Head of Paid Media in Manchester

We're looking for an experienced Head of Paid Media to lead and grow our Paid Media function as part of an ambitious, fast-growing digital agency.

This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the direction of a high-performing Paid Media team while playing a key role in the wider commercial growth of the business. You'll have genuine influence over strategy, people development, client success, and innovation.

Hybrid working – 3 days per week in the office.

• Performance-based bonus scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Regular team socials
• Tailored learning & development programme
• Clear progression into senior leadership

About the Role

As Head of Paid Media, you'll own the strategy, performance and growth of the Paid Media department.

You'll lead a team of Paid Media specialists, oversee the delivery of best-in-class campaigns across multiple advertising platforms, and ensure the department continues to deliver exceptional results for clients while supporting the agency's commercial objectives.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong agency background who combines strategic Paid Media expertise with excellent leadership and commercial awareness.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead the Paid Media strategy across the agency.
• Manage, mentor and develop a team of Paid Media specialists.
• Build scalable Paid Media strategies aligned to client objectives.
• Oversee campaigns across Google Ads, Meta, Microsoft Ads, YouTube, TikTok and emerging platforms.
• Monitor departmental performance, profitability and resource planning.
• Support new business pitches and identify growth opportunities within existing client accounts.
• Implement and maintain best practice across planning, activation, optimisation and reporting.
• Drive innovation through testing, automation and new platform adoption.
• Work closely with senior stakeholders across client services and digital teams.

What Success Looks Like

• A motivated, high-performing Paid Media team with strong leadership and development pathways.
• Consistently delivering outstanding client performance against commercial objectives.
• Trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders.
• Strong commercial management of the Paid Media function.
• Continuous innovation and improvement across Paid Media services.

About You

You'll ideally have:

• 7+ years' experience within Paid Media or Performance Marketing.
• Previous experience leading Paid Media teams within an agency environment.
• Expertise across Google Ads, Meta, Microsoft Ads, YouTube, TikTok and other paid platforms.
• Strong commercial understanding, including managing large budgets and departmental performance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence across the business.
• Agency experience is essential.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and develop their career.