3 days / week to Chesterfield or Manchester
Job type: Full time, permanent. 35 hours per week
Salary: £50k–£55k (depending on experience)
Working model: In-office / Hybrid-remote
Benefits: Employment Ownership Trust (EOT) tax-free company bonus scheme; flexible working; gym membership; regular team building events and socials; access to Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
Career & Personal Development: Clear leadership progression opportunities; tailored learning and development programme; well-being programme.
About the Role: To support continued growth, we are looking for a Head of Paid Digital to lead CNS Media’s Paid Media function at a strategic, operational, and commercial level. Reporting to the Digital Commercial Director, you will own the vision, direction, and performance of Paid Digital across the agency. You’ll be responsible for shaping strategy, developing senior talent, driving innovation, and ensuring paid media delivers sustainable commercial growth for both clients and CNS.
You’ll lead a high-performing team of paid media specialists across platforms including Google, Meta, Bing, YouTube, TikTok and emerging channels, while acting as a senior stakeholder for key clients and new business opportunities. This is a leadership role suited to someone who combines deep paid media expertise with people leadership, commercial awareness, and agency-wide influence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Set and own the Paid Digital vision and roadmap aligned with CNS’s wider commercial strategy.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Paid Media team, including performance management, succession planning, and clear progression frameworks.
- Act as the senior strategic lead for Paid Digital across Google, Meta, Bing, TikTok, YouTube, and emerging platforms.
- Translate client business objectives into scalable, insight-led paid media strategies that drive growth and ROI.
- Accountable for departmental profitability in collaboration with the Digital Commercial Director.
- Report on departmental forecasting, utilisation, and resourcing.
- Play a key role in new business pitches, audits, and strategic upsell opportunities.
- Establish, refine, and enforce best-practice processes for planning, activation, optimisation, and reporting.
- Champion innovation by testing new platforms, betas, automation, and partnerships.
- Collaborate closely with senior stakeholders across Digital, Client Services, and Commercial teams.
What Does Success Look Like?
- A high-performing, engaged Paid Digital team with strong leadership depth and clear development pathways.
- Consistently excellent performance across client accounts, aligned with commercial and strategic KPIs.
- Strong senior client relationships built on trust, insight, and demonstrable results.
- Clear commercial control across the Paid Digital function, balancing growth, efficiency, and profitability.
- Paid Digital recognised internally and externally as a market-leading capability within CNS.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have…
- 7+ years’ experience in Paid Digital / Performance Marketing, with significant leadership responsibility.
- Proven experience leading senior paid media specialists and developing leadership capability within an agency environment.
- Deep expertise across Google Ads, Meta, Bing, YouTube, TikTok, and wider performance marketing trends.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience managing large budgets and department-level profitability.
- Excellent strategic thinking, communication, and senior stakeholder management skills.
- A collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence at all levels of the business.
- Agency experience is essential.
CNS Media Ltd are passionate about creating a workplace that promotes and celebrates diversity. We are committed to attracting, recruiting, retaining and developing a diverse workforce. Our diversity and uniqueness not only drive but empower our creativity.
Head of Paid Digital in Manchester employer: cns media
CNS Media is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment that fosters personal and professional growth. With clear leadership progression opportunities, a generous benefits package including flexible working and wellness programmes, and recognition as one of the best places to work in media, CNS Media empowers its employees to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the digital landscape. Located in Chesterfield and Manchester, the company is at the forefront of innovation in paid media, providing a stimulating atmosphere for those looking to advance their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Paid Digital in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or case studies showcasing your best work in paid digital. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate how you can drive results for potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its clients. Understand their goals and challenges in the paid digital space. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Paid Digital in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Paid Digital role. Highlight your leadership experience and expertise in paid media platforms like Google and Meta, as these are key to what we’re looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about paid digital marketing and how your vision aligns with our goals at CNS. Be sure to mention any innovative strategies you've implemented in the past.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics to demonstrate how you’ve driven growth and ROI in previous roles. We love numbers that tell a story about your impact!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at CNS!
How to prepare for a job interview at cns media
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in paid digital marketing. Familiarise yourself with platforms like Google Ads, Meta, and TikTok. Being able to discuss recent changes or innovations will show that you're not just experienced but also passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role is all about leading a team, be prepared to share specific examples of how you've developed talent in your previous roles. Talk about your approach to mentoring and how you've fostered a high-performing environment.
✨Align with Their Vision
CNS Media has a clear vision for growth and innovation. Research their recent awards and achievements, and think about how your experience can contribute to their goals. This will demonstrate that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about their strategies for growth and how they measure success in the Paid Digital function. This shows that you're thinking critically about the role and how you can make an impact.
