At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead paid search strategies for top-tier clients and drive innovative media solutions.
- Company: Join WPP Media, a creative powerhouse transforming brands with data-driven insights.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous time off, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the evolving media landscape while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in search marketing and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
About EssenceMediacom: A Leading WPP Media Brand
EssenceMediacom is a new breed of media agency. Grounded in analytics & insights and powered by data & technology, we believe in the power of media and creative to drive breakthroughs for the world’s best brands. We help clients understand the modern marketing paradox and discover the breakthroughs brands need to win with their consumers.
Role Summary and Impact
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, representing the agency with partners, and helping to define best in class standards together with the network.
Key Responsibilities
- Performance Management: Take full strategic ownership of paid search performance across large spending client portfolio, setting ambition and direction in partnership with senior client stakeholders. Develop paid search best practices, ensuring adherence to controls and processes. Act as the escalation point for paid search strategic problems, proactively identifying risks, opportunities, and growth pathways. Champion innovation by testing and scaling new Google/Microsoft products and AI capabilities.
- Client & Partner Management: Operate as the most senior day-to-day search lead, and strategic partner to client stakeholders. Influence broader integrated planning conversations, ensuring search has a seat at the table in defining brand and performance outcomes. Represent WPP Media with platform partners, contributing to joint business plans, beta programmes, and capability building initiatives.
- People Management: Reports to the Search Director. Directly manage and develop a team, setting high standards for delivery, communication, and craft expertise. Support on resource shaping, succession planning, and long-term team capability development. Contribute to recruitment efforts for your team, acting as an ambassador for EssenceMediacom and WPP Media. Shape the culture of your team through clear leadership behaviours, coaching, and championing collaboration across offices and markets.
- Operational Excellence: Drive operational and process excellence, ensuring your team is efficient, effective and fully utilising WPP Media’s suite of AI tools, tech, and automation capabilities. Contribute to commercial planning and identify opportunities for service evolution, scope expansion, and new revenue opportunities with clients. Ensure full governance and compliance across financial, operational, and activation workflows.
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.
Deep platform expertise with Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and SA360, with a strong understanding of how AI, automation, and audience signals are evolving performance marketing.
Life at WPP Media & Benefits
Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we’re just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our benefits include 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 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. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. 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.
Senior Search Associate Director in Manchester employer: WPP Media WPP
WPP Media is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a dynamic work culture where creativity and collaboration thrive. With access to cutting-edge resources and a commitment to professional development, employees can engage in meaningful work while enjoying competitive benefits, including generous paid time off and mental health awareness initiatives. Located in the UK, WPP Media fosters a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion, ensuring every team member has the opportunity to excel and contribute to transformative media solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Search Associate Director in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to refine your answers. Focus on articulating your experience and how it relates to the role of Senior Search Associate Director.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the position and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Search Associate Director in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for the role! Share why you're excited about the Senior Search Associate Director position and how your experience aligns with our mission at WPP Media. A personal touch can make a big difference.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our team and help drive transformational growth.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate clarity and want to understand your qualifications without any fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at WPP Media WPP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of paid search strategies and the latest trends in Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and SA360. Brush up on how AI and automation are changing the game, as this will show your expertise and readiness to lead.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing teams and influencing senior stakeholders. Think about times when you've driven cross-functional collaboration or led a project to success, as these stories will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand WPP's Vision
Familiarise yourself with WPP Media’s mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially around creativity, collaboration, and growth. This will demonstrate your commitment to their culture and vision.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their approach to innovation in search marketing or how they envision the future of media. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
