ROLE OVERVIEW

Croud is a global, full service digital marketing agency with a unique business model that helps businesses drive sustainable growth in the new world of marketing. Croud was recently named a Sunday Times Best Place to Work for the second year in a row, and was named Performance Marketing Employer of the Year by PMW.

At Croud, we unlock potential by elevating our people, clients, and communities within a rapidly advancing and complex economy. We operate as a unique scaled network of Intelligent, Creative Specialists, enabling us to deliver superior brand outcomes and unlock potential for our people, our clients and our communities.

Our culture is strategically driven and inspired by a shared long-term vision. It is collaborative and connected, with a focus on continuous learning and mutual support.

We are energised by future thinking, driving innovation to achieve better outcomes. We are instinctively generous, actively including and empowering our people. Above all, we are purpose-driven, committed to positively impacting our people, the planet, and our global communities. 

As Paid Media Account Director you will be the central strategic and operational lead for key clients across Paid Social and Paid Search. We are specifically seeking a leader whose expertise leans strongly towards Paid Search, but who is eager to embrace and drive a cross-functional role and team.

 You will be responsible for translating complex client objectives into innovative and effective paid media strategies, overseeing their flawless execution, and demonstrating clear ROI. This role requires a strong understanding of the client's business, a proactive approach to identifying growth opportunities, and the ability to nurture a talented team. You will be a trusted advisor to your clients and a critical link between their needs and our internal delivery capabilities, playing a vital role in the long-term success and expansion of this significant partnership.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Account Leadership & Proposition Application

• Lead paid media strategy across accounts, ensuring alignment with client business goals.
• Apply Croud’s paid media proposition in a tailored, results-driven way.
• Identify growth opportunities through new channels, innovations, and platform updates.
• Collaborate with SEO, Creative, Analytics, and wider teams to ensure integrated marketing.

Client Relationship Management & Account Growth

• Build strong, senior client relationships and act as their strategic advisor.
• Lead strategic planning, performance reviews, and growth conversations.
• Proactively identify and pitch organic growth opportunities that deliver client value.
• Anticipate challenges and manage expectations with clarity and professionalism.

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage, mentor, and empower a team of paid media specialists.
• Set clear goals, delegate effectively, and support team development.
• Encourage continuous learning and knowledge sharing across platforms and clients.

Operational Excellence & Innovation Implementation

• Ensure smooth execution, optimization, and reporting of all campaigns.
• Manage budgets with accuracy and accountability to drive ROI.
• Champion the use of Croud’s tools, automation, and proprietary tech for efficiency
• Drive quality control across setup, tracking, and data integrity.

Performance & Commercial Accountability

• Set and track KPIs that align with client objectives and commercial outcomes.
• Translate data into clear insights and impactful client recommendations.
• Manage forecasting, billing, and profitability for accounts.
• Build strong media partner relationships (e.g., Google, Meta) and contribute to new business pitches.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Degree level education or relevant equivalent experience
• In-depth demonstrable experience in PPC advertising
• Excellent communication, organisation, and presentation skills
• A mathematical and analytical mind
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills which must include Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Proven track record of working to deadlines
• The ability to autonomously identify opportunities, generate ideas and formulate strategies
• Extensive line management experience, mentoring & training
• Proven experience in client expectation management roles and situations, able to manage and direct client expectations

COMPANY BENEFITS

Croud operates a hybrid working model with a minimum of 3 days a week based in our Shrewsbury office and the remaining days from home if you wish.

Croud offers a clear path to progression for all members of staff. We are committed to offering development opportunities alongside a support system of regular performance reviews. The opportunities are endless!

On completion of the three-month probation period, every employee is eligible for the benefits listed on our careers site which include:

• Sabbatical: Paid sabbatical at 7 years with an option to take it unpaid at 5 years
• 25 days holiday a year
• Discretionary annual performance based incentive
• Sale commission
• Recruitment referrals bonus
• Health & Wellbeing contribution
• Ride to Work scheme
• Railcard
• Season Ticket loan
• Home office chair and home office screen
• Free fruit, breakfast cereals, snacks and tea & coffee in the office
• Enhanced Primary and Secondary family leave as well as extended Parental Leave and Shared Family Leave
• Life insurance and income protection
• Medical Cash Plan
• Pension
• Curated 3rd party learning platform as well as access to Croud Campus (our bespoke learning and development platform)
• IPA Membership
• Peer to peer recognition scheme 'bonusly'
• Team off-sites/regular socials
• Year-round holiday parties
• Flexible working options
• Day to make a difference

Standard hours are from 9.00am to 5.30pm, there’s flexibility if agreed in advance with your line managers (it may also be necessary on occasions to work outside of these hours).

Croud is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. All candidates will be assessed based on merit, qualifications and their ability to perform the requirements of the role.  

OUR VALUES

At Croud, our vision centres around the idea of unlocking potential. We do this by elevating everyone in an inclusive and progressive culture, empowering individuals to deliver their best work. This means we build better brand outcomes, and unlock potential for our people, our clients and our communities.

We live and breathe five core values that foster a culture where everyone can thrive. Our commitment to elevating each other is fundamental to both our cultural and business success. The ideal candidate will excel in and demonstrate the following:

• In it together - our value on integration, collaboration and outcomes
• Eye on the future - our value on futurism, creativity and passion
• Generous in spirit - our value on people, development and inclusion
• Do what you say - our value on integrity and accountability
• Make a difference - our value on purpose and impact