Search Account Manager 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.

Role Summary and Impact

EssenceMediacom, part of WPP, 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.

As a Search Account Manager, you will own the day-to‑day execution of all elements of paid search activity. You will employ strong platform knowledge and supplier relationships to deliver flawless testing, media plans, optimisation, and analysis. The role involves managing one or several juniors, overseeing their work and their development, ensuring client deliverables are successfully executed and expectations exceeded. You will also be a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, developing strong relationships and driving performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Performance Management: Manage the day‑to‑day operations of your team’s designated search accounts, ensuring timely and ongoing optimisation that proactively identifies tactical and strategic opportunities. Collaborate with Account Directors to devise campaign strategies and translate these into actionable delivery plans. Take ownership of wider client or team deliverables, such as performance commentary or weekly reporting, and guide junior team members in achieving these effectively. Ensure adherence to paid search channel best practices and contribute to the development and refinement of search strategies.
• Client & Partner Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, clients, and key suppliers, acting as the primary point of contact for your team. Demonstrate expert knowledge of client structures, goals, and industries to inform strategies and plans. Foster collaboration across client teams to ensure flawless execution of plans, while building rapport to become a trusted advisor. Identify strategic issues and raise questions to help stakeholders explore and understand their broader business challenges.
• People Management: Lead by example, motivating and coaching junior team members to develop their skills and grow within the agency. Delegate and manage workloads across junior team members, ensuring tasks are prioritised and delivered on time. Foster a culture of collaboration and experimentation that inspires your junior team members to strive for continuous improvement.
• Operational Excellence: Maximise operational efficiencies by making full use of available technology and implementing streamlined processes. Identify opportunities for process improvement and proactively suggest recommendations to enhance delivery. Take ownership of issues, resolving them effectively and preventing future occurrences. Contribute to the development of strategic revenue and service opportunities for the agency.

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.

Extensive expertise in search campaign setup, management, optimisation, and reporting across platforms such as Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and ideally Search Ads 360. Strong understanding of the strategic and tactical applications of paid search and digital marketing as a whole. Proven ability to lead and promote continuous innovation and test‑and‑learn opportunities for clients and teams. Exceptional account management and communication skills, with the ability to motivate others while fostering a positive team climate. Ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and countries.

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 that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country. Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location.

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