📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Paid Search Manager
🔹 Company: Dentsu
🔹 Location: London, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Advertising Services
🔹 Date Posted: July 16, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing paid search strategies aligned with client goals
- Managing and optimizing Google Ads and Microsoft Ads campaigns
- Overseeing campaign setup, monitoring, reporting, and performance analysis
- Mentoring and managing a small team of Paid Search Executives
- Staying ahead of industry trends and platform updates
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, hands-on campaign management, and team leadership skills. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in paid search, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record in managing teams.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and execute paid search strategies aligned with client goals and objectives
✅ Manage and optimize Google Ads and Microsoft Ads campaigns to maximize performance and ROI
✅ 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
ASSUMPTION: While the role involves managing a small team, the majority of time will be spent on hands-on campaign management and strategy development. The ideal candidate will be comfortable balancing both leadership and execution responsibilities.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: Proven experience managing paid search campaigns across Google Ads and Microsoft Ads in an agency or client-facing setting
Required Skills:
- 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 Skills:
- Experience using SA360 or similar paid search management platforms
- 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
- Exposure to other paid search platforms such as Apple Search Ads, Adobe Advertising, and others
- An adaptable mindset, with the ability to upskill and expand knowledge into new paid search platforms if required by clients
ASSUMPTION: While experience with specific paid search management platforms is preferred, the ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in paid search principles and be eager to learn and adapt to new tools.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £45,000 - £60,000 per annum (Based on industry standards for a Paid Search Manager role in London with 2-5 years of experience)
Benefits:
- 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)
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM with a 30-minute lunch break, Monday to Friday
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Paid Search Manager role in London with 2-5 years of experience. Actual salary may vary based on individual qualifications and company discretion.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Dentsu is a global advertising and marketing services company, operating in the competitive Advertising Services industry. The company is known for its innovative approach to marketing communications, advertising, media planning, and media buying.
Company Size: Dentsu has over 10,000 employees worldwide, providing a large and diverse work environment with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: Dentsu was founded in Tokyo, Japan, in 1901, and has since expanded its operations globally, with a significant presence in London, UK.
Company Description:
- Dentsu is an integrated growth and transformation partner to the world’s leading organizations, delivering 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.
- The company empowers world-class brands to maximize paid search impact using AI-driven automation, advanced audience targeting, and data-led insights.
- Dentsu fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, valuing diverse perspectives and supporting the growth and development of its employees.
Company Specialties:
- Marketing communications
- Advertising
- Media planning
- Media buying
- People-Based Marketing
- Creative
- Innovation
- Data and Technology
Company Website: Dentsu UK
ASSUMPTION: Dentsu's global presence and diverse client base offer unique opportunities for career growth and exposure to various industries and markets.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for a mid-level professional with 2-5 years of experience in paid search management, seeking to develop their leadership and strategic skills.
Reporting Structure: The Paid Search Manager will report directly to the Paid Search Director and will oversee a small team of Paid Search Executives.
Work Arrangement: This role operates on a hybrid work arrangement, with a mix of on-site and remote work. Employees can expect to work from the London office for a few days a week, with the remainder of the time spent working remotely.
Growth Opportunities:
- Structured progression pathways with mentoring and leadership training
- High-impact work on large, performance-driven campaigns
- Access to AI-powered automation, industry-recognised certifications, and professional development resources
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and growth opportunities make this role an attractive option for candidates seeking a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, as well as those looking to develop their leadership and strategic skills.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Dentsu's London office is located in the heart of the city, offering a modern and collaborative work environment.
Office Location(s): 10 Triton Street, Regents Place, London, NW1 3BF, UK
Geographic Context:
- London is a major global city with a vibrant culture, diverse communities, and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- The city is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy for employees to commute to and from the office.
- London offers a wide range of entertainment, dining, and leisure options, providing employees with numerous opportunities to explore the city both during and after work hours.
Work Schedule: The typical work schedule for this role is Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM with a 30-minute lunch break. However, employees may be required to work additional hours as needed to meet project deadlines or client needs.
ASSUMPTION: The central London location and modern office environment provide an ideal setting for collaboration and creativity, while the city's vibrant culture and ample entertainment options offer employees a high quality of life.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the HR team
- In-depth interview with the Paid Search Director and a member of the HR team
- Final interview with the Head of Paid Search or another senior leader
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Paid search knowledge and experience
- Leadership and team management skills
- Communication and strategic insight
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Dentsu's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant paid search experience and skills
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Research Dentsu's company culture and values to demonstrate your cultural fit and alignment
ATS Keywords: Paid Search, Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Campaign Management, Analytics, Leadership, Team Management, Communication, Strategic Insight, Performance Analysis, Bidding Strategies, Data-Driven Decision Making, Mentoring, Collaboration, AI-Driven Innovations, PPC Management, Google Analytics
ASSUMPTION: The interview process is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, leadership potential, and cultural fit, with a focus on behavioral-based questions and practical scenarios.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Google Ads
- Microsoft Ads
- SA360 (or similar paid search management platforms)
- Google Analytics
- Google Tag Manager
- Data attribution models
- AI-driven bidding strategies and automation tools
ASSUMPTION: While experience with specific paid search management platforms is preferred, the ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in paid search principles and be eager to learn and adapt to new tools.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Collaboration
- Creativity
- Integrity
- Innovation
- Respect
- Stewardship
Work Style:
- Collaborative and inclusive
- Data-driven and insight-led
- Agile and adaptable
- Committed to continuous learning and improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a collaborative and inclusive work environment?
- Are you comfortable working with data and using it to drive decision-making?
- Can you adapt to new tools and technologies as needed?
- Are you committed to continuous learning and improvement?
ASSUMPTION: Dentsu values a diverse and inclusive work environment, and candidates who can demonstrate their alignment with the company's values and work style will be well-positioned for success.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a small team while also being responsible for hands-on campaign management may require strong time management and prioritization skills
- Keeping up-to-date with industry trends, platform updates, and AI-driven innovations in paid search can be challenging and may require ongoing professional development
- The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges in terms of communication and collaboration, particularly for those who are less comfortable with remote work
- London's competitive job market and high cost of living may present challenges for some candidates
ASSUMPTION: While these challenges exist, Dentsu's supportive work environment, comprehensive benefits package, and commitment to employee growth and development help to mitigate many of the potential challenges associated with this role.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other paid search management roles, this position offers a unique blend of strategic leadership, hands-on campaign management, and team mentoring responsibilities
- Dentsu's global presence and diverse client base provide unique opportunities for career growth and exposure to various industries and markets
- This role is well-suited to candidates seeking to develop their leadership and strategic skills, with a strong foundation in paid search principles and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement
ASSUMPTION: While there may be other paid search management roles available, the unique blend of responsibilities and opportunities for growth make this role an attractive option for the right candidate.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a paid search strategy for a large e-commerce client, with a focus on maximizing ROI and driving online sales
- Managing and optimizing a multilingual PPC account for a global technology brand, with a focus on expanding market share in key international markets
- Conducting a comprehensive performance analysis of a client's paid search campaigns, and developing data-driven recommendations for optimization and improvement
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities for growth available in this role, from strategic planning and execution to hands-on campaign management and performance analysis.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workday for a Paid Search Manager in this role?
- How does the team collaborate and communicate in a hybrid work environment?
- What opportunities are available for professional development and growth within the Paid Search team and Dentsu more broadly?
- How does Dentsu support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the company's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how does this manifest in the day-to-day work environment?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions are designed to provide insight into the day-to-day work environment, opportunities for growth and development, and the company's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Dentsu careers portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant paid search experience and skills, with a focus on leadership, communication, and strategic insight
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as your cultural fit and alignment with Dentsu's values
- Research Dentsu's company culture and values to demonstrate your cultural fit and alignment
- Follow up with the HR team one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
