📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Paid Social Director & AI Lead
🔹 Company: Dentsu
🔹 Location: Stafford, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Advertising Services
🔹 Date Posted: May 28, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and leading best-in-class strategies for Paid Social activities
- Managing and growing client relationships
- Leading AI exploration and innovation initiatives
- Managing and developing direct reports
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of both Paid Social and AI technologies.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and evangelize overall strategy and approach to Paid Social channels
✅ Ensure best practice and innovation in all Paid Social activities
✅ Manage and maintain client relationships, serving as the main point of escalation
✅ Manage and grow multiple, large or complex client accounts
✅ Manage and develop direct reports, ensuring complete team development
✅ Conduct forecasting for annual and monthly budgets, growing account profitability
✅ Contribute to new business development when required
✅ Identify and evaluate AI tools and platforms relevant to paid social, creative automation, audience segmentation, and performance forecasting
✅ Lead pilot programs and proof-of-concept initiatives to test AI applications in real-world client scenarios
✅ Translate AI capabilities into actionable strategies and services for clients, driving measurable business outcomes
✅ Partner with internal stakeholders to integrate AI into marketing workflows
✅ Educate clients and internal teams on the evolving AI landscape and its implications for digital marketing
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on management, and innovative problem-solving, with a strong focus on both Paid Social and AI technologies.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field
Experience: Proven experience (5-10 years) in Paid Social and AI, with a strong track record in client management and team leadership
Required Skills:
- Expertise in Paid Social platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.)
- Proven experience in AI exploration and integration
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Proven ability to manage complex client accounts and grow profitability
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Familiarity with data analysis tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau, etc.)
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in a similar role within an advertising agency
- Fluency in multiple languages
- Knowledge of marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a unique blend of Paid Social and AI expertise, with a strong focus on client management and team leadership.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £60,000 - £80,000 per annum (Based on industry standards for a role of this level in the UK)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
- Dynamic and collaborative work environment
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with flexibility for project needs
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level in the UK. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience and performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Dentsu is a global advertising and marketing communications company, operating in the competitive advertising services industry.
Company Size: Dentsu is a large organization with over 10,000 employees worldwide, offering extensive resources and opportunities for growth.
Founded: Dentsu was founded in 1901 and has since grown into a global leader in its industry.
Company Description:
- Dentsu is a full-service advertising agency, offering a wide range of services including media planning and buying, creative, innovation, data, and technology.
- The company is known for its collaborative and innovative approach to marketing, helping brands connect with consumers in meaningful ways.
- Dentsu is committed to sustainable business practices and helping brands thrive in the sustainable economy.
Company Specialties:
- Marketing communications
- Advertising
- Media planning and buying
- People-Based Marketing
- Creative
- Innovation
- Data and technology
Company Website: https://www.dentsu.com/
ASSUMPTION: Dentsu's large size and global presence offer applicants extensive opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring a high level of expertise and experience in both Paid Social and AI.
Reporting Structure: The Paid Social Director & AI Lead will report directly to the Head of Paid Social and may have team members reporting to them.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with a requirement to be present in the Stafford office. However, some flexibility may be available for remote work, depending on the specific needs of the role and the team.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a more senior role within the Paid Social or AI teams
- Expansion into other areas of the business, such as strategy, data, or technology
- Opportunities to work on high-profile, global clients and campaigns
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within Dentsu's extensive global network.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The Stafford office is a modern, collaborative workspace, designed to foster creativity and innovation.
Office Location(s): Stafford, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Geographic Context:
- Stafford is located in the West Midlands region of the UK, with easy access to major transportation links.
- The area offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with a range of cultural, leisure, and recreational activities available.
- Stafford is home to a diverse and multicultural community, providing a vibrant and dynamic work environment.
Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with flexibility for project needs. Some evening and weekend work may be required to meet client deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The Stafford office offers a modern and collaborative work environment, with easy access to major transportation links and a diverse range of cultural and recreational activities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call with the HR team
- First-round interview with the hiring manager
- Second-round interview with senior team members
- Final interview with the Head of Paid Social
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Expertise in Paid Social and AI technologies
- Leadership and team management skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Client management and relationship-building skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills in Paid Social and AI.
- Prepare examples of your past work and achievements in these areas to discuss during the interview.
- Research Dentsu and the role thoroughly, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and values.
ATS Keywords: Paid Social, AI, Client Management, Team Leadership, Strategy Development, Budget Forecasting, Innovation, Audience Segmentation, Creative Automation, Performance Forecasting, Data Science Collaboration, Digital Marketing Education
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, technical expertise, and leadership skills, with a strong emphasis on Paid Social and AI.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Paid Social platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.)
- AI tools and platforms (e.g., IBM Watson, Google AI, Microsoft AI, etc.)
- Data analysis tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau, etc.)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role will depend on the client's needs and the projects being worked on.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Collaboration
- Creativity
- Integrity
- Courage
- Excellence
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Innovative and forward-thinking
- Results-driven and focused on client success
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work environment?
- Are you comfortable working with cutting-edge AI technologies and exploring new tools and platforms?
- Do you have a proven track record of driving measurable business outcomes for clients?
ASSUMPTION: Dentsu values candidates who are collaborative, creative, and results-driven, with a strong focus on client success and innovation.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple, large or complex client accounts simultaneously
- Keeping up with the rapidly evolving AI landscape and integrating new technologies into marketing workflows
- Balancing the strategic and hands-on aspects of the role, ensuring both high-level thinking and day-to-day management
- Working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with tight deadlines and changing priorities
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities, requiring a strong and adaptable leader with a proven track record in Paid Social and AI.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other Paid Social roles, this position requires a strong focus on AI exploration and integration, making it a unique opportunity for candidates with expertise in both areas.
- Compared to other AI-focused roles, this position offers a strong emphasis on client management and Paid Social strategy, providing a unique blend of responsibilities.
- Career progression in this role could lead to senior leadership positions within Dentsu's Paid Social or AI teams, or expansion into other areas of the business.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of Paid Social and AI responsibilities, making it an attractive opportunity for candidates with expertise in both areas.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive Paid Social strategy for a global retail client, incorporating AI-driven audience segmentation and creative automation
- Leading a pilot program to test the integration of a new AI platform into a client's marketing workflows, driving measurable business outcomes
- Managing a team to deliver a complex, multi-channel Paid Social campaign for a financial services client, achieving a significant increase in ROI
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the unique blend of Paid Social and AI responsibilities required for this role, highlighting the need for strategic thinking, technical expertise, and strong leadership skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical client profile for this role, and how the team supports their marketing objectives?
- How does Dentsu approach AI integration, and what resources are available to support this aspect of the role?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Paid Social or AI teams?
- How does the team collaborate and communicate with other departments within Dentsu, such as strategy, data, or technology?
- What is the expected timeline for onboarding and ramping up to full productivity in this role?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions help applicants better understand the role, the team, and the company, ensuring a strong fit and a successful onboarding process.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the application link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills in Paid Social and AI
- Prepare examples of your past work and achievements in these areas to discuss during the interview
- Research Dentsu and the role thoroughly, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and values
- Follow up with the HR 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.
