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.
Paid Search Account Director – 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 Account Director, you will be responsible for the coordination and delivery of your account(s) across paid search campaigns whilst operating as the main campaign point of contact for your clients. The role involves managing several Account Executives and Account Managers, including your team in the Global Hub, who are a core part of your line management.
Using platform knowledge and account management practices, you’ll ensure effective management of projects to brief, schedule and budget. Ultimately, you’ll work to deliver world‑class paid search accounts that exceed client expectations.
- Oversee performance of Account Executives and Account Managers, ensuring quality control.
- Train your team and others across the department to develop knowledge and expertise.
- Lead recruitment and interviewing processes to build strong teams.
- Take responsibility for your UK and Global Hub team’s development and career progression within the agency.
- Lead by example, coach your team and provide constructive feedback.
- Ensure your team adopts, executes, and adheres to Wavemaker Governance and the Wavemaker Way for Paid Search.
- Use 3rd and 1st party tools and technology effectively across your client set.
- Drive process automation through adoption of scripts and efficient ways of working.
- Implement processes and practices that maximise operational efficiencies while identifying opportunities for improvement and providing recommendations.
- Own operations in your team, proactively suggesting ways to resolve and eliminate issues.
- Lead on application and adherence to all paid search activation finance processes.
- Build rapport with clients and suppliers to ensure flawless execution of plans.
- Ensure service level agreements align with relevant stakeholders and all deadlines are met.
- Active member of the Paid Search community, contributing to internal meetings, training, and events.
- Develop strong relationships with clients and key suppliers, leading communications.
- Advising internal and external stakeholders on paid search and industry trends.
- Demonstrate expert knowledge of client industry and competitive environment to create effective solutions.
- Oversee output of your team, both client‑facing and operational.
- Maintain strategic understanding of client business and KPIs; keep up to date with industry news and proactive trend spotting.
- Maintain a forward‑thinking and innovative approach in all paid search activity.
- Direct paid search performance and wider team deliverables.
- Contribute to strategic revenue and service opportunities.
- Execute a fearless growth mindset within your team; continually experiment and drive performance for clients.
Measures for success in this role will include: no account errors, accounts never go offline, improved performance and results, completion of tasks and projects on time, client feedback, effective communication, team development, increased utilisation of the Global Hub, and overall progress of clients against the Wavemaker Way for Paid Search.
Skills and Experience
We are looking for self‑starters who want to succeed and push boundaries. Passion for digital marketing, specifically Paid Search and cross‑platform campaign formats (e.g. Performance Max, Microsoft Audience Network). Successful candidates will have an analytical mindset coupled with creativity.
- Experience line‑managing people, their development and workload; leading hybrid teams across different markets.
- Excellent communication skills and storytelling ability to simplify complex problems.
- Expert Paid Search knowledge with up‑to‑date certifications (Google Ads and Microsoft Ads).
- Proficiency in bid management and core PPC technology platforms (Google Analytics, GMP, SA360, Adobe, etc.).
- Excellent data analysis skills and understanding of strategic and tactical paid search applications.
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Excel and PowerPoint.
- Experience with reporting platforms such as Google Data Studio.
- Operational proficiency and excellent project management; ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Proactive attitude, challenging status quo with positive provocation.
- Impeccable attention to detail.
Life at WPP Media & Benefits
We invest in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. Our culture is built on trust, respect, and inclusive opportunities for progress. Benefits include competitive medical, group retirement, vision, dental, paid time off, partner discounts, and employee mental health 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 a supportive environment.
This is a UK‑based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location.
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