Account Director, Paid Search

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 nected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.

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.

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.

Making use of 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 which exceed client’s expectations.

• Oversee, as appropriate, the performance of Account Executives and Account Managers in your team ensuring that you are quality controlling work.
• Train your team and others across the department. Make sure we continue to develop the department's knowledge & expertise.
• Play an active role in recruitment and interviewing processes to build strong teams. This will involve leading interviews, making staffing decisions and acting as an ambassador for the team to potential candidates.
• Take responsibility for your UK and Global Hub team’s development and career progression within the agency. Leading by example to motivate and encourage.
• Motivational people manager leading by example and coaching your team. Provide constructive feedback at every appropriate opportunity.
• You are accountable for your team’s adoption, execution and adherence to Wavemaker Governance and the Wavemaker Way for Paid Search across your clients.
  • Use 3rd and 1st party tools and tech effectively across your client set.
• Helping to drive process automation through adoption of scripts and efficient ways of working.
• Making full use of the technology available, implementing processes and practices that maximize operational efficiencies whilst identifying opportunities for process improvement, and providing recommendations.
• Takes ownership of operations in your team, proactively suggesting ways to resolve and eliminate issues from happening.
• Lead on application and adherence to all areas of paid search activation finance processes.
• Foster a good working relationship across all clients & suppliers to direct flawless execution of plans. Builds rapport and become a trusted advisor representing the agency.
• 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.
• Active member of the Paid Search community which includes contributing to internal team meetings, participation in wider GroupM training & events, and more.
• Develop strong relationships with your client and key suppliers, leading team communications with these stakeholders. Be able to communicate with clients on subjects outside your remit and provide them with useful insight.
• Advise internal and external stakeholders around paid search and industry trends, displaying a deep knowledge and also how it impacts client’s businesses.
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of and monitors the client’s industry and competitive environment to create effective solutions.
• Responsibility for the output of your team (UK-based and Global Hub), both client facing and operational.
• Strategic understanding of the client’s…