Head of Paid Media, CTI Digital
Web development & digital marketing agency
Job no longer available
Web development & digital marketing agency
101-200 employees
Job no longer available
101-200 employees
Company mission
To help ambitious brands create immersive digital experiences and drive demand.
Role
Who you are
- Expert-level knowledge of PPC: Deep, hands-on experience managing Google Ads, Performance Max, Demand Gen, and multi-platform paid media
- Proven experience leading a Paid Media function: Able to set a vision, build capability, coach specialists, and drive both process and performance forward
- Strong understanding of AI in performance marketing: Familiarity with AI-led campaign optimisation, creative scoring tools, and emerging search formats shaped by conversational and dynamic queries
- Commercial ownership mindset: Experience setting revenue targets, creating ROAS plans, and using forecasting models to guide client spend and strategy
- Cross-functional collaboration: Comfortable working closely with Data, SEO, Creative, UX, and Strategy to deliver integrated performance outcomes
- New business and pitch experience: Confident in building decks, presenting solutions, and translating complex performance strategies into clear, compelling narratives for prospects
- Curiosity and experimentation: A willingness to test betas, explore new platforms, challenge norms, and stay ahead of rapid changes in search and creative performance
- Some of our best hires didn’t check every box in the role description, so if you were about to rule yourself out, we still encourage you to apply
What the job involves
- You'll be joining our Paid Media team - a multi-channel function covering paid search and paid social
- You’ll directly lead our PPC capability while partnering closely with SEO, Creative, Strategy, and our Data & Insights teams to deliver high-performance media strategies
- The team operates across Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Meta, TikTok, Pinterest, and the full CTI reporting stack including GA4, GTM, Funnel, Supermetrics, and Looker Studio
- Department: Growth
- As the Head of Paid Media at CTI Digital, you’ll shape the future of how our clients grow through performance media
- You’ll combine hands-on PPC expertise with department leadership, forecasting, AI adoption, and the development of new capabilities like GEO (Growth Engine Optimisation)
- This role is critical to driving revenue, elevating client performance, and enabling CTI to stay ahead of the rapidly evolving search and AI landscape
- Lead, grow, and evolve the Paid Media function: Set the strategic vision for PPC, develop operating frameworks, and establish best-in-class standards across the team
- Own PPC performance across Google Ads & Microsoft Ads: Deliver high-performing campaigns across Search, Performance Max, Demand Gen, and emerging formats - with hands-on involvement where needed
- Drive safe, structured AI adoption across Paid Media: Introduce and manage tools such as AIMAX, AI creative scoring (neuroscience-powered), Smart+, and Adv+, rolling them out gradually and safely across relevant accounts
- Build and implement GEO capability: Design a department roadmap for automated, AI-led, cross-channel optimisation - integrating PPC, paid social, creative testing, and data insights into a unified growth engine
- Forecast revenue & performance using advanced modelling: Lead CTI’s media forecasting approach using platform data, GA4 trends, and regression analysis to build clear growth plans for clients, following the methodology outlined by our current Head of Performance
- Own and integrate the Paid Media reporting stack: Oversee how Funnel, Supermetrics, GTM, GA4, and Looker Studio are used across the department - ensuring accuracy, consistency, and automation wherever possible
- Drive creative effectiveness & structured testing: Work closely with our Creative team to test static, video, motion, animation, and UGC formats - leveraging AI scoring, attention metrics, and cognitive load insights to improve outcomes
- Lead new business, pitches, and cross-sell opportunities: Shape paid media narratives for proposals, contribute to decks, and confidently present to senior stakeholders across sectors
- Collaborate cross-functionally to influence overall client growth: Partner with SEO, Data & Insights, Creative, and Strategy to deliver unified performance experiences that reflect the modern, fragmented user journey
- Coach, mentor, and develop Paid Media talent: Support managers and specialists, build structured progression plans, and ensure AI-ready, future-proof skill development across the team
Application process
- Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
- Stage 1: Applied
- Stage 2: Review
- Stage 3: Interview
- Stage 4: Hired
Our take
CTI Digital is one of Manchester's leading full-service digital agencies, known for helping ambitious brands turn big ideas into results. With more than two decades of experience, the company has built a strong reputation for combining creativity with technical expertise. And as technology continues to reshape how organisations connect with their audiences, CTI plays a key role in guiding that transformation.
From strategic consultancy and web design to digital marketing and AI-driven innovation, CTI offers a wide range of services designed to flex and scale with clients' needs. The agency's work spans industries (partnering with names like Chester Zoo, Mind, Little Green, and De Vere Hotels) to deliver everything from engaging websites and eCommerce platforms to data-led campaigns that drive serious growth.
In 2025, the company entered an exciting new chapter, with the appointment of a new CEO bringing fresh entrepreneurial energy and a deep understanding of emerging technologies. The move to a new, collaborative Manchester headquarters reflects the company's continued investment in its people and culture. With its growing team and clear focus on digital transformation, CTI is certainly one to watch in the next wave of innovation.
Kirsty
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
Company
Company benefits
- Time to Recharge: We understand that you need time away to live your life. Our generous holiday allowance gives you the freedom you need to get away from your screen, explore new places, and return to work feeling refreshed and inspired. Whether you're planning a trip with the family or just need to switch off for a long weekend, we ensure you have the time to do it.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We believe you do your best work when you have flexibility. That's why we operate on a flexible hybrid model, with teams deciding what works best for their collaboration. Whether you're in the office or at home, we trust you to get the job done.
- Health & Wellbeing: We provide comprehensive support for your health. You'll receive discounted medical, dental, and optical coverage through our health cash plan - plus access to a proactive wellbeing programme with confidential counselling and mindfulness resources. Because a healthy team is our greatest asset, and we're committed to investing in it.
- Rewards & Recognition: We provide comprehensive support for your health. You'll receive discounted medical, dental, and optical coverage through our health cash plan - plus access to a proactive wellbeing programme with confidential counselling and mindfulness resources. Because a healthy team is our greatest asset, and we're committed to investing in it.
- Top of the line equipment: We’ll set you up with the right tools to do your best work - starting with a MacBook Pro, 4K monitors, and the right tools & software to get the job done.
Company HQ
Deansgate, Manchester, UK
Leadership
Christopher Burgess
(CEO)Christopher is the Founder and CEO of Future Technology and Shoot Connect. Previously he spent 3 years at Findel as a Project Lead. Prior to that, he spent 16 years at CB Information Systems as a Managing Director and CEO.
Salary benchmarks
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