PPC Specialist - Pod Lead

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: PPC Specialist - Pod Lead

🔹 Company: the7stars

🔹 Location: London, England, United Kingdom (Remote)

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

🔹 Category: Advertising Services, Media Planning and Buying

🔹 Date Posted: April 11, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in the office)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and driving advanced paid search strategies for selected client accounts
• Leading a team of specialists and overseeing a portfolio of client accounts
• Building strong relationships with clients and key suppliers
• Contributing to the agency’s growth and industry recognition
• Delivering innovative, award-winning work through implementational planning and buying

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and tactical approach, with a focus on driving best-in-class work, enhancing team expertise, and improving output efficiency through advanced automation and processes.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop, own, and drive advanced paid search strategy for selected accounts in portfolio

✅ Lead the development and delivery of testing roadmaps for your clients, focusing on search and wider digital maturity

✅ Confidently present analysis, updates, and strategic recommendations to senior stakeholders

✅ Ensure excellent attention to detail is maintained across the Pod and best practice is being followed by all junior team members

✅ Work with wider PPC, client, and other specialist teams to deliver integrated cross-channel campaigns

✅ Maintain strong relationships with media owners and technology platform providers

✅ Stay updated with PPC and performance industry trends, developments, product releases, and new technologies

✅ Lead the team by example, supporting and encouraging continuous improvement in team performance

✅ Set objectives and provide ongoing support for direct reports and junior team members

✅ Be accountable for best-in-class work delivered on your accounts portfolio by consistently identifying areas to improve performance on your accounts

✅ Be responsible for carrying out team and agency processes that improve quality and accuracy, including QA, optimisation, and automation

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on execution, team leadership, and client management. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in PPC and experience working with large retail accounts.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in PPC, with a focus on retail-focused accounts and budgets exceeding £500k

Required Skills:

• Expertise in Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising, and SA360 platforms
• Advanced use of automation and feed-based solutions that drive efficiency at scale
• Solid understanding of industry best practice versus Google best-practice and the right balance between the two
• Expert knowledge of measurement methodologies, privacy-centric features, and attribution within Google Ads, GA, and SA360
• Proven ability to use Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising, and SA360 platforms at an expert level, including optimal use of bidding strategies, offline conversions, and custom variables
• Experience working across large retail accounts, with knowledge of feeds, tactics, and ways of working in this vertical
• Experience in leading, motivating, and managing a small team

Preferred Skills:

• Experience across Amazon Sponsored Products, Retail Media, and the Adobe analytics stack

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in PPC, with a focus on retail accounts and experience working with large budgets. Expertise in Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising, and SA360 platforms is essential for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £50,000 - £70,000 per year (Estimated, based on industry standards for a PPC Specialist - Pod Lead role in London)

Benefits:

• Uncounted holiday & wellbeing (Star) days
• Flexible & hybrid working (4 days per week in the office)
• Work from anywhere for up to 2 weeks of the year
• Free breakfast & company bar
• New Business Bonus eligible in your first year as a 7stars employee
• Personal finance advice
• Discretionary summer profit share bonus and Christmas bonus
• Private Medical Insurance
• Choice of 5 gyms
• Season ticket Loan
• Cycle to work Scheme & Techscheme
• Life Assurance, critical Illness cover & income protection
• Enhanced family friendly policies, including Shared Parental & Adoption Leave
• Royal London pension (8% employer contributions up to £35k, 5% thereafter)
• Employee assistance programme & MHFA trained colleagues

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible working arrangements

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a PPC Specialist - Pod Lead role in London. The benefits listed are based on the information provided in the job listing.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services, Media Planning and Buying

Company Size: 201-500 employees (Medium-sized agency)

Founded: 2005 (20 years in business)

Company Description:

• the7stars is the UK’s largest independent media agency, offering the best people, the best service, and the best creative media campaigns.
• Since its inception in 2005, the agency has set out on a mission to inspire the exceptional and defeat the bad and the boring.
• the7stars has been recognized as a great place to work, appearing on The Sunday Times Best Companies to Work list for eleven consecutive years and being crowned Campaign’s Best Place to Work in 2023, 2022, and 2020.

Company Specialties:

• Media Planning and Buying
• TV Planning and Buying
• Digital Media
• Media Agency
• PPC (Pay Per Click)
• SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)
• SMO (Social Media Optimisation)
• Social Marketing
• Strategy
• Paid Search
• Communication Planning
• and Analytics

Company Website: http://www.the7stars.co.uk

ASSUMPTION: the7stars is a well-established, medium-sized media agency with a strong reputation for being a great place to work. The company specializes in various aspects of media planning and buying, with a focus on digital media and paid search.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-Senior level, with the opportunity to grow and take on more responsibilities

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Search and works closely with Paid Search Business Directors

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with 4 days in the office and the option to work from anywhere for up to 2 weeks of the year

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to take on more responsibilities and advance within the agency
• Opportunities to work on diverse client accounts and campaigns
• Chance to develop and mentor junior team members

ASSUMPTION: This role offers growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to take on more responsibilities and advance within the agency. The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility and the chance to work from anywhere for up to 2 weeks of the year.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space in central London

Office Location(s): Floor 6-9 Bush House, North West Wing, 57 Aldwych, London, London WC2B 4PJ, GB

Geographic Context:

• London is a vibrant, multicultural city with a thriving advertising industry
• The office is located in a central, easily accessible area with excellent public transportation links
• London offers a wide range of cultural, entertainment, and dining options

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible working arrangements and the option to work from home for up to 3 days per week

ASSUMPTION: The office is located in a central, easily accessible area with excellent public transportation links. The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility and the chance to work from home for up to 3 days per week.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and CV submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR team
• Face-to-face or video interview with the hiring manager and a member of the team
• Final interview with the Head of Search

Key Assessment Areas:

• PPC expertise and strategic thinking
• Client management and relationship-building skills
• Team leadership and mentoring abilities
• Cultural fit and alignment with the7stars values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant PPC experience and achievements
• Prepare examples of your work and be ready to discuss your approach to PPC strategy and execution
• Research the7stars and be prepared to discuss why you want to work for the agency

ATS Keywords: PPC, Paid Search, Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising, SA360, Automation, Feed-Based Solutions, Digital Maturity, Team Management, Client Relationship Management, Performance Analysis, Testing Roadmaps, Innovation, Cross-Channel Campaigns, Attribution, Measurement Methodologies

ASSUMPTION: The interview process is designed to assess the candidate's PPC expertise, strategic thinking, client management skills, team leadership abilities, and cultural fit. Tailoring your application to highlight your relevant experience and achievements is essential for success.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Google Ads
• Microsoft Advertising
• SA360
• Google Analytics
• Adobe Analytics (preferred)
• Feed management tools
• Automation and optimization platforms

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies listed are commonly used in PPC roles and may vary depending on the specific needs of the client accounts and campaigns.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Freedom: The agency encourages personal development, open communication, and a "sky’s the limit" approach to growth within the agency.
• Integrity: the7stars is committed to transparency and honesty in all aspects of its work.
• Inspiration: The agency strives to inspire the exceptional and defeat the bad and the boring in its approach to media planning and buying.

Work Style:

• Collaborative: the7stars encourages teamwork and collaboration across departments and client accounts.
• Innovative: The agency values creativity and innovation in its approach to media planning and buying.
• Flexible: The hybrid work arrangement and flexible working hours provide employees with the flexibility to balance work and personal responsibilities.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you align with the7stars' values of Freedom, Integrity, and Inspiration?
• Are you comfortable working in a collaborative, innovative, and flexible work environment?
• Do you have experience leading and managing a small team, and are you able to support and encourage continuous improvement in team performance?

ASSUMPTION: The7stars values Freedom, Integrity, and Inspiration, and encourages a collaborative, innovative, and flexible work environment. Candidates should assess their alignment with these values and work style preferences before applying.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a team of specialists and overseeing a portfolio of client accounts can be challenging and time-consuming
• Keeping up with industry trends, developments, product releases, and new technologies can require continuous learning and adaptation
• Balancing client management, team leadership, and hands-on execution can be demanding
• Working in a fast-paced, dynamic agency environment can be stressful at times

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges, including managing a team, staying up-to-date with industry trends, and balancing multiple responsibilities. Candidates should be prepared to take on these challenges and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic agency environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other PPC Specialist or Senior PPC roles, but with a focus on leading a team and overseeing a portfolio of client accounts
• Compared to other media planning and buying roles, this role has a stronger focus on digital media and paid search
• Career progression in this role could lead to becoming a Paid Search Business Director or Head of Search within the agency

ASSUMPTION: This role is similar to other PPC Specialist or Senior PPC roles, but with a unique focus on team leadership and client account management. Career progression in this role could lead to becoming a Paid Search Business Director or Head of Search within the agency.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a testing roadmap for a retail client, focusing on search and wider digital maturity
• Collaborating with cross-channel teams to deliver integrated campaigns for a major brand launch
• Optimizing and automating processes to improve quality and accuracy across a portfolio of client accounts

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to showcase the candidate's ability to develop and execute strategic PPC campaigns, collaborate with cross-channel teams, and optimize processes to improve quality and accuracy.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within the wider PPC and Search teams?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does the7stars support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the key challenges facing the PPC team and the agency as a whole, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
• How does the7stars approach work-life balance, and what support is available to employees?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions are designed to help the candidate understand the team structure, priorities, professional development opportunities, challenges, and work-life balance at the7stars.

📌 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 PPC experience and achievements
• Prepare examples of your work and be ready to discuss your approach to PPC strategy and execution
• Research the7stars and be prepared to discuss why you want to work for the agency
• Follow up with the7stars HR team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps

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