Digital Activation Manager (Search and Programmatic) in London

We are looking for an ambitious and versatile Google specialist to take ownership of a major home appliances brand’s activity across the full Google ecosystem - spanning PPC (Search & Shopping), YouTube and DV360 (Display, Video and Programmatic). Reporting into our Google Strategic Lead, this is a multi-disciplinary role that sits at the intersection of our Search and Programmatic teams, giving you the unique opportunity to manage a client’s digital activation holistically rather than in channel silos.

The ideal candidate will combine hands-on PPC expertise with programmatic planning and buying experience, and will be confident managing campaigns end-to-end - from brief and strategy through to activation, optimisation, reporting and analysis. You’ll be the go-to person for all things Google across the account, building a strong client relationship and acting as a strategic partner who can connect the dots across channels to drive integrated performance. This is a client-facing role that requires strong communication skills, commercial awareness and a genuine passion for innovation.

You’ll work closely with the Google Strategic Lead and the wider planning and activation teams, contributing to testing roadmaps, Search Maturity and Digital Maturity programmes, and award-worthy work.

• Client & Account Management
  • Serve as the primary Google specialist contact for the client, building a strong and trusted client relationship across all Google activation channels.
  • Conceive, develop and guide integrated Google strategies that connect PPC, YouTube and DV360 activity to the client’s business objectives and comms platform.
  • Attend client briefings, provide early strategic input and ensure all plans align with the wider media strategy and key KPIs.
  • Confidently present analysis, updates and strategic recommendations in face-to-face meetings and calls, both to the client and internally.
  • Keep the client informed on major platform developments, betas and opportunities across the Google ecosystem.
  • Support the development and delivery of channel roadmaps focusing on Search Maturity and Digital Maturity.
• PPC (Search & Shopping)
  • Plan, build, manage and optimise Search, Shopping and Performance Max campaigns in Google Ads (and Microsoft Advertising where relevant).
  • Leverage automated bidding strategies and audience signals to drive performance against agreed targets.
  • Identify and execute on opportunities across emerging PPC formats including Demand Gen, Apps and MSAN.
  • Manage day-to-day budgets, pacing and quality assurance to ensure accurate campaign delivery.
  • Deliver robust post-campaign analysis with clear, actionable recommendations.
• YouTube & Video
  • Plan and activate YouTube campaigns across awareness, consideration and action objectives.
  • Manage video creative and audience strategy, working with the client and creative agency partners as needed.
  • Optimise video campaigns in-platform and via DV360, applying frequency management, contextual targeting and brand safety best practices.
  • Report on video-specific metrics (completed views, view-through conversions, brand lift where available) alongside broader campaign performance.
• DV360 & Programmatic
  • Plan, set up, optimise and report on programmatic campaigns across display, video, Connected TV and audio within DV360.
  • Apply best-in-class audience, inventory and bid strategies, ensuring campaigns are pacing to budget and delivering against KPIs.
  • Drive innovation through testing new inventory sources, creative formats and targeting methodologies.
  • Manage deal IDs, PMPs and media owner relationships within the programmatic ecosystem.
  • Assist with the management and delivery of audit guarantees across relevant clients.
  • Demonstrate diligence, attention to detail and adherence to campaign QA processes.
• Strategy, Innovation & Collaboration
  • Collaborate with planning, AV, client and other specialist teams to deliver truly integrated campaigns.
  • Contribute to wider digital testing roadmaps, pushing for innovation and award-winning work.
  • Stay current on Google product updates, ad tech developments and industry trends, sharing knowledge proactively with the team.
  • Execute and deliver best-in-class post-campaign analyses across PPC and programmatic.
  • Contribute to agency-wide initiatives such as process improvements, knowledge sharing sessions and training programmes.
  • Support and mentor junior team members, contributing to their development and career progression.

• Essential
  • Proven experience in a PPC and/or programmatic planning & buying role within a media agency or trading desk.
  • Hands-on platform experience across Google Ads and DV360; experience with SA360 and/or The Trade Desk is a plus.
  • A solid understanding of YouTube campaign activation, whether via Google Ads or DV360.
  • Experience managing end-to-end campaigns – from strategy and set-up through optimisation to reporting and analysis.
  • Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail.
  • Excellent communication skills – confident presenting to clients and articulating strategic recommendations.
  • A track record of delivering performance through solid analysis, clear recommendations and first-class execution.
  • Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to take ownership of tasks and manage competing priorities.
  • Passion for delivering innovation and pushing boundaries across Google’s product suite.
• Desirable
  • Experience with Google Shopping, Performance Max and Demand Gen campaign types.
  • Understanding of measurement, analytics and attribution across Google Ads, GA4 and SA360.
  • Experience with third-party tracking and analytics solutions including Campaign Manager 360 (CM360) and Adobe.
  • Familiarity with additional DSPs such as The Trade Desk, Yahoo or Quantcast.
  • Knowledge of Connected TV, digital audio and digital OOH activation via programmatic channels.
  • Previous experience working on FMCG, retail or home appliance brands.

the7stars is unlike any other agency. The distinction started the day we launched in 2005 when we named ourselves after a pub, but more importantly when we made a promise that we were going to do things differently. And this commitment has stuck with us. It guides how we work, how we think and how we treat one another and can be expressed in a single word. Freedom.

Our Freedom philosophy lives across our entire business from people, product and planning. It means we plan and buy media how we want, develop careers how we want, take holiday when we need it, invent tools when we need them, and give people a platform to speak up, question and express themselves freely - but more importantly it has allowed us to create an amazing place to work.

In 2024 we achieved our 13th year in a row as a Sunday Times Best Places to Work and in 2023 were awarded Campaign’s number one media agency to work for accolade for the second year running.

the7stars is 300 passionate media people that are able to focus purely on creating great work for our clients. If thinking freely and with integrity is your bag, then the7stars is the place for you.

• Uncounted holiday
• Discretionary performance-related summer profit share and Christmas bonus
• Flexible and hybrid working (4 days per week in the office)
• Personalised training plan and access to coaching
• Wellbeing days
• Flexible pension plan through Royal London (8% employer contribution under £35k)
• Optional private medical insurance (Vitality) and cash-back plan (Medicash)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Work from anywhere up to 2 weeks each year
• Paid-for gym membership with a choice of 5 gyms
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Personal finance advice and support
• Life Assurance and Critical Illness cover
• Profit share scheme (after 3 years’ service)
• Electric Vehicle scheme
• Nursery Partnership
• Tech and Cycle to Work scheme
• Season ticket loans and expensed Railcard
• New Business Bonus eligible in your first year as a the7stars employee

the7stars is committed to creating a diverse environment, where employees feel empowered to share different ideas, perspectives and experiences in a collaborative and creative work environment. Equality and inclusion are at the heart of our culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.