Associate Director, Paid Social

Description

This London role puts you in charge of paid social strategy for the largest enterprise client account the team runs.

You are an experienced performance media leader who combines big-picture thinking with hands-on knowledge of social performance, measurement and paid social processes.

You will manage Senior Managers and Managers, turning complex data and customer journeys into full-funnel paid social plans that deliver strong returns, keeping the client's app portfolio ahead as social platforms become more automated and change fast.

The company is a Growth Invention firm of over 4,000 specialists working across Brand & Media, Experience, Commerce, CRM, and Technology & Data. It is split evenly between tech and marketing, works through partners and moves early. Clients include Google, Lufthansa, Meta, eBay and OpenAI. It has been a certified B Corp and Climate Neutral since 2021.

Responsibilities

• Own the full-funnel paid social roadmap for a global client and align budgets and tactics with the client's business priorities.
• Lead performance strategy on Meta, TikTok, Pinterest, Snapchat and YouTube, using platform automation such as Meta Advantage+ Shopping Campaigns (ASC+) while keeping control of best practice and messaging.
• Work with data teams to build advanced measurement frameworks, running several complex single-cell, multi-cell, child and nested studies.
• Work with US colleagues to find joint growth levers, drive strategic upsells and keep a consistent multi-channel strategy across markets.
• Act as the main senior strategist for executive client stakeholders, turning complex performance data and algorithm changes into clear stories.
• Be the final escalation point across your client portfolio: prevent performance dips, settle channel conflicts and handle difficult operational issues.
• Take full responsibility for media budgets worth millions of pounds, including accurate forecasting, quarterly pacing and commercial delivery.
• Lead, mentor and grow a high-performing team of paid social managers and buyers, improve retention, set career paths and coach line managers on delegation.
• Put in place strong QA, workflow processes (such as Asana and internal platform audits) and campaign governance so delivery is error free.
• Build and scale a rigorous testing programme across the practice, using platform innovation, past learnings and the testing priorities in the roadmap.

Requirements

• 7+ years of hands-on paid social planning and activation, including at least 3 years managing client relationships and leading direct reports or team structures of 10+ people.
• Expert knowledge of Meta Ads Manager, the top priority, plus TikTok Ads Manager, Pinterest, Snapchat and platform automation.
• A record of setting strict KPIs, defending them and hitting them, with strong skills in advanced measurement, Excel and analytics frameworks.
• An understanding of how paid social works alongside Search, Programmatic, CRO and organic channels to grow a client holistically.
• A confident, polished presenter who can hold their own with marketing managers and C-level executives in any conversation.
• A proven ability to build a collaborative, inclusive, high-performing team culture.
• Located in the UK.
• Full working proficiency in English.

Conditions

Hybrid role based in London, with 2 days in the office depending on location.

Available to work from the London offices, with monthly travel to the client's offices in London.

The company operates equal pay policies.

Benefits

• An excellent salary based on experience.
• Pension, private healthcare, mental health support and company sick pay.
• 26 days paid holiday plus UK Bank Holidays.
• Refreshments in the office all week, plus drinks at 4 pm on Thursdays.
• A season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme.
• Enhanced family-friendly policies for new parents.
• Social and cultural events, regular guest speakers and talks.
• Continuous learning and development opportunities.
• A buddy to help you through your first weeks.
• A reputation for doing good: certified B Corp since 2021 and named Agency of the Year at both The Lovies and The Webby Awards.
• The chance to work with major brands on large projects, whether big or small, local or global.