At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead paid search strategy for high-profile clients and drive innovation in performance marketing.
- Company: Join a leading media agency with a focus on collaboration and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive medical, retirement plans, generous time off, and mental health days.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values respect and equal opportunities.
- 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.
Senior Paid Search Director — Strategy & Growth in Manchester employer: Wpp Media & Benefits
WPP Media is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and innovation, particularly in the dynamic field of paid search. With a strong commitment to fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity, employees benefit from competitive medical and retirement plans, significant paid time off, and mental health awareness initiatives. The collaborative work environment encourages professional development and offers unique opportunities to influence high-profile client strategies while utilising cutting-edge AI tools and technologies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Paid Search Director — Strategy & Growth 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 lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its clients. Understand their paid search strategies and think about how you can contribute to their growth. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Senior Paid Search Director. Highlight your strategic ownership and innovation skills, and don’t forget to showcase your people management experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Paid Search Director — Strategy & Growth in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Paid Search Director role. Highlight your experience with Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and any innovative strategies you've implemented. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing a team and influencing senior stakeholders, be sure to include examples of your leadership experience. Share how you've developed people and driven successful projects in the past. We love seeing how you can inspire others!
Demonstrate Strategic Thinking:In your application, illustrate your strategic ownership of paid search campaigns. Discuss how you've set ambitious goals and achieved them, especially in complex environments. We’re looking for someone who can think big and drive results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our awesome team at StudySmarter!
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 is your chance to demonstrate that you can lead a team effectively and contribute to their growth.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with how paid search integrates into broader media strategies. Be ready to discuss how you would influence integrated planning conversations and collaborate with other departments. Showing that you can think beyond just search will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's approach to paid search and how they envision the role evolving. This not only shows your interest in the position but also demonstrates your strategic thinking. It’s a great way to engage with the interviewers and leave a lasting impression.
