DEPT®
Associate Director, Performance
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Head of Paid Search
Location: Manchester, London - hybrid
DEPT® is a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, our 4,000+ specialists deliver growth invention services across Brand & Media, Experience, Commerce, CRM, and Technology & Data. We’re 50|50 tech and marketing, partner-led, and first to move. Clients include Google, Lufthansa, Meta, eBay, and OpenAI. We have been certified B Corp and Climate Neutral since 2021.
Job Purpose
This position is based in our Marketing & Technology service across Manchester and London. We combine data, technology, creative content, and paid media to crack brands’ business problems and drive revenue through innovative digital solutions such as ad campaigns, augmented reality, and chatbots. Our clients span companies like ASOS, Just Eat Takeaway, Twitch, TikTok, and The White Company.
Are you a visionary Paid Search leader with a proven track record of driving tangible revenue and market share growth? Thriving on the thrill of the pitch and the satisfaction of expanding client portfolios? We're seeking a dynamic Paid Search leader to scale our UKI presence, transforming our Paid Search discipline into a powerhouse of growth, innovation, client success—and people happiness.
You will lead the evolution of our Search discipline in a rapidly disrupting ecosystem. You won’t just keep pace with Google's AI shifts—you’ll proactively integrate generative AI across platforms into our daily operations to redefine performance in an AI-first world.
Responsibilities
- Take a strategic lead in the overall performance, profitability, and long-term business growth of our Paid Search discipline.
- Accelerate and drive the transition from traditional Paid Search management to AI-driven accounts.
- Serve as a key player in new business efforts, actively engaging in pitches, refining sales narratives, and collaborating closely with our New Business department to secure and expand our client portfolio.
- Drive the adoption of cutting-edge tech and tooling, ensuring a data-led approach across all accounts.
- Oversee top-tier Paid Search clients, championing innovation, project growth, and excellence in delivery.
- Dedicate at least 60% of your time to projects or sales initiatives.
- Foster cross-discipline collaboration, aligning Paid Search activities with adjacent crafts such as Content, Data, AI, Organic Search, and Social.
- Continue an agile evolution of our Paid Search proposition, fine-tuning product-market fit and targeting the right clients.
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Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in Paid Search.
- Highly autonomous and proactive, capable of owning complex projects and making impactful decisions with minimal oversight.
- A deep curiosity for AI and machine learning, with the ability to apply tools rather than just tracking trends.
- A business development-first mindset, backed by a proven track record in pitching and client relationship management. You should genuinely enjoy the sales process.
- Broad knowledge of digital marketing (Social, Display, Content Marketing, Data etc.).
- Analytical, flexible, and adept at working independently.
- Exceptional communication skills (verbal and written), with the ability to persuade and inspire.
- Highly ambitious, results-oriented, and skilled in planning and organization.
- Willingness to relocate and start immediately from London or Manchester offices.
- Fluent in English.
Benefits
Work & Wellbeing
- Flexible, hybrid working policy - 2 days office-based (location-dependent).
- ** Competitive salary** based on experience, with equal pay policies.
- Pension scheme, free private healthcare, mental health support, and a company sick pay scheme.
- 26 days paid holiday (plus UK Bank Holidays).
- Office refreshments daily and free bar bites from 4pm on Thursdays.
- Season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme to help you get to work.
- Enhanced family friendly policies supporting new parents.
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Culture & Development
- Social & Cultural Events – plenty of opportunities to connect and celebrate.
- Inspirational Talks & Guest Speaker Series – bringing outside influence inhouse.
- Learning & Development – continuous growth opportunities.
- Buddy Programme – a mentor to support your first weeks.
Social Impact
- DEPT®’s reputation for doing good
- Certified B Corp® since 2021
- Named ‘Agency of the Year’ at the Lovies and Webby Awards
- Awesome clients work with industry leaders.
About DEPT®
We are a Growth Invention company, poised to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster at the intersection of technology and marketing. We are first to move, creating what comes next by pioneering ideas, acting fast, and knowing standing still is not an option.
Our culture thrives on three core values: better together, relentlessly curious, and get sh*t done. These values drive how we work, grow, and create what matters.
At DEPT®, you’ll find freedom to explore, space for collaboration, and the trust to make real impact—for our clients, each other, and the world we’re shaping.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At DEPT®, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive. We actively nurture diverse talent and welcome applicants from varying backgrounds and perspectives.
Not sure if you match all criteria? Apply anyway—research shows many women and underrepresented groups avoid applying even when they qualify. We’re committed to giving everyone a fair chance to shine.
If you require reasonable adjustments during recruitment or your time with us, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to support your needs.
Learn more about our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts [here] (link would follow in live context).
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