Associate Director, Search-Paid

The role

Lead the paid search strategy and performance for a large portfolio of high-profile clients. Manage and develop a search team, and act as the senior search partner to clients and platform partners.

What you will do

• Own the strategy and performance of paid search across a large-spend client portfolio.
• Develop paid search best practices and ensure adherence to controls and processes.
• Act as the escalation point for paid search strategic problems and identify risks and growth opportunities.
• Test and scale new Google and Microsoft products and AI capabilities.
• Act as the most senior day-to-day search lead and strategic partner to client stakeholders.
• Influence integrated planning so search helps define brand and performance outcomes.
• Represent WPP Media with platform partners on joint business plans and beta programmes.
• Directly manage and develop a team, setting standards for delivery and craft expertise.
• Support resource shaping, succession planning and team capability development.
• Drive operational excellence and governance across financial, operational and activation workflows.

Required qualifications

• Deep platform expertise with Google Ads, Microsoft Ads and SA360.
• Significant experience leading complex search clients, such as multi-market, high-profile or growth clients.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Strong track record in developing and managing people.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional workstreams with Media, Planning, Data, Analytics and Creative.
• Understanding of how AI, automation and audience signals are evolving performance marketing.
• Right to work in the UK.

Benefits

• Competitive medical insurance.
• Group retirement plans.
• Vision and dental insurance.
• Significant paid time off.
• Preferential partner discounts.
• Employee mental health awareness days.
• Access to the global WPP Media and WPP networks.
• Employee resource groups and in-office events.

Before you apply

• The role is UK based and requires the right to work in the UK.

About the company

WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data and partnerships. It operates through WPP Open and Open Intelligence.