Head of Total Search

At Digitas, we harness the power of connection to make a positive impact every day. We have a relentless focus on creating connections to help our clients’ businesses grow, connecting diverse people, ideas and expertise in innovative and exciting ways. We are making a positive impact with our amazing clients through our capabilities in Consulting, Products & Platforms, Customer Engagement and Digital Media.

As Head of Total Search, you’ll set the vision and operating model for Search at Digitas UK, spanning Paid Search, SEO, and emerging discovery surfaces (AI‑powered assistants, vertical search engines, voice, YouTube, and in‑platform search). You’ll lead and develop a high‑performing team of 50 Search specialists (41 UK / 9 India), drive innovation that improves client growth outcomes, and be our senior Search voice.

In this pivotal role, you will coach and inspire our Search teams, empowering them to collaboratively design and implement comprehensive Search campaigns that align with business objectives, positioning our clients at the forefront of the industry. You’ll collaborate with our Head of Biddable, plus wider agency teams including Analytics, Creative, Technology and our AI Labs to deliver cutting‑edge solutions. Your strategic vision will shape the future of Search marketing, leading to ample opportunities for your professional growth and leadership development.

A core part of your role will be regularly contributing to Digitas and Publicis Groupe internal Thought Leadership, and you’ll have a confident voice externally with our partners. You’ll work with our Growth team to represent Digitas externally at Conferences and Marketing events, and you’ll frequently meet with our senior clients and contribute with gravitas in pitches as our Total Search expert.

This role is unique in its potential to revolutionise how we engage with audiences through emerging Search technologies. You’re not just leading a team; you’re becoming part of a dynamic community committed to innovation and excellence. If you’re ready to make a substantial impact and elevate your career, this is the opportunity for you!

• Leadership and mentoring a team of 50 Search specialists across Paid and Organic, fostering an environment of rapid growth and close collaboration.
• Nurturing a strong team spirit across the Total Search team will be key to your success.
• Accountable that our Paid and Organic Leads ensure compliance with regulations, ethical standards, and information security protocols.
• Empower our Leads to maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of industry trends, algorithmic changes and emerging technologies to keep our Search practices at the forefront.
• Work with Digitas and Publicis Groupe peers to leverage new and proprietary generative AI tools responsibly to enhance Search visibility and reputation outcomes.
• Oversee the development and implementation of innovative techniques to maximise visibility and performance.
• Support the development of comprehensive reviews and presentations that effectively communicate Search performance and opportunities to stakeholders.
• Cultivate strong relationships with senior clients, providing expert guidance on best practices and strategic recommendations.
• Represent Total Search across Digitas UK new business pitches, with the support of your Leads, and in collaboration with Head of Media and Head of Biddable.
• Working closely with Client Leads, you will be jointly responsible for driving growth and increasing revenue across all Search accounts, new and existing.

Qualifications:

• Experienced in leadership of a hybrid team and an offshore team.
• Compassionate and motivational people manager.
• Commercially and growth minded.
• Expert in Search strategy development, multi‑media cross‑channel optimisation, and data analysis.
• Senior client and stakeholder relationship management.
• Charismatic presenter.
• Prompt and rational decision maker.

Digitas has fantastic benefits on offer to all of our employees. In addition to the classics, Pension, Life Assurance, Private Medical and Income Protection Plans we also offer:

• WORK YOUR WORLD opportunity to work anywhere in the world, where there is a Publicis office, for up to 6 weeks a year.
• REFLECTION DAYS – Two additional days of paid leave to step away from your usual day‑to‑day work and create time to focus on your well‑being and self‑care.
• HELP@HAND BENEFITS 24/7 helpline to support you on a personal and professional level. Access to remote GPs, mental health support and CBT. Wellbeing content and lifestyle coaching.
• FAMILY FRIENDLY POLICIES We provide 26 weeks of full pay for the following family milestones: Maternity, Adoption, Surrogacy and Shared Parental Leave.
• HYBRID WORKING, BANK HOLIDAY SWAP & BIRTHDAY DAY OFF – You are entitled to an additional day off for your birthday.
• AGENCY DISCOUNTS, onsite gym, and discount in our Publicis‑Owned Pub – “The Pregnant Man”.

Full details of our benefits will be shared when you join us! Publicis Groupe operates a hybrid working pattern with full‑time employees being office‑based three days during the working week. We are supportive of all candidates and are committed to providing a fair assessment process. If you have any circumstances (such as neurodiversity, physical or mental impairments or a medical condition) that may affect your assessment, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner. We will discuss possible adjustments to ensure fairness. Rest assured, disclosing this information will not impact your treatment in our process.

Please make sure you check out the Publicis Career Page which showcases our Inclusive Benefits and our EAG’s (Employee Action Groups).