Paid Search Manager
Location: Claygate, Surrey
Working pattern: Hybrid / flexible for remote working
Employment type: Full-time
About the Agency
Our client is a specialist boutique marketing agency working primarily within the higher education and graduate management education sector. The agency supports universities and education providers with international student recruitment, brand awareness and performance marketing campaigns across global markets.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced Paid Search Manager to take ownership of planning, managing and optimising paid search campaigns across a portfolio of clients. The role is heavily focused on PPC, primarily across Google Ads and Microsoft Ads, with some exposure to Paid Social channels including LinkedIn and Meta.
You will work closely with Account Directors and directly with clients, providing strategic recommendations, reporting on performance and ensuring campaigns are delivered accurately, efficiently and within budget.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, build, manage and optimise Paid Search campaigns across Google Ads, Microsoft Ads and other relevant platforms.
- Develop data-led PPC strategies aligned with client objectives, KPIs and performance targets.
- Manage budgets, pacing, bidding strategies, targeting, ad copy and landing page alignment.
- Analyse campaign performance and identify opportunities for growth and optimisation.
- Build and maintain reporting using tools such as Looker Studio.
- Present performance insights, recommendations and strategic updates directly to clients.
- Manage multiple accounts and campaigns simultaneously.
- Support Paid Social campaign activation across LinkedIn and Meta where required.
- Work closely with internal account teams to deliver integrated client strategies.
- Contribute Paid Search expertise to pitches and new business opportunities.
- Stay up to date with developments across Paid Search, AI Search, automation and the wider digital advertising landscape.
Requirements
- Strong agency-side Paid Search / PPC experience.
- Hands-on expertise across Google Ads and Microsoft Ads.
- Strong working knowledge of GA4.
- Experience using Looker Studio for reporting and analysis.
- Advanced Excel or Google Sheets skills.
- Strong understanding of campaign optimisation, bidding, budget management and performance analysis.
- Comfortable working directly with clients and presenting recommendations.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience managing multiple client accounts simultaneously.
- Exposure to Paid Social across Meta and LinkedIn would be beneficial.
- Google Ads certification preferred.
- Interest in AI, automation and the evolving Search landscape.
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Clear progression opportunities.
- Flexible hybrid working.
- 25-30 days annual leave plus public holidays and an additional celebration day.
- Pension scheme.
- Professional development and training.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Season ticket loan / free parking.
- Regular team socials.
Sphere Digital Recruitment currently have a variety of job opportunities across digital so feel free to get in touch with us to find out how we can help you. Please take a look at our website.
Sphere is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications regardless of ethnic origin, race, religious beliefs, age, disability, gender or sexual orientation, and any other protected status as required by applicable law.
If you require any adjustments or additional support during the recruitment process for any reason whatsoever, please let us know.
