Paid Search Associate Director in London

Company Description

We are the ROI agency, apositionwe haveproudlyheld trueto since 2005. Our more than 6,000specialistsacross95marketsofferunparalleledcapabilitiesinMedia,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 definitionof ROI, as it has changed with the ever- complicatedcommunicationslandscape.ROI isnolongersimplyaboutthemost efficient planning, buying and reporting of media.

Yes,ROIisaboutdeliveringReturnonInvestment;butit’salsoaboutgoingbeyondtodelivera

ReturnonImaginationandmoreintegratedexperiencesthatinspireGrowth.Top-linegrowth

forourclients’businesses,growthforourpeopleandgrowthforourculture.

Poweredbyourbest-in-classproprietarytoolsanddata,ourworkspansthefullspectrumof media communications, from analytics, data and technology to performance marketing, content and superior trading.

ThisbreadthmeanswedeliverInsightthatliesattheintersectionofconsumer,category,and brand, attributing every budget to stronger business outcomes.

Itmeanswedelivermorecreativemediasolutionsthatbringtogetherbest-in-classstrategy, planning and the power of Publicis Groupe to ensure distinct and more personal brand experiences for our clients.

Itmeansweadoptnewdataanalyticsandvalueoptimisationtechniqueswhilebuilding

relationshipswithsomeoftheworld’smostexcitingstart-ups.Weleverageover30yearsof 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.

AtZenith,weultimatelyseekoutamoremeaningfulkindofROI. Ouruniquewayofthinking inspiresgrowth for some of theworld’s leadingbrands,includingCoty,Electrolux,Essity, Lactalis, Luxottica, Nestlé, Nomad Foods, Reckitt,TikTok and Verizon.

Job Description

Paid Search Associate Director

We are hiring a Paid Search Associate Director to play a pivotal role in driving outstanding performance for high-profile client campaigns. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Paid Search specialist who enjoys combining strategic thinking with hands-on leadership to deliver measurable business results. You\'ll help shape long-term growth strategies, foster strong client partnerships, and empower a team to do their best work. If you\'re passionate about innovation, performance marketing, and unlocking growth through smart use of technology and automation, we\'d love to hear from you.

What you\'ll be doing

• Lead the strategic direction of Paid Search activity across key client accounts, ensuring campaigns align with wider business objectives.
• Drive exceptional campaign performance through data-led optimisation, innovation and a focus on continuous improvement.
• Build trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders, acting as a strategic advisor and key point of contact.
• Partner with cross-functional specialists to develop integrated solutions that support sustainable client growth.
• Guide and support your team to deliver high-quality work, creating an environment that encourages learning, development and collaboration.
• Identify commercial opportunities that add value for clients while contributing to business growth and account success.
• Champion operational excellence, ensuring best practice standards, effective processes and consistent delivery across all activity.

Skills we\'re looking for

• Strong experience managing and growing Paid Search campaigns within a media agency or performance marketing environment.
• Excellent knowledge of platforms such as Google Ads and Microsoft Ads, with an interest in emerging search technologies and automation.
• Confident using data and insight to evaluate performance, identify opportunities and inform strategic recommendations.
• Experience building positive client relationships and presenting recommendations to a range of stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead, coach and develop team members, helping others grow and succeed.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage priorities effectively across multiple projects.
• Curious, solution-focused mindset with a passion for driving innovation, continuous learning and measurable outcomes.

Why join us?

• Work in an environment that values creativity, innovation and fresh thinking.
• Make a meaningful impact on client success through strategic, performance-driven work.
• Access ongoing development opportunities and clear pathways for career progression.
• Be part of a collaborative and supportive team culture built on respect, openness and shared success

Additional Information

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, including:

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.

#LI-ER