Paid Search Account Director

About WPP Media WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth.  WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working. For more information, visit wppmedia.com [wppmedia.com]. 3048 - Director, Planning, UK Role Summary and Impact EssenceMediacom, part of WPP, is a new breed of media agency. Grounded in analytics & insights and powered by data & technology, we believe in the power of media and creative to drive breakthroughs for the world’s best brands. We help clients understand the modern marketing paradox and discover the breakthroughs brands need to win with their consumers. We are designed for the new communications economy — built on data & technology, built for people & algorithms, built around diverse schools of thought, built to test & learn at scale, and, crucially, built to evolve. The Role: In this role you will work across the EE/BT consumer account, focusing on EE’s brand activity across a variety of products including Mobile, Broadband, TV and Gaming, as well as Masterbrand. Position/Title: Business Director - Brand We’re looking for a highly experienced, smart planner who loves both new ideas and the craft.  EE/BT is one of the biggest advertisers in the UK, so our benchmark is not work that’s merely good enough - it has to be great. Practice Summary: As planners we’re the conductors of the orchestra that is paid [and beyond] media.  We work collaboratively with Strategy and Activation to ensure our approach is fully integrated across POES.  We search for insight and intelligence so that we can build innovative media plans, owning the process and incorporating cross-channel budget allocation, in-flight cross-channel optimisation, reporting and post-campaign analysis. We are our clients’ key contacts for a unified view across all aspects of their campaigns. Position Summary: The Business Director will oversee media campaigns with support from more junior planners and assist the Client Lead in ensuring our work is delivered to the highest quality. They will be responsible for elevating our agency's strategic planning function through a robust, data-first approach. This role is key to integrating advanced analytical capabilities with creative strategic development, ensuring our recommendations are always evidence-based and ahead of the curve. They will demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the overall media landscape and available research, using these to inform and communicate planning recommendations. The Business Director has oversight and responsibility for the day-to-day management of media plans, working to fulfill the client’s media strategy in the context of changing market conditions. They are responsible for ensuring investment is optimal to deliver campaign objectives, via effective planning. Our clients: We work across the EE/BT group.  Although their public faces are very different, the two brands are managed very closely together.  They’re one of the nation’s biggest spenders, and some of our most-loved brands.  They are genuinely important to the nation with their creation and management of the UK’s connectivity networks, and we reflect that importance with how we try to help consumers and give them useful solutions in a modern world. Our team: Team Connect is a very big team that is 100% allocated to EE, BT and Plusnet.  A successful candidate can expect to work on multiple aspects of these brands. This includes broadband, mobile, TV, as well as Masterbrand. This role is purely Brand focused but will involve close collaboration with Performance planners. Skills and Experience:  Essential Functions/Responsibilities * Maintain fantastic relationships with key clients in media and marketing teams. * Ensure the delivery of high-quality response presentations, actionable weekly reporting, insightful post campaign analyses and clear briefs to Activation. * Deliver clear and compelling rationale to support media investment recommendations and to evidence campaign performance versus expected outcomes. * Spearhead the integration of data analytics and insights into the core of our strategic planning processes, ensuring data is used proactively and upfront in all client engagements and internal initiatives. * Accelerate AI adoption and transformation across the team, ensuring we are regularly sharing work and that clients see the tangible benefits of WPP Open. * Take a lead role in developing and presenting best-in-class Strategic Response to Briefs (RTBs). * Support ADs in delivering Media Detail RTBs and in briefing Activation teams. * Work closely with the Head of Strategy & Planning on wider cross-portfolio strategic workstreams. * Oversee and quality assure all deliverables produced by junior team members. * Work with Activation and Analytics in the delivery and measurement of plans. * Take responsibility for the performance of assigned media budgets against intended outcomes. * Be a point of escalation for team issues (within and outside the team). * Contribute to internal thought leadership and team process/workflow enhancement, to increase work quality and efficiency. * Line-manage 3 direct reports (AD, AM, SAE), supporting their career development and driving job satisfaction. Competencies (specific knowledge, skills and abilities) * Advanced knowledge of media landscape, media metric calculations and measurement techniques. * Thorough understanding of industry standard media research tools (ComScore, Touchpoints, TGI, YouGov). * Demonstrable expertise in understanding, interpreting, and applying various data sources (e.g., market research, digital analytics, social listening, econometrics, CRM data, first-party data). * Deep understanding of current market trends, consumer behaviour, and the evolving media landscape. * Superb client relationship and management skills. * Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data and insights into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences. (internal teams, clients, senior leadership). * Highly collaborative, comfortable working cross-functionally with data, analytics, research, and creative teams. * Proven track record of leading, inspiring, and upskilling more junior planners, fostering a culture of curiosity and continuous learning. * Excellent organisational skills, close attention to detail and ability to quality-control work. * Forecast expected outcomes of brand and performance campaigns and manage investment accordingly. * Basic spreadsheet capabilities (VLOOKUP, Pivot Table) are a must. * Superior presentation design skills, in slides or document format. * Ability to adhere to deadlines and project manage multiple campaigns. * Development and maintenance of productive relationships with media owner partners. * Proven problem solving and decision-making skills. * Ability to work independently and to collaborate in a team environment. * Skilled in quantitative reasoning. Management Responsibility * Motivate a team, leading by example while coaching juniors - cultivating a dynamic and inquisitive culture where hypothesis-driven thinking is central to problem-solving. * Provide timely and actionable feedback to aid in team development and improvement. * Monitor and support satisfaction across the team, identifying and implementing ways to maintain or increase satisfaction. * Foster strong working relationships across the team to facilitate flawless execution of plans. * Communicate effectively across all levels of the team, understanding when to escalate issues to leadership. * Calculate the workload implication of new campaigns and feed into resource management. * Provide awareness and recognition for jobs well done. Required Education and Experience * At least six to eight years of experience in a pure planning role. * Demonstrable interest and expertise in planning craft. * Data literate with demonstrable expertise in understanding, interpreting, and applying various data sources. * Mastery of planning/insight tools such as eTelmar, TGI, YouGov, WARC, etc. * Strong experience and interest in dedicated planning tools. * Interest and knowledge of Planning and Media trends and issues. * Proven experience in media at Senior Manager level. Life at WPP Media & Benefits Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.  We Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.  WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.  Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location. Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy [https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy]) for more information on how we process the information you provide.  While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.  #LI-Promoted Please read our Privacy Notice [https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy#:~:text=WPP%20Media%20Privacy%20Notice%20for%20Recruitment] for more information on how we process the information you provide.

About WPP Media WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth.  WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working. For more information, visit wppmedia.com [wppmedia.com]. 3096 - Paid Search Senior Account Executive - UK Role Summary and Impact Wavemaker positively provokes growth for clients by reshaping consumer decision-making and experiences through media, content, and technology. Our name is both our mission and our method. We do our best work for brave brands and people who relish being challenged to go further and faster, together.  About the role As a Paid Search Senior Account Executive, you will be responsible for the execution of paid search activity. You will build strong platform knowledge and supplier relationships, as well as autonomously deliver structured experimentations, accurate media plans & billing, performance optimisation, and reporting & analysis. * Oversee, as appropriate, the performance of more junior team members ensuring that you are checking their work and advising them on the correct course of action as needed. 1. Ensure adherence to the Wavemaker Way for Paid Search on your clients and contribute to the development our products. 2. Making full use of the technology available. Adoption of 3rd and 1st party tools & technology (e.g. Unlock, GroupM Automations Portal etc.). * Support on the day-to-day QA process across activation, minimizing error and risk, and ensuring consistent and accurate adherence to process. 1. 1. Interact effectively within your internal client team, and with the client & suppliers, building solid working relationships and establishing rapport. 2. Ensure that wider client or team deliverables (such as performance commentary and weekly reporting) are prepared, working with other team members on delivery of this information, and ensuring quality of output is maintained. 3. Work with your colleagues in the Global Hub to ensure daily diagnostics and governance is achieved to the highest standards. * Active member of the Paid Search community which includes contributing to internal team meetings, participation in wider GroupM training & events, and more * Performance. 1. Collaborate with and support other team members in the implementation and optimisation of paid search campaigns for clients. 2. Effectively run best practice compliant paid search campaigns; ensuring ongoing and timely optimization is delivered and constantly looking for opportunities to improve performance. 3. Identify gaps in achievement of goals, objectives and/or processes, and work with the line manager to improve performance and drive efficiencies. 4. Spot trends & patterns in data, fix alerts & anomalies before they become a problem. * Responsible for the execution of a ‘fearless growth’ mindset in your team; continually experimenting and driving performance forwards for clients. 1. Take ownership of some of the elements of the testing plan, suggesting new ideas, planning, executing & evaluating tests with methodical accuracy. 2. Make sure that service level agreements are aligned with all relevant stakeholders and that all deadlines are met, with tasks managed through our project management suite. Measures for success in this role will include: no account errors, your accounts never go offline, improved performance and results, completion of tasks & projects on time, client feedback, effective communication, and overall progress of clients against the WM Search Maturity Framework. Skills and Experience We are looking for candidates who are self-starters, want to succeed and have a desire to push the boundaries. Passionate about digital marketing, specifically Paid Search and Cross-Platform campaign formats (e.g. Performance Max, Microsoft Audience Network etc.). Successful candidates will have an analytical mindset coupled with creativity. It’s essential that you have: * Deep Paid Search knowledge and experience, with current dated certifications (Google Ads and Microsoft Ads). * Understanding of bid management and core PPC technology platforms (Google Analytics, GMP platform, SA360, Adobe for example). * Strong Microsoft Office skills which include Excel & PowerPoint. * Experience in Google Data Studio or similar reporting platforms. * Operationally proficient with excellent project management skills. You have a demonstratable ability to manage multiple tasks at once. * You are proactive; our mantra is all about ‘Positive Provocation’. We need people who have the confidence to question the status quo. * You focus on causation, not just the correlation of data & performance. Identify the insight, make it actionable, get it done. * You have immaculate attention to detail. Life at WPP Media & Benefits  Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.   We Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.   WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.  Please note that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country.  Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location  Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy) [https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy] for more information on how we process the information you provide.   While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.   #LI-Promoted    Please read our Privacy Notice [https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy#:~:text=WPP%20Media%20Privacy%20Notice%20for%20Recruitment] for more information on how we process the information you provide.