Marketing & Creative

Hire a paid media specialist

A paid media specialist plans, launches and optimizes advertising on platforms such as Google, Meta and LinkedIn. The role manages budgets and creative testing so ad spend produces leads or sales at an acceptable cost.

  • Screened by a marketing and creative recruiter
  • Contract, contract-to-hire or full-time
  • A call back within one business day
Paid media specialist at work in a modern office

Ways to hire

4options

contract, contract-to-hire, full-time and executive search

48 hrscontract shortlist

The role

What a paid media specialist does

Companies typically hire one when ad spend is growing, when a generalist manages campaigns part time, or when return on ad spend is unclear.

Typical responsibilities

  • Build and launch ad campaigns on search and social platforms
  • Manage daily budgets, bids and audience targeting
  • Test ad creative, copy and landing pages for better results
  • Track conversions, cost per acquisition and return on ad spend
  • Prepare performance reports and recommend budget changes

Core skills

  • Google Ads
  • Meta Ads
  • Audience targeting
  • Conversion tracking
  • Budget optimization
  • Ad copy testing

Tools and systems

  • Google Ads
  • Meta Ads Manager
  • LinkedIn Campaign Manager
  • Google Analytics
  • Google Tag Manager

Related titles

  • PPC Specialist
  • Paid Search Specialist
  • Paid Social Specialist
  • Performance Marketing Specialist

Typical background

Typically 2 to 5 years managing paid campaigns, with a bachelor's degree in marketing and Google Ads or Meta certifications.

At a glance

Paid media specialist hiring at a glance

The essentials for planning the hire: level, background, how you can hire and what the role typically pays.

Level
Mid level
Background
Typically 2 to 5 years managing paid campaigns, with a bachelor's degree in marketing and Google Ads or Meta certifications.
Ways to hire
Contract, contract-to-hire, full-time
Pay
Varies by market and experience. Ask a recruiter or see our salary guide.
Timing
A contract shortlist in as little as 48 hours; full-time searches typically 2 to 6 weeks

Request talent

Hiring a paid media specialist?

Share a few details and a marketing and creative recruiter will be in touch. There is no obligation and no cost to talk.

What happens next

  1. 1
    A specialist recruiter calls youWithin one business day, to understand the role.
  2. 2
    We agree the planTimeline, budget and how you want to hire, in writing.
  3. 3
    You meet the shortlistOnly screened people who fit the brief.

Request talent

Request a paid media specialist

Takes about two minutes. A specialist recruiter will call you back within one business day.

Marketing & Creative professional at work
$0cost to job seekers, always
For job seekers

Looking for paid media specialist jobs?

Send your resume once and a marketing and creative recruiter will match you to paid media specialist roles that fit your experience, pay expectations and the way you want to work. We only put you forward for roles you have said yes to, and it is always free.

  • Roles that are never advertised
  • Honest feedback and interview preparation
  • Confidential: never shared without your permission

FAQ

Paid media specialist hiring, answered

Straight answers to the questions employers and candidates ask about this role.

Still have a question?

Talk to a recruiter about your role or your search. We reply within one business day.

A paid media specialist plans, launches and optimizes advertising on platforms such as Google, Meta and LinkedIn. The role manages budgets and creative testing so ad spend produces leads or sales at an acceptable cost. Typical responsibilities include: build and launch ad campaigns on search and social platforms; manage daily budgets, bids and audience targeting; test ad creative, copy and landing pages for better results.

Look for google Ads, meta Ads, audience targeting, conversion tracking, budget optimization and ad copy testing. Experience with Google Ads, Meta Ads Manager, LinkedIn Campaign Manager, Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager is common in this role.

Yes. A paid media specialist is one of the roles employers most often hire on contract, for projects, busy periods, leave cover and vacancies. Contract-to-hire is also an option if you want to work together before making a permanent offer.

A paid media specialist concentrates on advertising platforms, budgets and conversion tracking, and suits companies with meaningful ad spend. A digital marketing specialist covers several channels at a lighter depth. Choose paid media when ads drive most of your leads, and a generalist when your channels are varied.

It varies widely, and candidates should describe the budgets and platforms they have handled. Managing a small account differs from managing a large multi-platform budget. Match the candidate’s experience to your spend level, and ask for examples of how they improved results rather than only stating numbers.