Paid Search Manager – Pharma (AI-Driven 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.

Role Summary and Impact

We are seeking a skilled and proactive Paid Search Manager to execute and optimise paid search marketing (PPC/SEM) campaigns for our prestigious pharmaceutical client. In this role, you will be responsible for managing paid search placements across various platforms (e.g., Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising), ensuring campaigns are delivered on time, on budget, and against agreed-upon KPIs. You will play a vital part in implementing innovative buying techniques, fostering effective platform relationships, and contributing to the creation of hyper‑personalised and impactful media experiences that drive desire for our clients’ brands, with a keen awareness of the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of AI in search for the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Paid Search Buying & Execution: Execute and manage Paid Search (PPC/SEM) campaigns across designated platforms based on approved media plans and strategies, often across multiple markets. Manage campaign pacing, delivery, and performance, making real‑time optimisations to ensure KPIs are met or exceeded. Develop and refine keyword strategies, write compelling ad copy, and implement effective bidding strategies to maximise campaign performance. Ensure all paid search placements adhere to client guidelines, creative specifications, and industry best practices.
• Budget Management & Reporting: Manage paid search media budgets for assigned campaigns, accurately tracking spend and ensuring reconciliation with platforms. Prepare regular performance reports, analysing data to identify trends, insights, and optimisation opportunities specific to paid search channels. Actively contribute to and when appropriate, own and leverage Test & Learn Frameworks to drive continuous improvement and innovation within campaigns. Present campaign results and key learnings to the Paid Search Lead / Associate Director and internal teams.
• Negotiation & Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain effective working relationships with paid search platform representatives. Stay informed about platform updates, new features, market rates, and new opportunities within the paid search landscape.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal planning, digital performance, account management, analytics, and creative teams to ensure seamless campaign activation and integrated media solutions. Act as a key point of contact for clients regarding campaign performance and strategy, fostering strong client relationships and managing expectations effectively. Communicate effectively with all stakeholders on campaign status, performance, and any issues that arise. Provide support and guidance to junior Paid Search team members as needed.
• Process & Best Practices: Adhere to all WPP Media internal processes, financial procedures, and client service standards related to paid search buying and management. Contribute to the continuous improvement of paid search processes and adoption of industry best practices including new tools and techniques for automation in search.

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

• Relevant experience (typically 3‑5 years) in Paid Search (PPC/SEM) marketing within a media agency or client‑side, including experience managing multi‑market campaigns.
• Proven experience in executing and optimising media campaigns across key paid search channels, including advanced campaign types such as Broad Match, Performance Max, and AI Max.
• Strong understanding of paid search media metrics (CPC, CPA, ROAS), bidding models, and campaign performance analysis.
• Proficiency in paid search platforms (e.g., Google Ads) and eagerness to work with third‑party tracking software.
• Excellent analytical skills, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy in managing budgets and data.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, capable of presenting information clearly to various stakeholders, including clients.
• Highly organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple campaigns and deadlines simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment, demonstrating exceptional attention to detail.
• A genuine interest in the evolving paid search landscape and digital advertising trends.
• A deep understanding of the evolving digital landscape, particularly how the rise of AI in search can uniquely impact and transform advertising strategies within industries such as pharmaceuticals.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.