Search Marketing Manager

Search Marketing Manager

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Higher Ed Partners

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage and optimise Google Ads campaigns for multiple university partners.
  • Company: Join Higher Education Partners, a leader in the education sector.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive team environment.
  • Other info: Diverse workplace committed to equal opportunities and career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on student enrolment through innovative marketing strategies.
  • Qualifications: Strong Google Ads experience and strategic thinking skills required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

We’re looking for a commercially minded Performance Marketing Manager to join Higher Education Partners (HEP) and take ownership of a £3.6M+ Google Ads portfolio across 12 university partners.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives on campaign optimisation, performance analysis, and strategic thinking — balancing multiple stakeholders, priorities, and intake cycles across a complex lead generation environment.

You’ll be:

  • Managing and optimising large-scale Google Ads campaigns across Search, YouTube, Display & Performance Max
  • Working across multiple university partner accounts, prioritising performance and spend effectively
  • Driving the shift from CPL metrics to enrolment-quality outcomes
  • Collaborating with CRM, analytics, content, and university stakeholders to improve lead quality and conversion performance
  • Using data, insight, and reporting to influence decision‑making and campaign strategy

We’re particularly interested in speaking with candidates who:

  • Have strong hands‑on Google Ads experience within a multi‑client or agency environment
  • Are looking to transition into a more strategic, client‑side role
  • Can combine technical PPC expertise with commercial thinking and stakeholder management
  • Enjoy working across multiple brands/accounts with differing priorities and objectives
  • Are comfortable presenting campaign performance to both technical and non-technical audiences

HEP is a Disability Confident and equal opportunity employer. HEP evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Search Marketing Manager employer: Higher Ed Partners

At Higher Education Partners (HEP), we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that champions professional growth and collaboration. As a Performance Marketing Manager, you'll not only manage a substantial Google Ads portfolio but also engage with diverse university partners, enhancing your strategic skills while contributing to meaningful educational outcomes. Our commitment to employee development, coupled with a flexible onsite/hybrid working model in St Albans, makes HEP an exceptional place for those seeking a rewarding career in performance marketing.

Higher Ed Partners

Contact Details:

Higher Ed Partners Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Search Marketing Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in performance marketing or at universities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your Google Ads campaigns and results. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table, especially when it comes to optimising performance.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your data analysis skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used insights to drive campaign strategies in the past. We want to see that you can think strategically and make data-driven decisions!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.

We think you need these skills to ace Search Marketing Manager

Google Ads
Campaign Optimisation
Performance Analysis
Strategic Thinking
Stakeholder Management
Lead Generation
Data Insight

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Performance Marketing Manager. Highlight your Google Ads experience and any relevant achievements that show off your campaign optimisation skills.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've managed large-scale campaigns and improved performance in previous positions.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since data-driven decision-making is key, include examples of how you've used analytics to influence campaign strategies. We want to see your ability to balance technical expertise with commercial thinking.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!

How to prepare for a job interview at Higher Ed Partners

Know Your Google Ads Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your Google Ads knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific campaigns you've managed, the strategies you employed, and the results you achieved. This will show that you have the hands-on experience they're looking for.

Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios

Since this role involves balancing multiple stakeholders, think of examples where you've successfully managed differing priorities. Prepare to discuss how you navigated these situations and what the outcomes were. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and stakeholder management skills.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Be prepared to talk about how you've used data to influence campaign decisions in the past. Bring examples of reports or insights you've generated and how they impacted performance. This will highlight your ability to drive results through analysis.

Practice Presenting to Diverse Audiences

Since you'll need to present campaign performance to both technical and non-technical audiences, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Think of a few key metrics and how you would communicate their significance to different stakeholders.