Paid Search Account Director

Paid Search Account Director

Full-Time 60750 - 74250 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative paid search strategies for major beauty brands and drive impactful results.
  • Company: Starcom, a global leader in communications planning and media with a supportive culture.
  • Benefits: Pension, life assurance, private medical cover, reflection days, and shared parental leave.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and personal growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of performance marketing while developing a high-performing team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in performance marketing and strong client relationship skills required.

The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.

  • Company description
  • With a history that dates back over 80 years,

Starcom is a global communications planning and media leader.

We are an agency still grounded in our founding principle that people are at the centre of all we do.

Each day, we apply this belief to harness the transformative power of data and technology to inspire and move people and business forward.

With more than 7,000 employees in over 100 offices around the world, we are the flagship Publicis Media agency that uses our ‘Power of One’ business model, with teams that span multiple disciplines across clients such as Aldi, P&G, Primark, Samsung, Stellantis, and Visa.

We place a huge focus on our People, and have driven flagship D&I and L&D programmes within Publicis Media; our goal is to help every individual reach their fullest potential, and we encourage everyone to make “Brave Plays” in how they approach their work and their own career development.

As a result, we have an exceptionally energised and committed talent base, all of us proud of our welcoming and supportive culture, as evidenced by our recognition as one of

  • Campaign’s Best Places to Work for five years in a row,
  • Media Week's Agency of the Year 2025 and one of the

Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025.

  • Overview
  • Paid Search Account Director
  • We are hiring a

Paid Search Account Director to lead the strategy, performance and growth of a major beauty client portfolio.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape innovative paid search solutions, build trusted client partnerships and help drive meaningful business results.

Working alongside talented specialists and senior stakeholders, you'll combine media, technology and data to deliver exceptional outcomes while supporting the development of a high-performing team.

If you're passionate about performance marketing and creating lasting client impact, we'd love to hear from you.

  • What you'll be doing
  • Lead the strategic direction of Paid Search activity across a portfolio of well-known brands, ensuring campaigns deliver against commercial objectives.
  • Build strong relationships with senior client stakeholders, acting as a trusted partner and advisor.
  • Develop growth plans that identify new opportunities to improve performance, drive value and strengthen client partnerships.
  • Shape best-in-class Paid Search strategies across platforms including Google Ads, Microsoft Ads and emerging advertising solutions.
  • Champion innovation through testing, automation, measurement and the adoption of new technologies.
  • Coach, support and develop a team of Paid Search specialists, creating an environment where people can thrive and grow.
  • Drive operational excellence through effective planning, quality assurance, forecasting and continuous improvement.

Skills we're looking for

  • Strong experience within a performance marketing, digital marketing or media agency environment.
  • Proven expertise managing and optimising Paid Search campaigns across leading advertising platforms.
  • Experience developing strategic client relationships and influencing stakeholders at different levels.
  • Commercial awareness with the ability to identify opportunities that create value for clients and the business.
  • Confidence using data and insight to inform decision-making and shape recommendations.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills with a collaborative approach to problem solving.
  • A passion for innovation, continuous learning and helping others succeed.
  • Additional information

Starcom 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, including:
  • Pension
  • Life Assurance
  • Private Medical cover
  • Reflection Days
  • Shared Parental Leave

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

Publicis Groupe works primarily from the office or our clients' office four days per week.

At Starcom, 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.

  • #LI-PH1
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

Paid Search Account Director employer: Starcom Worldwide, Inc.

Starcom is an exceptional employer that prioritises its people, fostering a welcoming and supportive culture where every individual is encouraged to reach their fullest potential. With a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, alongside robust learning and development programmes, employees are empowered to make impactful contributions while enjoying a range of benefits including enhanced parental leave and reflection days. Located in the heart of the media landscape, this role offers the chance to work with renowned brands and be part of a team recognised as one of the best places to work in the industry.

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Contact Details:

Starcom Worldwide, Inc. Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Paid Search Account Director

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 Starcom Worldwide, Inc. 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 Starcom Worldwide, Inc. 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 Starcom Worldwide, Inc. on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.

Attend Industry Events

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We think you need these skills to ace Paid Search Account Director

Performance Marketing
Digital Marketing
Paid Search Campaign Management
Google Ads
Microsoft Ads
Client Relationship Management
Stakeholder Influence

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 Starcom Worldwide, Inc.. 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 Starcom Worldwide, Inc.:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Starcom Worldwide, Inc.’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 Starcom Worldwide, Inc.

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 Starcom Worldwide, Inc. 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 Starcom Worldwide, Inc., 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.