Account Director - Search in London

About WPP Media

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth. WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working. For more information, visit wppmedia.com.

Role Summary and Impact:

We are seeking a visionary and performance driven Paid Search Director to lead and evolve our paid search marketing (PPC/SEM) strategies for our prestigious automotive client. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for defining and executing comprehensive paid search strategies, ensuring exceptional campaign performance, driving innovation, and achieving client business objectives. You will lead a talented team, foster deep client relationships, and contribute significantly to creating hyper-personalised and impactful media experiences that drive desire and measurable growth for our clients’ brands through paid channels.

Key Responsibilities:

• Paid Search Strategy & Vision: Develop and champion innovative, data-driven Paid Search (PPC/SEM) strategies that align with client business goals, market trends, and competitive landscapes. Provide senior-level strategic direction and thought leadership across all aspects of paid search, including campaign structure, budgeting, strategic audience targeting, advanced value-based bidding for lead generation KPI’s, ad copy testing, landing page optimization, and platform utilization. Identify new opportunities and emerging technologies within the paid search ecosystem (e.g. AI-driven automation, new ad formats, platform features) to deliver competitive advantage for clients while proactively guiding brands into the AI era of Paid Search.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of Paid Search Managers and Executives, fostering a culture of high performance, continuous learning, and professional growth. Oversee team structure, resource allocation, performance management, and career development plans for direct reports. Ensure the team adheres to best practices, quality standards, and WPP Media processes for all paid search deliverables including effective collaboration with offshore teams where applicable.
• Client & Stakeholder Management: Serve as the senior paid search expert and primary point of contact for key clients, building strong, trusted relationships. Lead client presentations, strategy reviews, and performance discussions, articulating complex paid search concepts and insights clearly and concisely. Collaborate effectively with internal planning, digital performance, account management, analytics, and creative teams to deliver integrated media solutions. Actively participate in new business pitches and growth opportunities, showcasing WPP Media's paid search capabilities.
• Performance & Optimization Oversight: Direct the execution and optimization of large-scale paid search campaigns across platforms (e.g. Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising, Amazon Ads), ensuring delivery against ambitious KPIs, ROAS/ROI targets, and client P&L objectives. Oversee comprehensive performance analysis, identify critical trends and insights, and translate them into actionable recommendations for continuous improvement and innovation. Drive innovation in testing methodologies (A/B, multivariate and incrementality testing), audience segmentation, and attribution to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Platform & Industry Expertise: Maintain expert-level knowledge and hands-on experience with core paid search platforms (Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising) and advanced bid management/automation platforms (e.g. Search Ads 360). Deep understanding of web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics), conversion tracking, data integration and specific retail-focused platforms such as Google Merchant Centre and sophisticated product advertising strategies. Stay abreast of platform changes, algorithm updates, privacy regulations, and competitive landscape shifts to proactively adapt strategies. Foster strong relationships with key platform representatives (Google, Microsoft) and industry partners.

Skills and Experience:

At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It’s what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media’s shared core values:

• Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity.
• Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust.
• Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise.

Required Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in Paid Search (PPC/SEM) marketing, with a significant portion in a leadership or strategic role within a media agency or client-side. Experience working with automotive clients, while not mandatory, will be valuable.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful, large-scale paid search strategies that drive measurable business results and exceed ROAS/ROI targets.
• Demonstrated experience in leading, mentoring, and managing a team of paid search specialists.
• Expert-level proficiency in Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising (Bing Ads), and advanced bid management/automation platforms (e.g. Search Ads 360, Kenshoo, Skai, Marin).
• Deep understanding of web analytics platforms (e.g. Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics), conversion tracking, and cross-channel attribution models.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data, identify optimization opportunities, and translate them into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication and presentation skills, capable of influencing senior clients and internal stakeholders.
• Highly organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• A genuine passion for the evolving paid search landscape, digital innovation, and delivering client growth.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.

We Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location.

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