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 creative and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, hybrid working, and team retreats.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a supportive team environment for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on client growth while developing your strategic skills.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years of paid media experience 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 an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and collaborative work culture. Our B-Corp certification reflects our commitment to balancing profit with purpose, while our hybrid working model and generous benefits, including 25 days of annual leave and team-building retreats, ensure a fulfilling work-life balance. As a Paid Media Manager, you'll have the opportunity to take ownership of impactful campaigns, develop your skills in a supportive environment, and contribute to meaningful client relationships across diverse sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Growth‑Driven Paid Media Manager | Hybrid & Flexible Hours in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or attend industry events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want you to show up with questions that demonstrate your interest in their work and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources. We recommend focusing on common questions related to paid media and your past experiences to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, we love seeing candidates take initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Growth‑Driven Paid Media Manager | Hybrid & Flexible Hours in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Paid Media:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for paid media shine through! Share specific examples of campaigns you've managed and the results you've achieved. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about driving measurable business growth.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience with platforms like Google Ads and Meta, and how you've used data to inform your strategies. This helps us see how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate candidates who can communicate effectively, especially since this role involves client-facing responsibilities.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our culture and values!
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 monitored performance, identified opportunities for improvement, and turned data into actionable insights for clients.
✨Demonstrate Client Relationship Management
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 handled client feedback or challenges in previous roles.
✨Prepare for A/B Testing Discussions
A/B testing is crucial in paid media. Be ready to explain your approach to testing creatives, audiences, and copy. Discuss any successful tests you’ve run and what you learned from them, as this will demonstrate your proactive mindset and analytical skills.
