Paid Search Manager

dentsu • Full-time • City of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom • 3w ago

Job Description:

At dentsu, we’re shaping the future of performance marketing. We empower world-class brands to maximise paid search impact using AI-driven automation, advanced audience targeting, and data-led insights.

Are you skilled in Google Ads and Microsoft Ads, with a strong understanding of performance-driven campaigns? Do you thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment? If so, this role could be the perfect fit.

As a Paid Search Manager, you will be responsible for executing and optimising paid search campaigns while developing your skills in strategy and leadership. You’ll work closely with clients and internal teams to deliver outstanding results. You will also manage and mentor a small team of Paid Search Executives.

This role provides a structured pathway to senior leadership through mentorship and training programs.

Why Join Us?

Career Development - Structured progression pathways with mentoring and leadership training.
High-Impact Work - Work on large, performance-driven campaigns with real impact.
Cutting-Edge Tools - Access to AI-powered automation, industry-recognised certifications, and professional development resources.
Flexible Work Environment - Hybrid working model for better work-life balance.
Supportive & Inclusive Culture - A collaborative environment that values diverse perspectives.
Expert-Led Growth - Collaborate with and learn from experienced paid search professionals.

Dentsu is an integrated growth and transformation partner to the world’s leading organizations. Founded in 1901 in Tokyo, Japan, and now present in over 145 countries and regions, it has a proven track record of nurturing and developing innovations, combining the talents of its global network of leadership brands to develop impactful and integrated growth solutions for clients. Dentsu delivers end-to-end experience transformation (EX) by integrating its services across Media, CXM and Creative, while its business transformation (BX) mindset pushes the boundaries of transformation and sustainable growth for brands, people and society.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute paid search strategies aligned with client goals and objectives.
Manage and optimise Google Ads and Microsoft Ads to maximise performance and return on investment.
Oversee all aspects of campaign setup, optimisation, monitoring, reporting, and performance analysis.
Work closely with Paid Search Directors and internal teams to refine paid search strategies and best practices.
Support the growth of Paid Search Executives by sharing expertise and best practices.
Represent the team in external and internal client meetings.
Stay ahead of industry trends, platform updates, and AI-driven innovations in paid search.

Minimum Requirements

Campaign Management & Analytics - Proven experience managing paid search campaigns across Google Ads and Microsoft Ads in an agency or client-facing setting, with a strong grasp of paid search principles, bidding strategies, and campaign optimisation supported by robust performance analysis and data-driven decision-making.
Leadership & Team Management - Demonstrated direct line management experience, including mentoring and workload management for at least two team members, coupled with a passion for continuous learning and leadership development.
Communication & Strategic Insight - Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with clients and internal teams, and to translate campaign performance metrics into actionable strategic recommendations.

Preferred Requirements

Experience using SA360 or similar paid search management platforms is highly desirable, though not essential, we will provide training for the right candidate.
Experience managing international search campaigns or multilingual PPC accounts.
Familiarity with advanced tools and formats such as Performance Max, feed-based advertising, AI-driven bidding strategies, automation tools, and SA360 Smart Bidding.
Proficiency in Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, or data attribution models, with a proven ability to train and upskill junior team members.
Exposure to other paid search platforms such as Apple Search Ads, Adobe Advertising, and others - while not essential, experience with these can be advantageous.
An adaptable mindset, with the ability to upskill and expand knowledge into new paid search platforms if required by clients.

What we Offer

Dentsu UKI offers a range of benefits to support you through all stages of your career with us. These include:

Private Medical Insurance and Dental Cover
25 days Annual Leave + Birthday Off
Wellness and Volunteer Days
Life Assurance and Critical Illness Cover
Pension scheme and financial education support
Cycle to Work, EV Car Scheme, Season Ticket Loans
Hybrid working options (role-dependent)

Inclusion and Diversity

At Dentsu, we embrace diversity and inclusion, valuing the unique perspectives and contributions of every individual. We believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation, benefiting our employees, partners, and communities.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic. Beyond recruitment, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.

We recognise the importance of work-life balance and are open to discussing flexible working arrangements for all roles. If you need reasonable adjustments due to a disability or medical condition during our recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected], quoting the reference number of the role that you are applying for. Your needs will be handled with respect and confidentiality to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience.

#LI-Hybrid

Location:

Edinburgh

Brand:

Dentsu Media

Time Type:

Full time

Contract Type:

Permanent