Paid Media Specialist (Google Ads & Meta Ads)

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Paid Media Specialist (Google Ads & Meta Ads) based in South Africa. This is a hands-on performance marketing role with ownership of paid media across a diverse portfolio of 12+ brands. You’ll manage campaigns across Google Ads and Meta Ads, combining technical execution with strategic thinking to drive measurable results. The role covers everything from campaign architecture and optimization to conversion tracking, reporting, and performance analysis. You’ll also act as a trusted client-facing partner, leading review calls and communicating performance with clarity and confidence. Working closely with creative and SEO teams, you’ll turn paid media insights into stronger campaigns and broader marketing outcomes. The environment is fast-moving and highly autonomous, with a strong focus on accountability, experimentation, and execution. It’s an opportunity to make a visible impact across multiple industries while becoming the go-to expert for paid acquisition and performance marketing. Build, restructure, manage, and continuously optimize campaigns across Google Ads , including Search, Performance Max, and Display, as well as Meta Ads . Take full ownership of paid media performance across a portfolio of 12+ brands , identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, conversions, and ROI. Design effective account architectures, including match-type structures, campaign organization, targeting, and bid strategy management. Build and independently manage conversion tracking implementations using Google Tag Manager, tracking pixels, and Conversion API (CAPI) . Verify tracking accuracy and troubleshoot technical issues to ensure reliable attribution and performance data. Produce detailed monthly performance reports that explain the reasons behind results and provide clear, actionable recommendations. Lead client performance review meetings, presenting results transparently and confidently, including during periods of underperformance. Collaborate with internal creative teams by briefing them on paid media requirements for ad creatives, images, and video. Share paid search insights with SEO teams to inform organic targeting and broader acquisition strategies. Proactively audit accounts, identify underperformance within 48 hours, and implement corrective actions without waiting for direction. Analyze campaign and landing-page data to identify opportunities for improving conversion rates and return on investment. Requirements Proven hands-on experience managing Google Ads and Meta Ads on a day-to-day basis, with strong execution skills rather than purely strategic or oversight experience. Demonstrated ability to build conversion tracking and Google Tag Manager setups from the ground up independently. Strong understanding of paid media campaign architecture, targeting, bidding, optimization, and performance analysis. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to turn campaign data into practical recommendations. Ability to evaluate landing-page performance and identify improvements that can positively impact conversion rates and ROI. Fluent written and spoken English , with the confidence to lead professional client meetings. Strong communication and presentation skills, particularly when explaining performance, challenges, and recommendations to clients. Highly proactive and accountable, with the ability to identify problems and implement solutions independently. Comfortable managing multiple brands, campaigns, and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Full commitment to working UK business hours (GMT/BST) on a long-term basis. A practical, execution-focused mindset with a willingness to work directly in advertising platforms rather than simply directing others. Benefits Competitive salary based on experience. 100% remote working environment. Long-term stability within a