Senior Paid Digital Media Manager

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

This is your chance to work at one of New Zealand’s leading data-driven media agencies. As an established and strong part of the industry, they operate with total transparency, have an exceptionally positive work culture, and offer generous benefits to their team members.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

As Senior Paid Digital Media Manager, you'll own paid search and paid social strategy and execution for a large client, with a strong lead generation focus.

This is a genuinely hands-on senior role. You'll be in the platforms, building and optimising campaigns across Google Ads, SA360, Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and Pinterest, while bringing the bigger picture together across the student journey – from initial consideration through to application and enrolment.

You'll also help shape what's next in performance media, embracing AI-led developments, platform automation and first-party data strategies to keep campaigns ahead of an evolving digital landscape. Just as importantly, you'll be  a trusted senior client contact, confidently leading performance conversations, presenting insights and turning data into meaningful recommendations.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

Leading Paid Search

• Develop, build and optimise campaigns across Google Ads and SA360, including Search, Performance Max and Demand Gen.
• Drive lead generation performance through sophisticated keyword, intent and audience strategies.
• Connect campaign activity to broader business outcomes, understanding the student journey from enquiry through to enrolment.
• Lead search innovation, including first-party data activation, automation and evolving approaches to AI Overviews and AI Mode.

Driving Paid Social

• Own paid social campaign strategy and execution, primarily across Meta, with additional activity across TikTok, Snapchat and Pinterest.
• Develop audience, creative and messaging strategies tailored to different stages of the student journey.
• Proactively monitor performance, creative fatigue and campaign opportunities, translating insights into actionable recommendations.

Connecting Strategy, Data and Innovation

• Bring paid search and paid social together into one integrated performance strategy.
• Leverage first-party data from client CDP and CRM platforms to strengthen targeting, bidding and optimisation.
• Work closely with SEO, Data and Analytics teams to connect paid, organic and AI visibility.
• Champion robust measurement across GA4, Floodlight/CM360 and CRM integrations.
• Develop structured test-and-learn programmes across bidding, audiences, creative and landing pages.

Leading Client Relationships

• Become the key performance media contact for the client, building trusted relationships with stakeholders across Australia and New Zealand.
• Lead weekly client WIPs, confidently presenting performance, insights and recommendations.
• Identify emerging opportunities across platforms, new ad formats, beta products and changes in the digital landscape.
• Troubleshoot campaign, platform and tracking challenges, taking ownership and providing proactive solutions.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING:

• 7+ years' experience in digital performance media, ideally within a media agency environment.
• Strong hands-on expertise across both paid search and paid social.
• Advanced knowledge of Google Ads and SA360, including Performance Max and Demand Gen.
• Proven experience with Meta Ads Manager, with exposure to TikTok, Snapchat and Pinterest.
• A strong understanding of performance measurement and analytics, including GA4, platform reporting and Looker.
• Confidence working with automation, AI-led developments and first-party data strategies.
• The ability to translate complex performance data into clear insights and compelling client recommendations.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the confidence to lead senior client conversations.
• Strong organisation skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities without losing sight of the detail.
• A curious, proactive mindset and a genuine passion for what's next in digital performance.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:

• Stable client base.
• Competitive base salary.
• Discretionary bonus
• Additional annual leave
• Supportive and collaborative team culture.

Don't miss out on this great opportunity!