At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and optimise paid media campaigns across platforms like Google Ads and TikTok.
- Company: Join Bigwave Marketing, a B-Corp certified agency with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, hybrid working, and team retreats.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Take ownership of impactful campaigns and build strong client relationships.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years experience in paid media and strong data analysis skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Paid Media Specialist – Digital Marketing
Location: Hybrid
Role Status: Full time (37.5 hours p/w)
Closing Date: 31 May 2026
You already know that paid media is about more than clicks and impressions. It's about driving measurable business growth. At Bigwave, you'll run Paid Media campaigns that deliver measurable results while working with brands that care about their impact. This is a hands‐on, client‐facing role where you'll take ownership of campaigns, test new ideas and help clients grow through smart, data‐led strategy. You'll work across a diverse mix of sectors, from e‐commerce and leisure to B2B, education and entertainment and more. We will give you plenty of variety and the opportunity to broaden your experience quickly. If you enjoy taking ownership, improving performance and building strong client relationships, this role is a great next step.
About Us
We're Bigwave Marketing, a full‐service, B‐Corp certified agency based in Exeter with a team of over 55 specialists spanning strategy, creative, digital and more. Within that, our 8 paid media experts deliver campaigns for clients all over the UK – from e‐commerce brands and national charities to gyms, education providers and local businesses. We're proud of our award‐winning culture that balances creativity, data‐driven thinking and collaboration. As a Paid Media Specialist, you'll take ownership of medium to high‐spend accounts, driving measurable results and real growth for our clients while shaping the future of paid media within our team.
About the role:
As a Paid Media Manager at Bigwave, you'll be part of a close‐knit team of 8 specialists within a wider agency of 50+ people. You'll take ownership of a portfolio of accounts, managing and optimising campaigns across multiple channels, including Google Ads, Meta, Microsoft Ads, YouTube, TikTok and more. The role is hands‐on and focuses on delivering strong results while building trusted client relationships. You'll be supported by a collaborative team across creative, content and strategy, allowing you to deliver integrated campaigns.
This role is ideal for someone who:
- Is confident managing campaigns independently
- Enjoys working directly with clients
- Wants to deepen their strategic and commercial skills
- Is ready to step up in ownership, without needing formal line management experience
What you'll do:
- Plan, launch and optimise paid media campaigns across key platforms including Google Ads, Meta, LinkedIn, TikTok and more
- Manage budgets with clear performance goals (ROAS, CPA, leads or revenue)
- Monitor performance and identify opportunities to scale and improve results
- Run A/B tests across creatives, audiences, copy and landing pages
- Set up and manage tracking (GA4, GTM, conversions) with support where needed
- Turn campaign data into clear, actionable insights for clients
- Lead regular client check‐ins to review performance and next steps
- Collaborate with creative and content teams to develop high‐performing campaigns
- Support new business opportunities with ideas and channel recommendations
- Share knowledge and support junior team members as you grow
Essential skills:
- Has around 2–4 years' experience in paid media (agency or in‐house)
- Has managed campaigns across platforms like Google Ads and/or Meta
- Is confident working with data and understanding campaign performance
- Thinks commercially (not just in metrics, but in business impact)
- Communicates clearly and is comfortable speaking with clients
- Is organised and able to manage and optimise multiple campaigns and deadlines at once
- Is proactive and enjoys testing and improving performance
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- Pension scheme
- Hybrid working – 2 days a week in our Exeter office
- Annual team building and agency retreats (Abroad and UK)
- 4.5 day working week options and flexi time
- Agency shutdown at Christmas
- Office socials and staff perks
As a B Corp agency, we balance profit with purpose, build long‐term partnerships and invest in your development as you grow your career in paid media. While we use the title Paid Media Specialist, similar roles are often called Marketing Specialist, Paid Media Manager, Paid Social Manager or PPC Manager elsewhere. Titles can vary, but what's important to us is your ability to run campaigns confidently, think commercially and drive strong results for clients. This role requires an existing right to work in the UK.
Growth‐Driven Paid Media Manager | Hybrid & Flexible Hours in Exeter employer: YMCA Brighton
At Bigwave Marketing, we pride ourselves on being a B-Corp certified agency that champions creativity and collaboration in a vibrant work culture. With hybrid working options, generous annual leave, and a commitment to employee development, we offer a supportive environment where you can thrive as a Paid Media Manager. Join our close-knit team in Exeter, where you'll have the opportunity to take ownership of impactful campaigns across diverse sectors while enjoying unique team-building experiences and a balanced work-life approach.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Growth‐Driven Paid Media Manager | Hybrid & Flexible Hours in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Bigwave Marketing, their values, and their recent campaigns. This way, when you chat with them, you can show off your knowledge and passion for what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral – which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to paid media. Think about how you've driven results in past roles and be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Bigwave team!
We think you need these skills to ace Growth‐Driven Paid Media Manager | Hybrid & Flexible Hours in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Paid Media Manager role. Highlight your experience with platforms like Google Ads and Meta, and show us how you've driven measurable results in past campaigns.
Show Your Passion for Data:We love candidates who can turn numbers into stories! In your application, share examples of how you've used data to optimise campaigns and improve performance. This will show us you're not just about clicks, but real business growth.
Be Client-Focused:Since this role involves building strong client relationships, mention any experience you have in client-facing roles. Tell us how you've communicated effectively with clients and helped them achieve their goals through paid media.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA Brighton
✨Know Your Platforms
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key platforms mentioned in the job description, like Google Ads and Meta. Familiarise yourself with their latest features and best practices, as this will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive campaign performance in the past. Bring specific examples of how you’ve turned data insights into actionable strategies that led to measurable business growth.
✨Client Relationship Focus
Since this role involves direct client interaction, think of examples where you’ve successfully built and maintained client relationships. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve managed expectations while delivering results.
✨Demonstrate Proactivity
Prepare to talk about times when you took the initiative to test new ideas or improve campaign performance. This shows that you’re not just reactive but also proactive in seeking out opportunities for growth.
