River Island
Paid Search Executive

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Department: Paid Media & SEO
Location: Head Office, Chelsea House
Description
Reporting to the Paid Search Manager, the Paid Search Executive is responsible for assisting with the development of paid search strategy and the day-to-day management of Paid Search campaigns across Google Ads and Microsoft Ads in the UK and Ireland, working closely with the wider Performance Marketing team. This role also provides the opportunities to gain hands-on experience in SEO and GEO as our search strategy evolves.
Accountabilities:
- Assist with the development of paid search strategy for campaigns across the UK and Ireland
- Support with management and optimisation across Search, Shopping, Performance Max, Demand Gen and YouTube campaigns across Google Ads and Microsoft Ads, managed through Search Ads 360
- Assist the Paid Search Manager with the management of a high six-figure monthly paid search budget, taking day-to-day ownership of bids, budgets and spend pacing
- Build relationships with platform partners (Google and Microsoft) and external tech partners to deliver optimum performance
- Assist with SEO / GEO activity, working with the Paid Search Manager and our SEO agency to implement recommendations that improve search rankings and share of voice across AI platforms
Responsibilities:
CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT
- Day-to-day management and optimisation of all paid search campaigns to agreed KPIs: ROAS, revenue, traffic, conversion and new customer growth
- Carry out keyword research and expand campaign coverage to capture demand - Assist with the creation and testing of compelling ad copy in line with marketing and promotion plans
BUDGET MANAGEMENT
- Manage daily bids, budgets and spend pacing across Google Ads and Microsoft Ads to ensure delivery against business KPIs
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
COLLABORATION
- Work with Ecommerce, CRM and Creative teams to align paid search with wider commercial goals and campaign plans
- Work closely with Trading teams to ensure paid search is optimised and aligned with trading priorities and search demand trends
- Work closely with the SEO agency to support with the implementation of on-page SEO recommendations, such as page titles, meta descriptions and category copy
Skills & Abilities:
- 1 to 3 years' hands-on experience in paid search, ideally in a B2C/retail environment
- Proven experience managing campaigns in Google Ads and Microsoft Ads, with Search Ads 360 experience a huge plus
- Strong Excel skills and a genuinely analytical mindset - you enjoy digging into data to find the story behind the numbers
- Familiarity with Google Merchant Centre, GA4, Data Studio and/or Power BI
- SEO experience is highly desirable
- Confident communication skills, with the ability to explain performance and ideas clearly to stakeholders
- A proactive, curious attitude and a drive to keep improving results
- A test-and-learn mindset, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
About Us
We’re a much-loved brand with an exciting future. We understand our assignment, take ownership and deliver amazing results. Our people are a diverse bunch of bright, talented people who love working together – and are proud of the work they do. Progression here can take you in all kinds of directions, that’s why we are the ultimate place to work. Winning together is what a career at River Island is like.
This role is based at our Head Office, Chelsea House, in West London. Check us out here on a map.
What we can offer you:
💰 Generous 50% staff discount so you can treat yourself to the latest products, and a bargain staff shop on site!


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
🛒 Reducing your everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more through the Retail Trust.
🎉 A free onsite gym, subsidised restaurant & café to fill you needs. Various social events to socialise throughout the year.
🤎 Every family is unique, we support with all different family setups enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption & fertility treatment. We also work closely with the Retail Trust to create dedicated support for all our Islanders!
💕 Give as you earn scheme, a ‘Giver Island’ day each year and receive matched funding.
🎓 Progression focus throughout Retail & Head Office. Support with upskilling skills through on the job training and qualifications.
💰We contribute toward your retirement and offer a private pension plan.
☀️ 25 days paid holiday, exclusive of Bank Holidays. With the added option to purchase additional holiday twice a year for whatever the need!
Keeping You Safe
We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We expect all employees to uphold our values and contribute to a positive working environment. Our business is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise. ore about this interview process, check out our hiring process below.
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