Paid Social Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Paid Social Specialist

🔹 Company: DEPT®

🔹 Location: London, City of, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Marketing & Advertising

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-08

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and implementing paid social media strategies
• Planning, buying, and optimizing paid social media activity
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create award-winning content
• Reporting on activity and ensuring high-quality media plans

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on execution, with a focus on driving results through paid social media channels.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Plan, buy, and optimize paid social media activity across various platforms

✅ Respond to client briefs and deliver media plans to the highest standard

✅ Report on activity on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis

✅ Develop paid media strategies and create key tactical plans to deliver on them

✅ Ensure constant innovation across all deliverables and contribute to the creative process

✅ Manage budgets for paid media deliverables and present work internally and externally

✅ Complete work to deadlines and ensure delivery of work is to the highest possible standard

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on execution, and client management, with a focus on driving results through paid social media channels.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field

Experience: 2-5 years of relevant experience in a paid media role

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency with Ads across multiple social media platforms (TikTok, Meta, Snapchat, YouTube, etc.)
• Experience with brand and performance campaigns
• Intermediate or higher proficiency in Excel/Sheets and familiarity with Word/Docs and PowerPoint/Slides
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent time management and organizational skills with a high attention to detail
• Strong presentation skills
• Ability to react quickly within a fast-paced environment

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Google Ads and Pinterest
• Familiarity with data analysis tools

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong understanding of digital paid media, particularly in social media, with relevant experience in a paid media role. Proficiency in using various social media advertising platforms and excellent communication skills are essential.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum (Based on industry standards for a role of this level and location)

Benefits:

• Possibilities to do what you do best and to develop your skills further with training, development, and certifications
• A flexible, hybrid working policy
• The choice of medical healthcare providers (Bupa or Medicash)
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and your birthday off each year
• Company pension scheme
• EAP scheme
• Ride to work scheme
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Buddy Program: You will be paired with a ‘Buddy’ to help you through your first weeks at DEPT®
• Global Annual DEPT® Cares Day: A day to give back to local communities
• Other soft benefits including refreshments provided in the office and a social calendar with weekly and monthly events on a team and agency level

Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), Monday to Friday, with flexibility for occasional remote work

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level and location. The benefits listed are based on the information provided in the job description and may be subject to change.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: DEPT® is a pioneering technology and marketing services company that creates end-to-end digital experiences for brands such as Google, KFC, Philips, Audi, Twitch, Patagonia, eBay, and more.

Company Size: DEPT® has 4,000+ digital specialists across 30+ locations on 5 continents, delivering pioneering work on a global scale with a boutique culture.

Founded: DEPT® was founded in 2015 and has since grown into a global agency with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability.

Company Description:

• DEPT® is committed to making a positive impact on the planet and has been Climate Neutral and B Corporation certified since 2021.
• The company facilitates its pioneering spirit by investing in innovation and leveraging its proprietary tech, data, and knowledge platforms for all its clients worldwide.
• DEPT®'s culture is 'big enough to cope and small enough to care,' allowing it to work for any brand in the world with the speed, agility, flexibility, and personal relationships of a boutique agency.

Company Specialties:

• Digital Craftmanship
• Campaigns
• Social
• Data Driven Marketing
• B2B Marketing
• Digital Marketing
• Creativity
• Technology
• Strategy
• Digital
• Brand
• Advertising
• Design
• Data
• Intelligence
• Organisation
• UX
• Agency
• Content
• Digital Products
• AI

Company Website: www.deptagency.com

ASSUMPTION: DEPT® is a well-established and growing agency with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and a unique culture that combines global scale with boutique agility.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-level of a career in paid social media, with opportunities for growth and progression within the company.

Reporting Structure: The Paid Social Specialist will report directly to the Media Manager and work closely with cross-functional teams, including Creative, Tech, and Production.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site with a hybrid working policy, requiring employees to be present in the office for a minimum of three days per week.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a Senior Paid Social Specialist role
• Expansion into other areas of media or marketing
• Opportunities to work on larger, more complex campaigns

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the company, with a focus on driving results through paid social media channels.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: DEPT®'s London office is located in the heart of the city, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.

Office Location(s): 405, Western Edge I, Western Express Hwy, Food Corporation of India Warehouse, Borivali East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400066, IN

Geographic Context:

• London is a major global city with a thriving digital marketing industry
• The city offers a multicultural environment and a wide range of entertainment, dining, and cultural attractions
• London has a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and warm summers

Work Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), Monday to Friday, with flexibility for occasional remote work

ASSUMPTION: DEPT®'s London office offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with opportunities to work on global campaigns for a diverse range of clients.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video screening
• On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and a team member
• Final round interview with the head of the department
• Background check and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Understanding of digital paid media, particularly in social media
• Experience with relevant social media advertising platforms
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects
• Cultural fit with DEPT®'s values and work environment

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Showcase your understanding of digital paid media and your ability to drive results through social media advertising
• Demonstrate your strong communication and presentation skills through your application materials
• Prepare for the interview by researching DEPT®'s company culture and values, and be ready to discuss your approach to paid social media strategy and execution

ATS Keywords: Paid Social Media, Social Media Advertising, Digital Paid Media, Media Planning, Media Buying, Campaign Management, Brand Campaigns, Performance Campaigns, Data Analysis, Excel, PowerPoint, Communication Skills, Time Management, Organization, Presentation Skills

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should highlight their relevant experience and skills to demonstrate their fit for the position.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Ads Manager (Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp)
• Twitter Ads
• LinkedIn Ads
• Pinterest Ads
• Google Ads
• Excel/Sheets
• Word/Docs
• PowerPoint/Slides
• Data analysis tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau)

ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in using various social media advertising platforms and data analysis tools to optimize paid social media activity and drive results.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Pioneering: Always leaning forward, thinking of what we can create tomorrow that does not exist today
• Curious: Always asking questions, seeking new knowledge, and challenging the status quo
• Self-driven: Taking ownership of our work and driving results through initiative and accountability
• Collaborative: Working together to achieve common goals and create exceptional work
• Inclusive: Fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive

Work Style:

• Agile: Adapting to change and responding quickly to new opportunities and challenges
• Data-driven: Making informed decisions based on data and insights
• Creative: Thinking outside the box and approaching problems from multiple angles
• Strategic: Developing and executing long-term plans to achieve desired outcomes
• Detail-oriented: Ensuring high-quality work and attention to detail in all aspects of the role

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with DEPT®'s value of being pioneering, and how have you demonstrated this in your previous roles?
• How comfortable are you working in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment, and how have you adapted to change in previous roles?
• How do you approach problem-solving, and can you provide an example of a time when you had to think creatively to overcome a challenge?

ASSUMPTION: DEPT® values candidates who are pioneering, curious, self-driven, collaborative, and inclusive, with a strong work ethic and a focus on driving results through paid social media channels.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Keeping up with the latest trends and best practices in digital paid media, particularly in social media
• Working with diverse teams and stakeholders, both internally and externally
• Adapting to changes in client briefs, market conditions, and industry trends
• Balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong time management, organizational skills, and the ability to adapt to change and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Paid Social Specialist vs. Social Media Manager: The Paid Social Specialist role focuses more on the execution and optimization of paid social media campaigns, while the Social Media Manager role involves a broader range of responsibilities, including organic social media strategy and community management.
• Paid Social Specialist vs. Media Planner/Buyer: The Paid Social Specialist role is more specialized in social media advertising, while the Media Planner/Buyer role involves a broader range of responsibilities, including planning and buying media across various channels (e.g., display, search, video, etc.).
• Career Path: Paid Social Specialist → Senior Paid Social Specialist → Media Manager → Head of Media

ASSUMPTION: The Paid Social Specialist role is a specialized position within the broader field of digital paid media, with opportunities for career progression within the company.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a paid social media strategy for a global e-commerce brand to drive online sales during the holiday season
• Optimizing paid social media campaigns for a B2B software company to increase lead generation and brand awareness
• Managing a team of junior media planners to deliver a comprehensive media plan for a national charity event, including paid social media components

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and challenges that a Paid Social Specialist might encounter in their role, from strategic planning and execution to team management and optimization.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Media department?
• How does the Media department collaborate with other departments, such as Creative and Tech?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?
• How does DEPT® support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and allows you to better understand the work environment and expectations.

📌 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 and skills for this role
• Prepare for the interview by researching DEPT®'s company culture and values, and be ready to discuss your approach to paid social media strategy and execution
• If selected for an interview, be prepared to present your portfolio or examples of your work, if applicable
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of your interview to express your interest in the role

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