HEAD OF PAID MEDIA
* Based in Manchester
* 2-3 days onsite
* £60k DOE
* Expert-level, hands-on experience across Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and multi-platform paid media
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
* Senior leadership role within a high-performing digital agency environment
* Hybrid working with a Manchester base (two days per week in the office)
* £60k DOE salary plus an excellent benefits package
* Opportunity to shape PPC, AI adoption, and future-focused performance capability
ABOUT THE CLIENT
Due to continued growth, we’re working with an established, full-service digital agency that has been delivering ambitious digital experiences for well-known brands for over 20 years. With a strong reputation for strategic consultancy, web development, and digital marketing, they partner closely with clients to drive measurable growth online.
THE BENEFITS
* 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* Hybrid working
* Flexible working hours
* Health cash plan
* Workplace nursery scheme
* Cycle-to-work scheme
* Employee wellbeing and mental health support
* Relaxed working environment
* Regular company socials and events
THE HEAD OF PAID MEDIA ROLE
As Head of Paid Media, you’ll lead and evolve a multi-channel Paid Media function covering paid search and paid social. You’ll combine hands-on PPC expertise with strategic leadership, owning performance across Google Ads and Microsoft Ads while working closely with SEO, Creative, Strategy, and Data teams to deliver joined-up, high-impact media strategies.
You’ll play a key role in shaping the future of performance marketing, including structured AI adoption, advanced forecasting, and the development of next-generation optimisation capabilities. This is a highly visible role with real commercial ownership and influence across client growth, new business, and team development.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Set the strategic vision for Paid Media and establish best-practice frameworks across the function
* Own PPC performance across Search, Performance Max, Demand Gen, and emerging formats
* Lead safe, structured AI adoption within Paid Media, including AI-led optimisation and creative scoring tools
* Build and implement a roadmap for automated, cross-channel optimisation and growth
* Forecast revenue and performance using platform data, GA4 trends, and advanced modelling
* Oversee the Paid Media reporting stack, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and automation
* Drive creative testing and effectiveness in partnership with Creative teams
* Support new business, pitches, and cross-sell opportunities
* Coach, mentor, and develop Paid Media managers and specialists
ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
* Expert-level, hands-on experience across Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and multi-platform paid media
* Proven experience leading a Paid Media or PPC function within an agency or similar environment
* Strong understanding of AI-driven performance marketing and emerging search formats
* Commercial mindset with experience forecasting revenue, ROAS, and client growth
* Confident working cross-functionally with SEO, Data, Creative, UX, and Strategy teams
* Experience contributing to pitches and presenting performance strategies to senior stakeholders
* Curious, experimental approach with a desire to stay ahead of industry change
To be considered
Please either apply through this advert or email me directly via alexandra.williams@searchability.com.
For further information, please call me on 01244 739 369 or 07719 051 883.
By applying for this role, you give express consent for us to process and submit (subject to required skills) your application to our client in conjunction with this vacancy only.
Key skills
Paid Media, PPC, Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Performance Max, Demand Gen, Paid Social, GA4, GTM, Looker Studio, Funnel, Supermetrics, AI in Marketing, Performance Marketing Leadership