About WPP Media

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth. 

WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.

For more information, visit wppmedia.com.

2402 - Paid Search Account Director - EMEA

Role Summary and Impact

At EssenceMediacom we want to eradicate inequity. We don't tolerate it and when we see it, we act. We attract, support and develop our talent without bias and strive to foster the empathy, creativity and diversity of thought needed to drive meaningful change for our people, our clients, our industry and our society. WPP and GroupM have already made strong commitments to combat racial injustice. While we are part of this group, we know we have an individual responsibility as an employer and an industry leader to fight against racism.

Even if you don’t meet all the requirements, that’s okay, and we encourage you to apply anyway to find out more about whether this is the right match for you.

Did you know that marginalised groups, including women, people of colour and people with a disability, are more likely to discount themself for a role if they don't feel they meet every requirement or understand the reasonable adjustment that can be made? This is why we encourage connection and conversation to ensure that everyone has the opportunity and information needed to find the right role for them. If this role isn’t quite right, you may be the perfect fit for another – so go ahead, apply and find out!

About Sony PlayStation

Sony Interactive Entertainment is a Global Leader in entertainment and innovation. Since the launch of the original PlayStation in 1994, PlayStation has continued to redefine how people play, delivering world-class hardware, pioneering network services, and award-winning games to a global audience.

As one of the world’s most iconic and recognisable brands, PlayStation sets the bar high. At the same time, teams operate in a collaborative and supportive environment, where curiosity, ownership and continuous improvement are encouraged. This is an opportunity to work on a globally loved brand, and contribute to impactful, differentiated and efficient Paid Search execution that keeps PlayStation at the forefront of the industry.

Intro to the Role

As a Paid Search Account Director, you will be responsible for the end-to-end coordination, delivery and continuous optimisation of PlayStation’s Paid Search activity across multiple EMEA markets.

Working closely with the Senior Account Director, you will play a key role in defining strategic direction, and translating it into flawless execution, ensuring campaigns are delivered efficiently, accurately and in line with performance targets.

Success in this role requires strong leadership, initiative, and the ability to work well within multi-market teams.

Key Responsibilities

Campaign Delivery

Lead the day-to-day delivery of Paid Search campaigns, across Google Ads/Search Ads 360, ensuring alignment with client KPIs
Work closely with activation teams (onshore and offshore), guiding Account Executives to ensure best-in-class and flawless execution (QAs, launch readiness, performance optimisation, budget pacing)
Ensure adherence to platform best practices and maintain strong account hygiene.
Develop a strong understanding of PlayStation’s business objectives, proactively identifying growth opportunities, trends, and new platform capabilities
Deliver clear, insightful reporting and present to clients Quarterly Business Reviews, including testing frameworks and strategic recommendations
Stay ahead of industry trends, platform evolution, and emerging technologies driving innovation across the account

Client & Partner Management

Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor
Communicate confidently with senior stakeholders providing clear insights and actionable recommendations
Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure alignment and effective delivery
Monitor PlayStation’s competitive environment to shape strategic solutions

People Management

Lead, mentor, and develop the competencies of the team, ensuring continuous upskilling
Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, initiative, excellence in execution and high performance standards
Oversee junior team members’ workloads, ensuring effective prioritisation and timely delivery against deadlines

Operational Excellence

Ensure strong adherence to Paid Search best practices, internal processes and governance
Oversee financial management, including budget pacing, forecasting and reconciliations
Maintain high standards of accuracy, organisation, and attention to detail across all deliverables

Skills and Experience

Experience within a similar role within an agency environment.
Strong experience managing performance-driven campaigns, with a focus on ROAS optimisation and revenue growth
Deep expertise in Google Ads and SA360, including campaign setup, optimisation and reporting
Strong understanding of Search strategic and tactical applications in full-funnel digital marketing
Proven experience across Performance Max and traditional Search campaign formats
Experience leading/developing teams, and establishing robust ways of working
Excellent project management, stakeholder management, and communication skills
Comfortable managing budgets, forecasts, and performance across multiple markets
Highly analytical, with the ability to build and leverage data visualisation/reporting into clear, actionable and commercial insights (Data Studio a plus)
Excellent organisation and communication skills
Naturally curious, proactive, and eager to learn
Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
Passionate about digital marketing, performance, and continuous improvement

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. 

We Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days. 

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.  Please note that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country.

Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location

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While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. 

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