PPC Ads Specialist

PPC (Pay-Per-Click) Ad 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 a results-driven PPC Ads Specialist to lead the development, execution, and optimisation of paid search marketing campaigns promoting our organisation s online postgraduate programmes. The role will manage paid search activity across approximately 1-2 brands, a portfolio of around 15 programmes and targeting audiences in more than 10 countries.

This role focuses primarily on platforms such as Google Ads (Search, Display, YouTube) and Microsoft Ads. The primary objective is to drive high-quality leads, improve conversion rates and optimise cost per lead (CPL), while contributing to overall return on ad spend (ROAS).

The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, and highly performance-focused, with a strong understanding of keyword strategy, bidding models, and conversion tracking. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams including design, analytics, web, SEO, and sales, while contributing to budget management, reporting, and ongoing optimisation. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced PPC professional who thrives in a data-driven, fast-paced environment and has a proven track record of delivering lead generation campaigns, managing budgets and driving measurable commercial outcomes.

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 day-to-day paid search strategy and performance across Google Ads and Microsoft Ads, translating business acquisition targets into campaign plans, testing priorities and optimisation roadmaps.
• Plan, launch, and manage PPC campaigns across Google Ads (Search, Display, YouTube) and Microsoft Ads
• Conduct in-depth keyword research, build and refine keyword lists, and manage match types and negative keywords

Budget Management

• Take ownership of budget pacing, forecasting and allocation across campaigns, proactively reallocating spend to maximise qualified lead volume and improve acquisition efficiency, identify cost-saving opportunities and scale performance within agreed budget parameters.
• Exercise day-to-day judgement over campaign budget allocation and optimisation to maximise ROI, within agreed budget parameters, escalating material changes or strategic decisions to the Head of Paid Media as appropriate.
• Manage and optimise an annual paid media budget

Tracking & Performance Analysis

• Hands-on implementation, optimisation and troubleshooting of Google Tag Manager, Google Ads conversion tracking, GA4 and attribution measurement.
• Own the ongoing quality assurance of paid media measurement, ensuring conversion tracking and attribution data are accurate and reliable, and coordinating resolution of discrepancies with technical teams.
• Monitor and analyse key PPC metrics (CPC, CTR, Quality Score, CPA, CAC, conversions)
• Use GA4, CRM systems, and reporting tools to generate actionable insights

Audience & Funnel Optimisation

• Develop and refine audience targeting strategies, including remarketing and in-market audiences
• Collaborate on landing page optimisation to improve Quality Score and conversion performance

Person Specification

Education

• Bachelor s degree in Marketing, Business or related field

Experience

• 5+ years' experience managing large-scale Google Ads and Microsoft Ads campaigns, with proven success delivering lead generation and customer acquisition targets.
• Strong knowledge of keyword research, campaign structure, audience targeting, bidding strategies and conversion optimisation.
• Hands-on experience with Google Ads, GA4, Google Tag Manager, conversion tracking, attribution, and campaign measurement.

Skills

• Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple campaigns simultaneously.
• Proactive, results-driven, and eager to test and learn
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering measurable results

Please see attached job description for further job role information.

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.

Authentic Our actions are taken, and decisions made, in line with our vision and mission; we trust everyone to do the right thing and deliver what they say they will through genuine, open and honest dialogue. We bring our whole selves to work, maximising our diversity to Achieve More.

Innovative We continually improve all aspects of what we do, being solution-focused to affect change on our path to Achieve More. All colleagues share their ideas, big and small, and are flexible to new practices, approaches and ways of working.

Benefits

• Perkbox (includes hundreds of discounts on brands)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) giving caring and compassionate support to all staff, as well as a dedicated Mental Health Support Network.
• Private Medical
• Staff Discount on CEG Digital courses
• Mentoring scheme
• Enhanced annual leave entitlement

CEG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all colleagues to share this commitment. All successful candidates will undergo background checks in the required countries. Where roles have direct contact with children, including all OnCampus centre- based roles, this will include ID, qualification and reference checks, criminal record checks including an Enhanced Disclosure (or equivalent) in line with safeguarding requirements and our Safeguarding and Prevent Policy (including Children Protection). Any offer of employment is subject to all checks being satisfactory. The Company also expects all colleagues to share the Company s commitment to Equal Opportunities within the workplace.