Head of Search

Head of Search

Job Type                     Permanent
Salary:                        Up to£80,000 - £85,000
Location:                    London Hybrid working  
Consultant:               Mags Rendle

The Company
We are thrilled to be working with an independent, progressive and first-class media agency based in central London with an established and impressive client base.

Formed in 1978 they are the Agency of choice for Charities and impactful businesses who are wanting a smart thinking, and faster moving agency who will be making their media work harder in the face of adversity.  

Established in 1978, we are a medium-sized full-service media agency with approximately 65 members of staff.  Our annual billings are currently approximately £70m across all media from digital to DRTV, with a similarly diverse client base, our client experience extending across technology, packaged goods, entertainment and e-commerce to name just a few.  It is though within the charity sector that we have unrivalled expertise – working with some the UK’s largest charities.  We have a rich heritage in delivering innovation, growth and outstanding performance for all our clients.

Dynamic, demanding and fast paced we can offer the rare opportunity for the right candidate to make a step change in their career development – not only taking on responsibilities for the Search team and oversight of a core agency relationship (Google) but more crucially shape the future of Search in the agency.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for an experienced Search specialist who is wanting to take the next step in account and senior agency management, heading up the search team – currently a team of 3 Junior & Senior Account Managers.

Having seen rapid growth over the last 4 years, Search here is in rude health – having seen substantial income growth, performance capabilities and innovation adoption, all of which have been reflected in our core relationships with Google, Microsoft and Amazon – relationships which punch well above our weight (we are a Google Premier Partners as well as Amazon Partners).

As the agency lead on Search you will be responsible for a broad remit – ranging from a hands-on approach in the implementation and oversight of all search activity to training, upskilling and revenue growth:

Ultimately responsible for overseeing and quality of all agencies Paid Search output (Google, Microsoft & Amazon) Billings > £5m

• Reporting into Chief Digital Officer you will be expected to take on leadership responsibilities and ‘own’ the direction of travel for the Search team
• Ensuring the highest quality of account management and campaign delivery across entire agency output
• Financial responsibility for the team – ensuring all activity is managed to the right level, booked correctly and in timely fashion
• Ensuring the implementation of the best practice regarding day-to-day Business Manager administration, particularly around security and access

There is an expectation you will have substantial technical experience in the main Search platforms:  Google, Microsoft Ads & Amazon

• You will be responsible for the development, upskilling and training of the Search team
• They have recently migrated to a centralised Search team and only anticipate further growth in terms of personnel
• As the agency lead in Search it is expected that you will additionally drive the upskilling and education of the wider agency client teams via an assortment of initiatives such as training, newsletters, tool development etc.
• They are a fast-paced agency and adopt a ‘we’re all in it together’ approach where on occasions we need to drop what we’re doing to assist teams as well as getting your hands dirty as needed

It is expected you will have an advanced understanding around analytics, measurement and privacy solutions – being able to recognise solutions and train teams where appropriately, or identify where additional support is needed

• A clear ambition for this is role is to take personal responsibility to help in the development and acquisition of new business – via agency pitching as well as Team led initiatives
• They have had a particularly successful 2024 on new business – however we see Search as an untapped opportunity - we particularly see opportunities in Amazon and retail media
• Responsible for the development and growth of existing business – work with the Search & Client Teams to develop medium to long term strategic development plans and income growth
• You will share responsibility for the agency relationships with Google and Amazon, and lead the relationship with Microsoft Ads
• They take our relationships with our key partners very seriously as we recognize the payback – as such these relationships are shared with CDO and our Head of Digital Innovation
• Naturally they expect you to work closely with our partners, developing your own personal relationships and ensure 1st access to developing technologies where we can
• Candidates will be expected to be client facing; as the agency lead on Search you will be expected to attend senior planning and review meetings, being able to confidently and competently present on search and sell the agency capabilities
• Work with our data team to develop and advance our agency data solutions

ADDITIONAL GROWTH AREAS IN 2025

Their growth in search has been impressive and whilst there is a task to consolidate existing paid search business, and acquire new search business, we also want to grow our service provision.  Whilst experience in the following is not essential, it would be valuable, if not experience a real appetite to take it on as required:

• SEO + CRO:  they currently work with freelancers but wish to take this in-house and really grow this opportunity
• Retail media:  Not new, but they wish to move aggressively into this space
• AI:  They successfully launched the company AI working group, led by the digital team, and in particular the Search team; a cross-agency initiative is already proving hugely rewarding something they expect to see continue in 2025

SKILLS REQUIRED

We are looking for a candidate with a wide-ranging set of digital skills

• Is expected to have excellent implementation skills in Google, Microsoft Ads and Amazon
• Excellent skills in GA4 analysis
• A good knowledge of digital planning in general
• A good level of SEO & CRO experience and knowledge
• Experience of DoubleClick, Google Tag Manager, ideally able to read HTML, Java Script
• Excellent ability in Adwords Editor, excel and Search Console
• Data Studio experience would be beneficial

As a data-led organisation, candidates are expected to have very strong analytical and numeracy skills with an attention for detail.

Candidates must be enthusiastic to take a lead role, assume responsibility, be willing take an active role in a busy team, and be confident in selling plans to clients and team members alike. 

Benefits

• 25 days Holiday

• Workplace pension scheme (after probationary period)
• Flexible working
• Personalised training program to develop technical, media and career competencies
• BUPA Employee Assistance Programme
• Bike to Work Scheme

Apply below and I will be in touch to discuss the company, the role and opportunity with you further. 

The Digital Recruitment Company is an Employment Business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies.
 
To apply for this role please contact us at:   
Mags Rendle 
0203 640 2133 
mags@digitalrecruitmentcompany.com
 
www.digitalrecruitmentcompany.com