Paid Media Specialist

Paid Media Specialist

We are looking for candidates based in the Dublin or Cambridge area.

As a member of the CEG Online Digital Marketing team, reporting to the Head of Paid Media, we are seeking an experienced, data-driven Paid Media Specialist to own the planning, execution, optimisation and performance measurement of paid media campaigns promoting our online education programmes and driving qualified student leads and enrolments.

The role will lead the day-to-day management and continuous optimisation of campaigns across Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and LinkedIn, with opportunities to expand into additional platforms, including TikTok and emerging AI-enabled advertising solutions. The primary objective is to generate qualified leads, improve acquisition efficiency and drive measurable progression through the conversion funnel, contributing to enrolment and commercial growth.

The successful candidate will combine strong paid media expertise with advanced analytical and technical capabilities. They will translate campaign data into actionable insights, managing campaign performance against agreed KPIs, implement and troubleshoot conversion tracking, and identify opportunities to improve audience targeting, creative effectiveness, bidding strategies and budget allocation.

Working collaboratively with marketing, analytics, web, design, SEO and sales teams, the Paid Media Specialist will improve acquisition funnel performance, enhance lead quality and maximise return on advertising investment. The role requires a proactive professional who can work independently, exercise sound commercial judgement and continuously improve campaign performance through structured testing, data-led decision-making and effective use of automation and AI-assisted tools.

Please note that interviews for shortlisted candidates and any potential job offers may be in place before the application end date. We recommend that, if interested in any of the roles, you apply as soon as possible.

Key responsibilities

Campaign Execution & Optimisation

• Own the end-to-end execution and day-to-day optimisation of paid media campaigns across Meta and LinkedIn, driving qualified lead generation and delivering against agreed acquisition and commercial objectives.
• Develop and execute campaign plans, audience strategies, campaign structures and testing roadmaps aligned with the wider paid media strategy and business priorities.
• Develop compelling, performance-driven ad copy and collaborate closely with the design team to deliver engaging, audience-relevant creative assets aligned with campaign objectives and brand guidelines.
• Collaborate with design to evaluate and refine ad creatives, messaging and formats, using performance data and audience insights to improve engagement, conversion rates and lead quality.

Budget Management

• Take full ownership of the day-to-day management and allocation of approved annual paid media budgets exceeding £500k, independently optimising spend within parameters agreed with senior stakeholders to achieve campaign objectives and maximise qualified lead generation and return on investment (ROI).
• Monitor budget utilisation, pacing and expenditure, maintaining accurate forecasts and reporting to the Head of Paid Media and proactively identifying variances, financial risks and cost-efficiency opportunities.
• Analyse campaign performance and use data-driven insights to inform budget allocation and investment decisions, maximising ROI and improving acquisition efficiency.

Tracking & Performance Analysis

• Implement, maintain and troubleshoot paid media conversion tracking, including Meta Pixel, LinkedIn Insight Tag and relevant CRM integrations, working with technical and analytics teams where required.
• Monitor campaign KPIs, including CPL, CTR, conversions and lead quality, identifying performance issues and optimisation opportunities.
• Analyse campaign performance across the acquisition funnel, translating campaign data and analytical insights into actionable recommendations to improve targeting, conversion efficiency and return on marketing investment.

 Person Specification

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business or related field, or equivalent professional experience

Experience

• 3-5 years experience managing paid social campaigns (Meta, LinkedIn)
• Experience with conversion tracking, Meta Pixel, LinkedIn Insight Tag and CRM integrations.
• Experience with ad creative development, copywriting, and A/B testing
• Proven ability to manage approved campaign budgets and optimise spend to maximise ROI and qualified lead generation.
• Experience optimising campaigns against CPL, lead quality, conversion rates and acquisition targets.
• Experience with emerging platforms like TikTok, AI-driven advertising platforms or other social media advertising is a plus

Skills

• Strong analytical skills; proficient in GA4, Excel, and CRM reporting
• Detail-oriented, highly organised, and capable of managing multiple campaigns simultaneously
• Proactive mindset, open to new ideas, and eager to learn and experiment
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for cross-functional teamwork
• Attention to detail, eye for design, and a passion for delivering high-quality work

Please see attached job description for complete job role information and person specification.

What does Cambridge Education Group do?

Cambridge Education Group is an international education provider that offers a range of services such as Pathway and Pre University Programs, Pre University Education, Preparatory education through foundations and master’s programmes, English Language courses, University application guidance along with creating Internship opportunities.

Why will you love working here?

Whether you work in one of our OnCampus or Managed Campus centres, in CEG Online supporting one of our many partner universities, or as part of one of our central service functions you will find a friendly, fast-paced and supportive work environment created by our diverse range of colleagues.

Employee Values

At Cambridge Education Group we believe that in living our values every single day we Achieve More for everyone around us, and in so doing makes it a great place to work.

Expert – Each individual strives to demonstrate expertise in everything they do, from previous experiences or acquiring new, relevant skills and know-how. We are great at sharing our knowledge to help our students, fellow colleagues and partners Achieve More.

Paid Media Specialist