Director, Paid Social

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director, Paid Social

🔹 Company: GroupM

🔹 Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (4 days in office)

🔹 Category: Advertising Services

🔹 Date Posted: May 30, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Los Angeles)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and managing effective delivery strategies for clients' business objectives
• Improving processes to streamline operations and maximize team output
• Providing stewardship and advising on all paid social matters
• Overseeing the work of other GroupM disciplines and industry groups
• Serving as the key client contact and synthesizing information related to opportunities and risks

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and experience in managing teams and client relationships.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Formulate paid social strategies for clients, ensuring recommendations and decisions are consistent, imaginative, and deliver results

✅ Synthesize information and build capacity and capability in joined-up marketing

✅ Assume a lead role in building and integrating social efforts, ensuring tight alignment with the business strategy

✅ Investigate new opportunities from a broad perspective to determine opportunities to expand the advisory offering

✅ Direct and coach talented team members, constructively evaluating team performance and providing feedback

✅ Oversee the work of other GroupM disciplines, industry groups, and media partners; assist with integration of other client and GroupM agencies

✅ As the key client contact, synthesize information related to opportunities and risks to the senior management team

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of client interaction, strategic planning, and team management.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Analytics, Marketing, Communications, Advertising, or equivalent professional work experience

Experience: 7+ years of experience planning/buying across all social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok, etc.)

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to think strategically and drive solid results to grow the business
• Prior experience managing a team, demonstrating the ability to train and grow junior members and serve as a reliable mentor
• Ability to interact with people at all levels of an organization, fostering strong cross-functional teamwork
• Exhibit passion through appropriate participation in team, agency, and industry initiatives

Preferred Skills:

• Fortune 100 client-facing strategic experience

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in paid social strategies, team management, and client relationship management are ideal for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $230,000 per year (USD)

Benefits:

• Medical, Group Retirement Plans, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Significant Paid Time Off
• Preferential Partner Discounts
• Employee Mental Health Awareness Days

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement (4 days in office)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for a Director-level role in the advertising industry in Los Angeles.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services

Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Global)

Founded: 1924 (as a part of WPP)

Company Description:

• GroupM is WPP’s global media investment group, responsible for managing media investment for WPP’s clients across the globe
• GroupM agencies include Mindshare, MediaCom, Wavemaker, EssenceMediacom, and m/SIX
• GroupM is committed to providing a culture of respect, where everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers

Company Specialties:

• Media Planning and Buying
• Data-Driven Marketing
• Creative Technology
• Analytics and Insights

Company Website: groupm.com

ASSUMPTION: GroupM is a large, global organization with a strong focus on data-driven marketing and media investment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Director (Mid-level management)

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Paid Social and oversees a team of paid social specialists and managers

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (4 days in office, 3 days remote)

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance to a senior leadership role within the paid social team or broader media investment group
• Opportunities to work on high-profile, global clients and collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Access to professional development and training opportunities through WPP’s global learning platform

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (4 days in office, 3 days remote)

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California

Geographic Context:

• Los Angeles is a major hub for the advertising and entertainment industries
• The office is located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, offering easy access to public transportation and various amenities
• The city offers a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and culinary experiences

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement (4 days in office)

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a good balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the HR team
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with the Head of Paid Social

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Client management and communication skills
• Team management and leadership skills
• Industry knowledge and expertise in paid social strategies

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience in paid social strategies, team management, and client relationship management
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize skills and experiences that match the required qualifications
• Prepare examples of successful paid social campaigns you’ve managed and the results you achieved

ATS Keywords: Paid Social, Strategy, Client Management, Team Leadership, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Advertising, Marketing, Social Media, Media Planning, Media Buying

ASSUMPTION: GroupM uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen resumes, so including relevant keywords will increase the chances of your application being reviewed.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok, etc.)
• Media planning and buying software (e.g., MediaMind, DoubleClick, etc.)
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau, etc.)
• Project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, etc.)

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in using relevant media planning, buying, and data analysis tools is essential for this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity
• Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust
• Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Data-driven and strategic
• Adaptable and open to feedback

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment?
• Are you comfortable managing client relationships and providing strategic guidance?
• Do you have experience managing and developing team members?

ASSUMPTION: GroupM values candidates who align with their core values and work style preferences.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing client expectations and communication throughout the engagement
• Balancing the needs of multiple clients and projects simultaneously
• Keeping up with the rapidly evolving social media landscape and platform updates
• Adapting to a hybrid work environment and maintaining strong team dynamics remotely

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, effective communication, and a proactive approach to staying informed about industry trends.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other Director-level roles in paid social, this role places a stronger emphasis on team management and client relationship management
• In the broader advertising industry, this role is similar to a Director of Paid Media or Director of Social Media, with a focus on paid social strategies
• Career progression in this role could lead to senior leadership positions within the paid social team or broader media investment group

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic, management, and client-facing responsibilities within the paid social discipline.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a paid social strategy for a Fortune 100 client to increase brand awareness and drive conversions
• Managing a team of paid social specialists and managers to deliver exceptional results for multiple clients simultaneously
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate paid social efforts into broader marketing campaigns and ensure alignment with business objectives

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, management, and collaborative aspects of the role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics, and how this role fits within the broader organization?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does GroupM support the growth and development of its employees, particularly in this role?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how have previous incumbents succeeded in overcoming them?
• How does GroupM foster a culture of respect and inclusion, and what initiatives are in place to support diversity, equity, and inclusion?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate your interest in the role, the team, and the company culture.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in paid social strategies, team management, and client relationship management
• Prepare examples of successful paid social campaigns you’ve managed and the results you achieved
• Follow up with the hiring team one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.