Paid Search Business Director in London

We are the ROI agency, a position we have proudly held true to since 2005. Our more than 6,000 specialists across 95 markets offer unparalleled capabilities in Media, Data, Technology, Commerce and Content. We put effectiveness at the heart of our work to solve complex challenges, drive successful business outcomes, and grow our clients’ businesses.

Over the years, we have evolved our definition of ROI, as it has changed with the ever-complicated communications landscape. ROI is no longer simply about the most efficient planning, buying and reporting of media. Yes, ROI is about delivering Return on Investment; but it’s also about going beyond to deliver a Return on Imagination and more integrated experiences that inspire Growth. Top-line growth for our clients’ businesses, growth for our people and growth for our culture.

Powered by our best-in-class proprietary tools and data, our work spans the full spectrum of media communications, from analytics, data and technology to performance marketing, content and superior trading. This breadth means we deliver Insight that lies at the intersection of consumer, category, and brand, attributing every budget to stronger business outcomes. It means we deliver more creative media solutions that bring together best-in-class strategy, planning and the power of Publicis Groupe to ensure distinct and more personal brand experiences for our clients. It means we adopt new data analytics and value optimisation techniques while building relationships with some of the world’s most exciting start-ups. We leverage over 30 years of media planning expertise to go beyond traditional media solutions and deliver a Return on Investment that is both forward-thinking and accountable to our clients. At Zenith, we ultimately seek out a more meaningful kind of ROI. Our unique way of thinking inspires growth for some of the world’s leading brands, including Coty, Electrolux, Essity, Lactalis, Luxottica, Nestlé, Nomad Foods, Reckitt, TikTok and Verizon.

We’re hiring a Paid Search Business Director to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our Paid Search proposition at Zenith. This role sits at the intersection of strategy, craft, people leadership and commercial growth, with the opportunity to influence how we deliver meaningful ROI for some of the world’s most recognisable brands. You’ll be a trusted partner to senior clients and a leader to our Paid Search community, helping us think differently, act boldly and grow sustainably. If you’re excited by impact, collaboration and evolving how performance media works, this role offers genuine scale and influence.

Responsibilities:

• Setting and leading paid search strategy across a significant portfolio of high-profile clients, ensuring consistently high-quality outcomes.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, shaping long-term partnerships and driving client retention.
• Owning the commercial performance of your portfolio, protecting revenue and unlocking incremental growth opportunities.
• Championing new business by contributing to pitches and representing Zenith’s Paid Search proposition externally.
• Leading and developing a large, multi-market team, creating clarity around direction, growth and progression.
• Driving the adoption of new products, data solutions and technology to improve how we plan, buy and measure media.
• Elevating client sophistication through clear roadmaps that bring together data, technology and media in a coherent way.

Qualifications:

• Strong experience in Paid Search within a digital or media agency environment.
• Deep understanding of major Paid Search platforms and bid management tools, including SA360.
• Proven ability to lead, develop and support large, diverse teams with a people-first approach.
• Confidence providing consultative, strategic advice to large-budget advertisers.
• A commercial mindset, with experience delivering growth through innovation and expanded solutions.
• Ability to translate complex data into clear, compelling narratives for senior audiences.
• A collaborative leadership style that champions inclusion, learning and continuous improvement.

Zenith International offers a wide range of benefits to support our employees. Full details are shared when you join, but highlights include core benefits such as Pension, Life Assurance, and Private Medical cover, alongside enhanced policies like Reflection Days and Shared Parental Leave. You’ll also have access to a range of additional initiatives.

Publicis Groupe works primarily from the office or our clients' office four days per week. At Zenith International, we are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, disability, age, citizenship, relationship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.

We are committed to providing a fair, accessible, and inclusive recruitment process. If you have any access needs - for example, related to disability, neurodivergence, or a health condition - please let us know. We’ll work with you to ensure the process works for you. Sharing this information will never impact your application. Guided by our values, we listen with empathy, uplift each other, take responsibility, and embrace change - building a culture where everyone feels seen, respected, and genuinely included.