Account Executive, Paid Search in Manchester

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.

Role Summary and Impact

Join an award-winning team at the heart of UK government, where your work will genuinely shape lives. As part of WPP 650 you’ll be part of a supportive, collaborative environment that values curiosity, kindness, and growth. Together, we use behaviour change principles to design smarter services, influence better decisions, and help millions of people across the country. Named WPP 650, after the 650 UK constituencies, the name is a reminder that our work must reflect the full breadth of the country, every community, every audience. No two days are the same. The challenges are complex, the problems worth solving, and the learning constant. You’ll tackle issues that matter, alongside talented colleagues who care deeply about what they do. It’s demanding – but always rewarding. WPP 650 is a bespoke agency unit within WPP, dedicated to serving the evolving communications needs of government clients. We bring together the best of WPP's talent, technology, and insights to deliver impactful, modern, and effective public communications. We are at the forefront of reimagining how government engages with its citizens. This is meaningful work with real-world impact – the kind you can point to with pride.

As a Paid Search Account Executive, you will be responsible for the execution of paid search activity. You will be responsible for keyword research, campaign building, working with the Global Hub on daily governance and optimisation, as well as in-depth data analysis. You will also be responsible for accurate media plans, and on-time billing & reconciliations.

You will develop excellent platform knowledge and work closely with the Senior Paid Search Executive/Paid Search Account Manager to plan and execute a best in class Paid Search strategy. You will continuously search for new opportunities to develop your specialism in Paid Search and collaborate with the wider department on training & events.

People: Collaborate with and support other team members (including the Global Hub) in the executive of effective paid search campaigns for clients.

Product: Ensure adherence to the WPP650 Way for Paid Search on your clients and contribute to the development of our products. Making full use of the technology available. Adoption of 3rd and 1st party tools & technology (e.g. Unlock, WPP Media Automations Portal etc.).

Operations: Make sure that service level agreements are met, with your tasks managed through our project management suite. Contribute to client meetings and participate in ongoing client engagement. Support on the day-to-day QA process across activation, minimizing error and risk, and ensuring consistent and accurate adherence to process. Ensure that wider client or team deliverables (such as actionable insight reports and reporting) are prepared and ensuring quality of output is maintained.

Profile: Active member of the Paid Search community which includes contributing to internal team meetings, participation in wider WPP Media training & events, and more.

Performance: Effectively manage your paid search campaigns; ensuring ongoing and timely optimization is delivered and constantly looking for opportunities to improve performance. Work closely with your line managers to plan and execute a best in class Paid Search strategy in line with the WPP650 Way. Carry out performance analysis, internal data maintenance, issue identification and implementation of solutions. Carry out daily campaign and budget management checks. Work with your colleagues in the Global Hub to ensure daily diagnostics and governance is achieved to the highest standards. Spot trends & patterns in data, fix alerts & anomalies before they become a problem. Effectively communicate with your line managers, client team and client contacts regarding deadlines and delivery of work.

Growth: Responsible for the execution of a ‘fearless growth’ mindset in your team; continually experimenting and driving performance forwards for clients.

Measures for success in this role will include: no account errors, your accounts never go offline, improved performance and results, completion of tasks & projects on time, client feedback, effective communication, and overall progress of clients against the WPP650 Search Maturity Framework.

Skills and Experience: We are looking for candidates who are self-starters, want to succeed and have a desire to push the boundaries. An interest in digital marketing, specifically Paid Search and Cross-Platform campaign formats (e.g. Performance Max, Microsoft Audience Network etc.). Successful candidates will have an analytical mindset coupled with creativity.

It’s essential that you have:

• Done your research on Paid Search with evidence that you have completed certifications (Google Ads and Microsoft Ads).
• Affinity for numbers and with basic data analysis knowledge, keen to drive continued excellence.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills which include Excel & PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage their time effectively and of working as part of a group.
• You are proactive; we need people who have the confidence to question the status quo.
• You can focus on causation, not just the correlation of data & performance. Identify the insight, make it actionable, get it done.
• You have immaculate attention to detail.

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.

While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.