Director of Paid Search London, United Kingdom

Director of Paid Search London, United Kingdom

Full-Time 100000 - 120000 £ / year (est.) Working from home possible
Common Thread Co

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and optimise Google Ads strategies for eCommerce brands, driving measurable performance.
  • Company: Common Thread Collective, the ultimate growth partner for eCommerce brands under $15M.
  • Benefits: Six-figure salary, flexible time off, fully remote work, and regular feedback sessions.
  • Other info: Embrace AI automation and develop innovative advertising solutions.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a significant impact in the world of paid search.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience managing large Google Ads budgets and leading teams.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.

Our Mission is to be able to say - “Anyone in the World below $15M should fire their Agency tomorrow as nobody can beat this Value & Service at this Price.” At Common Thread Collective (CTC), we’re not just another agency—we’re the best growth partner for eCommerce brands under $15M. Our Paid Search team plays a vital role in driving measurable performance for our clients, and we’re looking for an experienced Senior Paid Search Buyer to take that impact even further.

As the Director of Paid Search, you’ll be the strategic and operational authority for CTC’s Google Ads practice. You own the outcomes — account performance, client relationships, team development, and the build‑out of AI‑powered automation across Google Search, Shopping, and Performance Max. This is a role for someone who has already operated at a senior level, commands the full depth of paid search strategy, and is ready to lead a team and a practice.

What We Look For

Our core values are the heart and soul of this company. The right person for this role will appreciate each of these values, personally subscribe to them, and understand why each is critical to having a great business.

  • Autodidact: You are a relentless learner, fueled by genuine curiosity.
  • Unimpeachable Character: You are a person people are proud to associate with – both professionally and personally.
  • Competitive Greatness: You show up at your best when it matters the most.

Client Interaction & Executive Relationship Ownership

At the Director level, client interaction is one of your most strategic functions. You are the face of CTC’s paid search practice to clients at the executive level. Your client relationships are long‑term, trust‑based, and commercially significant.

  • Own the executive‑level relationship with a portfolio of CTC’s most strategic clients.
  • Lead quarterly business reviews that connect paid search outcomes to the client’s broader revenue goals and brand positioning.
  • Proactively identify and address risks to account health, budget pacing, or client satisfaction.
  • Frame strategy recommendations in business terms, not search jargon.
  • Set the standard for all client‑facing communication across the paid search team.

AI Automation & Google Ads Intelligence (Powered by Claude)

This Director owns a core piece of CTC’s next‑generation performance advertising. You will lead the design and implementation of AI‑powered automation workflows across Google Ads, focusing on product feed optimization and intelligent campaign management using Claude.

  • Design and own end‑to‑end automation workflows for Google Shopping feed optimization.
  • Build Claude‑powered pipelines that analyze Google Ads account data and surface anomalies and optimization opportunities.
  • Develop automated ad copy generation and testing workflows using Claude.
  • Integrate Claude‑driven insights into client reporting workflows.
  • Partner with engineering and operations to productize the most effective automation workflows.
  • Define evaluation criteria for AI‑generated outputs and build quality control processes.
  • Educate and upskill the broader team on AI automation capabilities.

What You’ll Bring to the Table

  • Demonstrated track record managing $2M+ in annual Google Ads spend across Search, Shopping, and Performance Max with portfolio‑level accountability for ROAS, retention, and revenue growth.
  • Deep, hands‑on command of Google Ads – capable of performing a full account audit, identifying structural issues, and prescribing fixes.
  • Expert‑level understanding of Google Shopping feed architecture and the impact of product data quality.
  • Meaningful experience with Performance Max, including asset group structure and audience signal strategy.
  • Direct people‑management experience – coaching, performance‑managing, and developing team members.
  • Practical, hands‑on experience with AI tools – specifically using LLMs like Claude for workflow automation, content generation, or data analysis.
  • Executive‑level communication skills – able to write sharp client updates and present QBRs to a CMO with confidence.
  • DTC or performance marketing agency background strongly preferred.
  • Strong analytical foundation – comfortable with budget modeling and drawing defensible conclusions from imperfect data.

Compensation Package

  • Six‑figure base compensation.
  • Extended Paid Time Off (Flexible Time Off) policy.
  • Fully remote with the ability to pick your schedule.
  • Regular 1:1 feedback sessions and measurable quality benchmarks.

Director of Paid Search London, United Kingdom employer: Common Thread Co

At Common Thread Collective, we pride ourselves on being a premier growth partner for eCommerce brands under $15M, offering unparalleled value and service. Our vibrant work culture fosters continuous learning and personal development, ensuring that our employees thrive in their roles while enjoying the flexibility of a fully remote position. With a strong emphasis on innovation through AI-powered automation and a commitment to building long-term client relationships, we provide an environment where talented individuals can make a significant impact and grow their careers.

Common Thread Co

Contact Details:

Common Thread Co Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Paid Search London, United Kingdom

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We think you need these skills to ace Director of Paid Search London, United Kingdom

Google Ads
AI Automation
Performance Max
Google Shopping Feed Optimization
Client Relationship Management
Executive Communication Skills
Data Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Common Thread Co. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.

Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.

Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!

Demonstrate Your Understanding of Common Thread Co:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Common Thread Co’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Common Thread Co

Showcase Your Creative Campaigns

Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Common Thread Co will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.

Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out

If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.

Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions

At Common Thread Co, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing

As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.