Senior Search Lead

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The Search Lead will be responsible for defining and executing a search-led strategy for a leading global EdTech business. This role focuses on driving New Paid Learners acquisition through high-performance search engine marketing (SEM), meticulous keyword expansion, and advanced budget optimization. As a strategic pillar of the media team, the Search Lead will manage performance-based responsibilities to ensure that digital marketing efforts translate directly into measurable growth and enrollment for our global clientele.

The Role 

This role reports directly to the Client Lead for the EdTech account, with a matrix reporting line to the Global Client Lead. Success in this position requires close collaboration with the Global Search Lead to align local execution with global standards. Additionally, you will supervise and guide 2-3 team members in a matrix structure, fostering a culture of performance and continuous optimization.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in SEM and analytics-driven acquisition. You will be expected to deliver value through the orchestration of sophisticated search strategies at scale, leveraging tailored analytics and media solutions to meet the evolving needs of the EdTech sector. Navigating this matrix environment requires strong stakeholder management skills, as you will balance the immediate needs of the regional EdTech Client Lead with the global standardization requirements mandated by the Global Search Lead.

Responsibilities Include:

• Drive core client KPIs with a rigorous focus on Return on Ad Spend (ROAS), New Paid Leads (NPL), and First-Time Course of File(FTCOF)/Enrollment.
• Oversee and execute daily campaign optimization across search engines to maximize reach and efficiency.
• Develop comprehensive strategic guidelines and innovative methodologies for campaign optimization and keyword expansion.
• Guide, supervise, and mentor a matrix team of 2-3 members to ensure high-quality output and career progression.
• Manage budget allocation and bidding strategies to ensure optimal spend across high-intent search terms.
• Liaise regularly with the Global Search Lead to integrate global best practices into local campaign structures.
• Optimize search campaigns to address the full new user acquisition funnel, from initial intent and course discovery to final enrollment and re-engagement.

What you bring to it:

Must-Have:

• Proficient in written and verbal English
• 8+ years of SEM experience, whether at a publisher, agency, consultancy, trading desk, technology company, or brand. 
• Advanced expertise in Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and performance-based student acquisition is required.
• Experience with AdTech or MarTech solutions (such as Google Marketing Platform, Bing, Apple Search etc.)
• Strong grasp of the overall digital consultancy space, including but not limited to knowledge of Monks competitive set and their offerings across data and digital media.
• Proven track record in managing, mentoring, and upskilling high-performing search teams, with a specific focus on driving career progression within a matrixed organization.
• Project management experience, with demonstrated abilities to manage and organise projects, build detailed project plans, and manage multiple internal and external stakeholders to deliver outcomes. 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders ranging from C-suite through to platform SMEs. 
• Demonstrated ability to translate high-level business objectives into actionable search tactics that directly impact P&L metrics like FTCOF and ROAS.
• Demonstrated expertise in AI-driven marketing workflows and a strong desire to contribute to the advancement of Monks; AI solutions (such as Monks.Flow).
• Proven track record as an independent starter, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive initiatives forward with minimal oversight.
• Strong commitment to learning new ways of working and integrating cutting-edge AI technologies into daily operations.

Preferred:

• Strong analytical and consulting skills, rooted in the ability to draw and communicate insights from multiple data points. 
• Strong data analysis capabilities, with an ability to unearth actionable insights using a range of platforms and tools 
• Ambition to perform unprecedented tasks and obtain new skills, be comfortable with uncertainty and adapt to a rapidly changing environment
• Proficiency with both website and app analytics, spanning solutions design, implementation and analysis

About Monks

Monks is the global, digital-first, data-driven, unitary operating brand of S4Capital plc, where our culture centers on how we show up for the work and for one another. That begins with the commitment to strive for mastery-taking deep pride in our craft and creating work that sets the bar. In everyday execution, we drive momentum by choosing bold action rather than waiting for certainty. Above all, our teams are stronger together, bringing diverse perspectives into a unified team that communicates with clarity, trust, and mutual respect.

This commitment to craft and innovation translates directly into widespread industry acclaim: Monks was named a Contender in The Forrester Wave™: Global Marketing Services and a leader in the 2026 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Global Digital Marketing Agencies. It ranks among Cannes Lions' Top 10 Creative Companies (2022-25) and remains the only partner featured in AdExchanger’s Programmatic Power Players list every year (2020-24). Named Adweek’s first AI Agency of the Year (2023) and The One Show’s inaugural AI Pioneer Organization (2025), Monks was also awarded Business Intelligence Group’s 2026 Excellence in Artificial Intelligence Award in the Human-Machine Interaction Team category. Additionally, Monks.Flow earned AI-based Marketing Solution of the Year at the 2026 AI Breakthrough Awards and a 2026 Global Generative AI Award in the Agentic Marketing Innovation category. Finally, Monks achieved a record-breaking number of FWAs and continues to hold the most of any partner.

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a respectful and empowering work environment for all people to freely express themselves amongst colleagues who embrace diversity in all respects. Including fresh voices and unique points of view in all aspects of our business not only creates an environment where we can all grow and thrive but also increases our potential to produce work that better represents-and resonates with-the world around us.