At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead paid search strategies for high-profile clients and drive innovation in performance marketing.
- Company: Join a leading media agency with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive medical, retirement plans, generous time off, and mental health days.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of search marketing while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Expertise in Google Ads and Microsoft Ads, with strong people management experience.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
As a Senior Search Associate Director, you will serve as the strategic lead for paid search across a portfolio of high‑profile clients. You will own the direction and effectiveness of search activation while shaping how search integrates into broader media strategies. Operating as a senior leader within the Search team, you will set the vision for your client group alongside the Director, influence cross‑departmental processes and decision‑making, and partner to define the roadmap for best practices, innovation, and team growth. You will also play a key role within the WPP Media Search Community driving thought leadership and representing the agency with partners.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Ownership: Take full strategic ownership of paid search performance across a large‑spending client portfolio, setting ambition and direction in partnership with senior client stakeholders.
- Best Practices & Innovation: Develop paid search best practices, ensure adherence to controls and processes, champion innovation by testing and scaling new Google/Microsoft products and AI capabilities, and act as the escalation point for strategic problems.
- Client & Partner Management: Operate as the most senior day‑to‑day search lead and strategic partner to client stakeholders, influence integrated planning conversations, and represent WPP Media with platform partners on joint business plans and capability building initiatives.
- People Management: Directly manage and develop a team, set high standards for delivery, communication, and craft expertise, support resource shaping, succession planning, and long‑term capability development, and contribute to recruitment efforts.
- Operational Excellence: Drive operational and process excellence, ensure the team is efficient and fully utilises WPP Media's suite of AI tools, tech, and automation capabilities, contribute to commercial planning, identify opportunities for service evolution and new revenue, and maintain full governance and compliance across financial, operational, and activation workflows.
Qualifications
- Deep platform expertise with Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and SA360, and a strong understanding of how AI, automation, and audience signals evolve performance marketing.
- Significant experience leading complex search clients with multi‑market, high‑profile, or growth focus.
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Strong track record in developing and managing people.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional workstreams and collaborate effectively with Media, Planning, Data, Analytics, and Creative.
Benefits
- Competitive medical, group retirement, vision, and dental insurance.
- Significant paid time off.
- Preferential partner discounts.
- Employee mental health awareness days.
EEO Statement
WPP Media is an equal‑opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.
Search Associate Director in Manchester employer: Wpp Media & Benefits
WPP Media is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. As a Senior Search Associate Director, you will benefit from competitive medical and retirement plans, significant paid time off, and a commitment to employee mental health, all while working in a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and development. Join us in shaping the future of search marketing with access to cutting-edge tools and a diverse team dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Search Associate Director in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Search Associate Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your deep platform knowledge of Google Ads and Microsoft Ads. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance marketing success in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your leadership skills. Be ready to talk about how you've managed teams and influenced senior stakeholders. Highlight your experience in developing best practices and championing innovation in search strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role and the company right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Search Associate Director in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Strategic Side:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your strategic thinking and ownership experience. We want to see how you've led paid search initiatives and influenced client stakeholders in the past.
Demonstrate Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on showcasing your deep knowledge of Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and SA360. We’re looking for someone who can bring innovation and best practices to the table, so share specific examples of how you've done this before.
Highlight People Management Skills:As a senior leader, your ability to manage and develop a team is crucial. In your application, tell us about your experience in leading teams, setting high standards, and contributing to their growth and success.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to our job description. Use the same language and focus on the responsibilities and qualifications we’ve outlined. And remember, applying through our website is the best way to get noticed!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wpp Media & Benefits
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and SA360. Brush up on the latest trends in AI and automation in performance marketing. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the tools, but that you can leverage them strategically.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams and influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your experience in developing best practices and driving innovation. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and inspire others, which is crucial for this position.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with how search integrates into broader media strategies. Be ready to discuss how you would influence integrated planning conversations and collaborate with cross-functional teams. This shows that you can think strategically and work well with others.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's vision for paid search and how they see it evolving. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you insight into their expectations and culture. It’s a great way to demonstrate your strategic thinking and engagement.
