Job Description
Sleeping Giant Media is a multi-award-winning digital marketing agency working with clients across the UK and Europe. We’re looking for a dynamic Director of Paid to lead and scale our Paid Media offering, driving strategic innovation and sustainable growth.
As a strategic visionary and experienced agency leader, you'll shape the future direction of our paid services, mentor and empower your team and ensure exceptional client outcomes.
We champion diversity and flexibility and we value the unique contributions of every team member. If you’re excited about tackling a fresh challenge, we’d love to hear from you.
About The Role
SALARY: Up to £70,000 DOE
LOCATION: Folkestone, Kent/Hybrid - The candidate will need to be based in the UK as they will be required to visit our office in Folkestone for training/team days/client meetings.
DURATION: We’re open to shaping this role around the right person. While a full-time, permanent position is available (typically Monday to Friday, 9am–5:30pm 37.5 hours a week), we’re also happy to consider part-time hours, flexible working patterns, or even a freelance contract if that suits you better. Whether you’re looking for something traditional, need school-hour flexibility, prefer condensed hours, or thrive as a contractor – we’re happy to chat about what works best for both of us.
THE ROLE
As Director of Paid, you’ll provide strategic leadership and oversight of our Paid Media services, directly influencing the agency’s long-term growth and client success.
* Define and implement the strategic vision for Paid Media, aligning it with business objectives.
* Mentor and line manage the Head of Paid, empowering leadership at all levels.
* Oversee the growth, structure and scalability of the Paid team, ensuring operational efficiency and profitability.
* Engage with senior-level clients to provide strategic guidance and enhance client relationships.
* Collaborate across departments to ensure integrated strategies and aligned goals.
* Identify opportunities for innovation, market growth and new services, including media buying.
* Champion best practices, ensure consistent documentation and continuous improvement of strategic processes.
* Act as a thought leader and brand ambassador, representing Sleeping Giant Media externally.
* Regularly evaluate departmental KPIs, budgets and team performance.
* Foster an inclusive culture, attracting and retaining exceptional talent.
THE PERSON
We’re seeking an experienced, strategic-minded individual with exceptional leadership capabilities and a passion for paid media. You’ll have a proven track record of scaling teams, driving innovation and delivering results within an agency environment.
* Exceptional analytical skills with meticulous attention to detail in tracking, reporting and optimisation.
* Strong commercial acumen with the ability to align strategies to business growth objectives.
* Inspiring communicator and persuasive presenter, both internally and externally.
* Proactive approach to industry trends and digital marketing innovations.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Agency experience and familiarity with agency-side operations.
Bonus points if you have:
* Extensive network and proven industry recognition as a thought leader.
* Experience in using advanced data analytics and tracking (GA4, attribution models).
* Media buying experience.
REQUIREMENTS
* Minimum 10 years’ experience in strategic paid media roles, ideally within an agency environment.
* Proven leadership in scaling and structuring paid media teams and services.
* Deep expertise in platforms like Google Ads, Meta, LinkedIn, Microsoft Ads and emerging digital channels.
* Media buying expertise, ideally with experience planning, negotiating and executing cross-channel media strategies.
TOGETHER
We’re more than a digital marketing agency - we’re a community driven by excellence, innovation and impact. Since 2008, we’ve built meaningful relationships and nurtured talent through our CAPES values:
* Communicator: We prioritise transparency and relationship-building in all our interactions.
* Accountable: We take ownership of our actions, knowing that trust is essential.
* Positive: We approach challenges with enthusiasm and a solution-oriented mindset.
* Effective: We innovate to deliver outstanding work efficiently.
* Self-Aware: We are committed to continuous learning and growth, both personally and professionally.
Our team comes from diverse backgrounds but shares a passion for delivering exceptional results. Whether experienced or starting out, every Giant collaborates to drive client success through strategy, creativity and innovation. We thrive in a fast-paced, supportive environment, where growth, collaboration and impact come first.
GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
We invest in our people. You’ll receive continuous development opportunities, including certifications, mentorship and the chance to grow within our team. With regular personal development reviews and professional development opportunities, we help you achieve your career goals.
B CORP COMMITMENT
We are proud to be going through the B Corp certification process, which highlights our dedication to balancing profit with purpose. This certification will be a testament to our commitment to social responsibility, environmental sustainability and positive community impact.
We strive to use our business as a force for good. Our operations are designed not just to be profitable but also to be sustainable, equitable and beneficial to our community. We are dedicated to achieving Net Zero by 2038, hosting zero-waste events and constantly improving our environmental impact. By making responsible choices, we aim to drive positive change and inspire others to do the same.
As part of our mission to promote social and environmental responsibility, all employees at Sleeping Giant Media are expected to:
* Practise sustainable work habits, including reducing waste and energy and supporting recycling programs.
* Participate in community outreach programs and charity events.
* Maintain transparency, fairness and integrity in all business practices.
* Support diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within the workplace.
* Contribute to ongoing efforts to enhance our social and environmental performance.
BENEFITS
We believe we’ve cultivated a supportive and collaborative environment where you’re encouraged to take ownership and enjoy autonomy in your role. Our benefits package is designed with you in mind, offering a healthcare cash plan for both you and your children – covering things like dental and optical – plus 24/7 access to doctors and counsellors.
We understand the importance of flexibility, so we offer adaptable working arrangements alongside an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for additional support. Our office is also stocked with free drinks, snacks and games to keep things fun.
When it comes to time off, full-time Giants receive 26 days of annual leave plus UK bank holidays, with extra days awarded for long service. We also give you your birthday off, a volunteering day and 10 days of paid sick leave.
We’re big on continuous learning, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities for growth through training, conferences and external development. And we believe in working hard and celebrating success together – cue regular social events, casual evenings out and fantastic Christmas and summer parties. You’ll also benefit from a pension scheme with a salary sacrifice option and opportunities to get involved in charity initiatives. All in all, we’ve created a space where you can grow, thrive and truly enjoy the work you do.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
At Sleeping Giant Media, we believe in promoting equality and diversity in all aspects of our business. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees and clients regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to awaken their full potential. We actively work to eradicate discrimination and bias from our practices and policies and we continuously educate ourselves and our team members on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
OTHER INFO
We are passionate about fostering a workplace where everyone can be their authentic selves and feel supported to thrive. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including those people from underrepresented backgrounds, people with disabilities and individuals of all faiths or beliefs.
* Please note that applicants must have the right to work in the UK, as we are unable to provide visa sponsorship.
* We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need reasonable adjustments or specific support during the recruitment process, or once in the role, we’ll do everything we can to accommodate your needs.
* Our interview process will involve getting in touch with you over email - never WhatsApp. And we will never ask for any payment or payment information from you. If in doubt, just get in touch!
If you need to discuss any adjustments, get in touch at jobs@sleepinggiantmedia.co.uk .
Skills Needed
About The Company
At Sleeping Giant Media, we look for people with curiosity, energy and a genuine desire to grow — in themselves and in others. Whether you're just starting your journey or bringing years of experience, we want people who are switched on, motivated and kind. Above all, you’ll need to wear CAPES — our values that shape how we work and who we hire: Communicator. Accountable. Positive. Effective. Self-Aware.
This is a workplace for people who want to challenge themselves, learn continuously, support their teammates and make a positive impact in and out of the office.
Company Culture
Our culture isn’t just written down — it’s lived. We believe in creating an environment where people can thrive both professionally and personally. We support one another, celebrate wins together and pick each other up when it’s tough. Our Giants describe the team as kind, welcoming, driven and weirdly obsessed with finding the joy in what we do. We’re proud of our squad-led initiatives (like the Green Squad, IDS Squad, and NOT Squad), and our people-first approach. Everyone’s voice matters. There’s space to speak up, space to laugh and space to grow. No matter your role, you’ll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work, do things the right way and keep getting better — like a true Giant.
Desired Criteria
* Extensive network and proven industry recognition as a thought leader.
* Experience in using advanced data analytics and tracking (GA4, attribution models).
* Media buying experience.
* Informal or formal qualifications preferred, but not necessary
Required Criteria
* Minimum 10 years’ experience in strategic paid media roles, ideally within an agency environment.
* Proven leadership in scaling and structuring paid media teams and services.
* Deep expertise in platforms like Google Ads, Meta, LinkedIn, Microsoft Ads and emerging digital channels.
* Media buying expertise, ideally with experience planning, negotiating and executing cross-channel media strategies.
* Agency experience and familiarity with agency-side operations.
Closing DateFriday 23rd May, 2025