📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Paid Social Business Director
🔹 Company: Omnicom Media Group UK
🔹 Location: London
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Advertising Services
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-05-14
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading the paid social relationship with senior stakeholders at John Lewis
- Overseeing paid social strategy across brand and performance objectives
- Managing and mentoring a team of paid social specialists
- Driving innovation through platform partnerships and test-and-learn programs
- Optimizing performance against KPIs and identifying growth opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of paid social platforms and retail environments.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the paid social relationship with senior stakeholders at John Lewis, becoming a trusted advisor and strategic lead
✅ Oversee and guide paid social strategy across brand and performance objectives
✅ Manage and mentor the Account Director and wider team, ensuring strong delivery and continuous development
✅ Drive innovation through platform partnerships and test-and-learn programmes
✅ Monitor and optimise performance against KPIs, ensuring activity is commercially effective and aligned to wider business goals
✅ Identify opportunities for account growth, from strategic upsell to operational improvements
✅ Ensure seamless integration with wider media planning, creative, and analytics teams
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of client interaction, strategic planning, and team management. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field
Experience: 10+ years of experience in paid social, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
Required Skills:
- Expertise in paid social platforms (Meta, Pinterest, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, etc.)
- Strong understanding of retail and e-commerce environments
- Proven leadership and mentoring skills
- Excellent communication and client management skills
- Strong commercial acumen and strategic planning abilities
- Comfortable with data and able to interpret insights to inform direction
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with senior stakeholders in a retail environment
- Familiarity with platform partners and test-and-learn programs
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a proven track record in paid social, with experience managing teams and working with senior stakeholders.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £80,000 - £120,000 per annum (based on industry standards for a Business Director role in London)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- Training and development opportunities
- Flexible working arrangements
Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Business Director role in London. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Founded: 1990 (as Manning Gottlieb Media, joined Omnicom network in 1998)
Company Description:
- MG OMD is the second-largest media agency in the UK
- Named Agency of the Year in multiple awards, including The Media Leader UK awards, Campaign Global awards, and Campaign UK awards
- Works with leading brands such as John Lewis, Virgin Media O2, British Airways, and Specsavers
Company Specialties:
- Media planning and buying
- Digital advertising
- Econometrics and investment planning
- Data analysis and media targeting
- Branded content and sponsorship
- Direct response advertising
- Consumer insight
- Search, social media, and mobile advertising
- Video on demand (VOD) and sports marketing
- Barter and ethnic marketing
Company Website: https://www.omnicommediagroup.com/category/news/united-kingdom/
ASSUMPTION: Omnicom Media Group UK is a well-established agency with a strong reputation in the advertising industry. It offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities for professional development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior leadership role, reporting directly to the Head of Social
Reporting Structure: Oversees the full paid social team, including Account Director, Managers, and Executives
Work Arrangement: On-site, with flexibility for remote work
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow the paid social team and expand the account
- Opportunities to work on new platforms and emerging technologies
- Progression to a more senior role within the agency or the wider Omnicom Media Group
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential, both in terms of team expansion and personal career development.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space
Office Location(s): Bankside 2, 90-100 Southwark Street, London, SE1 0SW, GB
Geographic Context:
- London is a major global city with a thriving advertising industry
- Central London location with excellent transport links
- Vibrant cultural scene and diverse communities
Work Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The office is located in a central London location, with excellent transport links and a vibrant cultural scene.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and CV screening
- Phone or video call with the Talent Team
- Face-to-face interview with the Head of Social and a member of the Talent Team
- Final interview with the Managing Director
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Client management and communication skills
- Commercial acumen and strategic planning
- Technical expertise in paid social platforms
Application Tips:
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Prepare examples of your previous work and achievements in paid social
- Research the company and the John Lewis account to demonstrate your understanding of the role
ATS Keywords: Paid Social, Business Director, John Lewis, Retail, E-commerce, Leadership, Client Management, Strategic Planning, Data Analysis, Innovation, Team Development, Performance Optimization, Communication, Commercial Acumen
ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership skills, and technical expertise in paid social.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Paid social platforms (Meta, Pinterest, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, etc.)
- Data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Collaboration and communication tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace)
ASSUMPTION: The role requires proficiency in paid social platforms and data analysis tools, as well as strong communication and collaboration skills.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Innovation and continuous learning
- Integrity and accountability
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Focus on results and delivery
- Strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
- Are you comfortable working with senior stakeholders and managing a team?
- Do you have a strong understanding of retail and e-commerce environments?
- Are you comfortable with data and able to interpret insights to inform direction?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have strong leadership and communication skills.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a large team and high client expectations
- Keeping up with the latest trends and developments in paid social
- Balancing strategic planning with day-to-day delivery
- Working with senior stakeholders and managing client relationships
ASSUMPTION: This role presents significant challenges, including managing a large team, keeping up with industry trends, and balancing strategic planning with day-to-day delivery.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on the paid social account for John Lewis, one of the UK's most iconic retail brands
- Compared to other Business Director roles, this position offers a high level of responsibility and growth potential
- Career progression could lead to more senior roles within the agency or the wider Omnicom Media Group
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to lead the paid social account for a major retail brand and drive significant growth and innovation.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic paid social campaign for a major retail event
- Optimizing performance and reducing cost-per-acquisition for an e-commerce platform
- Launching a new product line and driving awareness through paid social channels
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic and tactical aspects of the role, as well as the opportunity to drive significant results for the client.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
- How does this role fit into the broader strategic direction of the John Lewis account?
- What opportunities are there for growth and development within the team and the agency?
- How does the agency support work-life balance for its employees?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working with senior stakeholders at John Lewis?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions will help candidates better understand 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 CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Prepare examples of your previous work and achievements in paid social
- Research the company and the John Lewis account to demonstrate your understanding of the role
- Follow up with the Talent Team one week after submission to confirm receipt of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
