At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and optimise paid media campaigns across Google Ads, Meta, and Display.
- Company: Join a dynamic digital agency that partners with ambitious brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work, training, and career progression.
- Other info: Enjoy flexible working hours, team socials, and opportunities for international work.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: 2+ years of paid media experience and strong analytical skills.
We are working with an established digital agency that partners with ambitious brands across fast-moving, performance-led sectors. They are now looking for a Paid Media Manager to join the team and support the continued growth of their paid media offering.
This is a brilliant opportunity for a Paid Media Manager who enjoys being hands-on with campaigns, but also wants variety, client contact and the chance to develop within a commercially driven agency environment. The agency has a remote-first set-up, although you will need to be based in the UK. You will be joining a supportive, ambitious team that invests properly in training, development and career progression.
The role
As Paid Media Manager, you will be responsible for managing and optimising paid media activity across a portfolio of clients. The channel mix will vary depending on the client, and will be Paid Search focussed. You will work closely with senior paid media specialists and the wider digital team, contributing to both the day-to-day running of campaigns and the wider strategic direction of accounts.
Your role will involve:
- Managing and optimising paid media campaigns across Google Ads, Meta and Display
- Monitoring campaign performance against agreed KPIs and making clear recommendations for improvement
- Managing budgets carefully and making sure spend is tracked accurately
- Running regular account audits to identify opportunities, issues and areas for improvement
- Preparing client reports and presenting performance in a clear, commercially useful way
- Building strong client relationships and being a trusted day-to-day contact
- Working with senior team members to shape paid media strategy across accounts
- Using AI tools and automation to improve efficiency where relevant
- Collaborating with other channel specialists, including SEO, Paid Social, creative and digital PR teams
- Keeping up to date with platform updates, paid media trends and advertising considerations within regulated sectors
What we are looking for
You will need:
- At least 2 years’ paid media experience, ideally within an agency environment
- Hands-on experience managing live paid media campaigns across Google Ads and/or Meta
- Strong analytical skills and confidence working with campaign data
- The ability to turn performance data into clear, useful recommendations
- Experience producing reports and explaining results to clients or stakeholders
- Confidence in client-facing situations, including reporting calls and answering questions
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple accounts at once
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Google Ads or Meta certification, or be actively working towards this
It would be a bonus if you have:
- Experience working across regulated or highly competitive sectors
- Experience using AI tools or automation within paid media workflows
- Exposure to Display or programmatic advertising
What you will be measured on
Success in this role will be based on campaign performance, budget accuracy, quality and timeliness of reporting, client satisfaction and your ability to stay on top of multiple accounts without the detail slipping.
What is on offer
- Salary between £32,000 and £42,000 depending on experience
- Remote-first working, with flexibility around how you work
- UK based role
- Clear career pathways and regular development conversations
- Training academy, team training budgets and access to learning platforms
- Company bonus scheme
- Enhanced pension contributions as your career develops
- Recognition schemes and regular team shout-outs
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, rising with length of service
- Birthday off
- Flexible working hours
- Option to work abroad for a short period each year
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Health checks, eye tests, flu jabs and mental health support
- Paid volunteering days
- Regular team socials, learning sessions and off-sites
This is a great role for someone who wants to build their paid media career within a high-performing agency environment where performance, pace and commercial thinking really matter. If you are a Paid Media Executive ready to step up, or a Paid Media Manager looking for more variety and ownership, this could be a really strong next move.
Paid Media Manager in Manchester employer: Smile Digital
Join a dynamic digital agency that champions growth and innovation, offering a remote-first work environment tailored for UK-based professionals. As a Paid Media Manager, you'll thrive in a supportive culture that prioritises training, career progression, and collaboration with talented specialists, all while enjoying flexible working hours and a comprehensive benefits package including enhanced pension contributions and paid volunteering days.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paid Media Manager in Manchester
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Smile Digital and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Smile Digital are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Smile Digital on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Smile Digital. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Paid Media Manager in Manchester
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 Smile Digital. 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 Smile Digital:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Smile Digital’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 Smile Digital
✨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 Smile Digital 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 Smile Digital, 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.
