Senior Account Executive, Strategic Brands

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]. 2974 - PAID SEARCH SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE - GCS ROLE SUMMARY AND IMPACT  Mindshare delivers Good Growth for its clients. As “Growth Architects," we drive growth that benefits all stakeholders — better for people, planet, and business — by using media with intention. This approach creates more meaningful connections with consumers, increases consumer trust in the brand, and delivers better outcomes for all stakeholders.  THE ROLE The role exists within Mindshare Channels & Solutions to support a growing team Paid Search specialist team. We are looking for an experienced Paid Search Senior Account Executive who will play an instrumental role in further developing our offering by taking ownership of the ongoing client engagement, managing a team of Paid Search AEs and support the Account Director to implement the strategic vision of the account and team. In this role, you will also work closely with other sister agencies in the network, creative agencies, data teams, PR etc.    RESPONSIBILITIES Delivering client performance  * Work with digital platforms like Google SA360, Google Ads, Bing Ads to run best practice compliant Paid Search campaigns. And the opportunity to run ads across other platforms.  * Competently create media plans designed to achieve specified KPIs * Understand how digital media can be measured and tracked using third party technology, such as Double-click Campaign Manager and Google Analytics.   * Navigate and implement advanced features within native and 3rd part digital management platforms (I.e. automation, bid rules, audience expansions/creation, and feed integration)  * Identify and implement testing approaches to improve campaign performance against KPIs  * Carry out regular account optimization in order to improve performance against KPIs  * Complete client reporting and analyze campaign results extracting insight in order to provide recommendations for future activity  * Contribute to regular client meetings; preparing and presenting performance detail and account action updates  * Effectively manage your workload, and submit deliverables to your Account Manager within deadlines  Inspiring our people * Effectively communicate with your Manager, client team and client contacts regarding deadlines and delivery of work  * Train Grads and Executives on how to effectively and efficiently build Paid Search campaigns and applying best practices for managing Paid Search activity  * Support the Account Executive with tasks, providing guidance where needed  Driving our process * Complete the Mindshare finance process for all clients  * Carry out regular campaign and budget management checks  * Support Account Executives in following all Mindshare processes  Skills and Experience The candidate will report to the Paid Search Account Manager. Working within the Paid Search team, they will be integral to achieving client goals, and the development and optimisation of Paid Search activity as part of integrated multi-channel campaigns. The ideal candidate will have proven experience of successfully planning, executing and optimising Paid Search campaigns. They will need to demonstrate knowledge of native platform suppliers and 3rd party providers, as well as developing an understanding of their available products and services. ESSENTIAL CRITERIA * Experience setting up and optimising campaigns within Google, Bing via SA360/Marin/Kenshoo, etc.  * Experience using custom audiences and automation to enhance Paid Search strategy and performance  * Analytically minded with an aptitude for handling large data sets in order to identify trends and actionable insights  * Strong understanding of Paid Search best practices around for example buying strategies, formats, and audiences  * Understanding of measurement capabilities via the native platforms and 3rd party tools  * Intermediate experience using Excel and PowerPoint (Charts and graphs, pivot tables)  * Proactive approach to expanding knowledge and capabilities  * Attention to detail   * Able to communicate effectively and work as part of a wider, cross-channel team  * Programming or coding knowledge is not mandatory, but is advantageous  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.

Senior Account Executive will be reporting to the Director of Northern Europe, you will own and shape Smartly's Retail & Finance strategy across the UK market. This is more than a new business role - the Senior Account Executive will become the face of Smartly within the UK Retail & Finance industry, leveraging your executive network and market expertise to establish Smartly as the partner of choice for leading Finance & retailers. While Retail & Finance is the clear primary focus, experience and relationships within Financial Services and Automotive will be highly valued, enabling you to identify opportunities across adjacent enterprise verticals. The Senior Account Executive be empowered to operate with a high degree of autonomy while partnering closely with Product, Solution Consulting, Onboarding, Customer Success, Marketing, and Leadership to deliver exceptional customer outcomes. ABOUT SMARTLY Smartly is the AI-powered advertising technology company transforming how brands create, manage, and optimize digital advertising. Our platform unifies media, creative, and intelligence to help the world's leading brands achieve exceptional business outcomes across today's largest digital channels. We're looking for an exceptional Senior Account Executive to become Smartly's Retail & Finance Industry Lead in the UK—a highly strategic role responsible for accelerating our growth within one of our most important verticals. WHAT YOU'LL DO * Lead Smartly's go-to-market strategy for the UK Retail & Finance sector, building our presence and reputation across enterprise Finance & retailers. * Develop and execute a strategic territory plan focused on acquiring and growing relationships with leading UK Retail & Finance brands. * Leverage an established network of senior decision-makers across Retail & Finance , with additional relationships in Financial Services and Automotive viewed as a significant advantage. * Build trusted relationships with C-level executives and senior leaders across Marketing, Digital, Finance , Media, and Technology. * Lead complex, consultative sales engagements from prospecting through negotiation and close. * Work seamlessly with cross-functional teams—including Product, Solution Consultants, Onboarding, and Customer Success—to ensure customers realise value throughout their journey. * Represent Smartly at industry events and become a recognised voice within the UK Retail & Finance ecosystem. * Deliver accurate forecasting and maintain a healthy pipeline across strategic enterprise accounts. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR REQUIRED * Significant experience driving enterprise sales and strategic customer growth within the UK market. * A well-established network of senior relationships across leading UK Retail &/or Finance organisations. * Experience gained within a high-growth SaaS company, advertising technology or marketing technology business, or at a leading digital or social media platform (such as Meta, TikTok, Snap, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google, or similar) * Demonstrated success navigating complex enterprise buying cycles and engaging executive stakeholders. * A highly autonomous, self-directed approach, with the ability to build pipeline and execute independently. * Exceptional collaboration skills, with a proven track record of partnering cross-functionally across Sales, Product, Solutions Consulting, Onboarding, and Customer Success. * Outstanding commercial acumen, executive presence, and consultative selling skills. PREFERRED * Additional experience or executive relationships within the Financial Services and/or Automotive sectors * Strong understanding of digital advertising, commerce, retail media, and the evolving AI-driven marketing landscape. SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE You are recognised as a trusted advisor within the Retail & Finance industry and bring credibility with senior decision-makers across the UK's largest brands. You thrive in an entrepreneurial environment where you have the freedom to shape strategy, build executive relationships, and influence outcomes. Equally comfortable working independently and collaborating across functions, you'll help position Smartly as the leading AI-powered advertising platform for UK Finance & retailers while unlocking growth opportunities across complementary sectors such as Financial Services and Automotive. ABOUT SMARTLY Smartly is the AI-powered advertising technology company transforming ad experiences for brands and their consumers. Our comprehensive advertising platform seamlessly integrates the capabilities of media, creative, and intelligence to power more than 800 billion impressions and generate more than 300 billion creatives annually, delivering tangible business outcomes for brands and advertisers. Smartly is the only company in the industry recognized as a Leader in The Forrester Wave: Creative Advertising Technologies with PwC validating the results it delivers for brands. We manage creative and media for 700+ brands worldwide and $6B in ad spend across the largest media platforms, including Facebook, Google, Instagram, Pinterest, Snap, and TikTok. Our end-to-end technology, unmatched access to media platforms and exceptional customer service help Fortune 500 brands to reach and engage consumers and learn what performs best.Smartly is a multinational and diverse team of 750+ Smartlies from 60+ nationalities, working in 13 countries. Together, we want to create and maintain an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and heard. Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion approach is at the heart of it. Visit Smartly to learn more. The processing of your information is described in our Candidate Privacy Notice.