The Role

Please note this role is a 3 Months Fixed Term Contract.

OVERVIEW
The Search Client Director plays a key leadership role within the Performance Practice, managing a portfolio of medium to large client accounts. You’ll drive excellence in delivery, develop your team, and ensure client satisfaction through best-in-class performance strategies. This role demands a strong understanding of search marketing, commercial awareness, and the ability to motivate teams to deliver exceptional results.
You will collaborate closely with Business Director and Practice Leads to develop efficient processes, deliver innovative solutions, and identify opportunities that drive growth for both clients and Core.

RESPONSIBILITIES / KPIs
AGENCY PERFORMANCE

Lead the planning and delivery of client performance strategies across your portfolio.
Monitor output from direct reports managing training and development plans.
Act as a trusted advisor, demonstrating expertise in search and performance marketing.
Develop actionable insights through research and data analysis to identify business opportunities.
Ensure relationships across the wider performance and Core team are symbiotic.
Lead impactful client presentations and communicate complex ideas clearly.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key client stakeholders, ensuring high satisfaction and retention.
Stay ahead of market trends and emerging technologies, sharing relevant insights across teams.
Support new business initiatives through data-driven recommendations and presentations.
Contribute to building Core’s reputation through participation in thought leadership activities.
Demonstrate leadership by setting a positive example through advancing key business initiatives.

COMMERCIAL PERFORMANCE

Manage and ensure finances are accurate and delivered on time across client portfolio.
Identify opportunities for incremental revenue and operational efficiencies.
Collaborate with the SEO team to identify opportunities and assist with the management of client relationships.
Ensure all client activity, budgets, and orders are accurately recorded and managed within internal systems.
Take ownership of project delivery, ensuring that scope, quality, and profitability are maintained.
Contribute to practice growth plans through client satisfaction and upsell opportunities.
Monitor account performance and proactively address underperformance.
Support Business Directors in implementing best-practice processes to improve efficiency across the team.

TALENT MANAGEMENT

Take responsibility for managing, motivating, and developing your team to deliver high-quality work.
Foster a collaborative, ambitious team culture that encourages innovation and accountability.
Set clear objectives, provide ongoing feedback, and support professional growth through Core’s learning programs.
Delegate effectively, empowering team members with autonomy and assist with development of client relationships.
Promote a culture of accuracy, compliance, and operational excellence.
Encourage continuous learning by sharing research, insights, and best practices.
Demonstrate Core’s values in leadership, teamwork, and communication.

Your profile

EXPERIENCE / SKILLS REQUIRED

Proven experience in digital marketing, ideally within performance and search.
Approx. 5-6 years experience in a paid search or agency environment.
Strong client service and relationship management experience.
Demonstrated ability to manage teams and drive performance results.
Proficiency in key digital marketing tools and Microsoft Office suite.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Analytical thinker, comfortable working with data to generate actionable insights.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Business acumen with an understanding of profitability and commercial processes.
Self-starter who demonstrates initiative, energy, and a proactive mindset.
Team-oriented, collaborative approach with a focus on shared success.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

Expert in search and performance media.
Strategic yet execution-focused thinker.
Motivational leader who inspires others & leads by example.
Commercially aware with an eye for growth opportunities.
Strong communicator and relationship builder.
Committed to continuous improvement and innovation.

Why us?

What’s in it for you?

Work your way – enjoy flexible, hybrid working that fits around your life
Never stop growing – 24/7 access to LinkedIn Learning, plus clear career progression and mentoring support
Variety that excites – collaborate with an incredible mix of clients across sport, retail, food & drink, alcohol, insurance, banking and more
Grow with us – real opportunities to develop and progress within the business
Time to recharge – 21 days annual leave, your birthday off, Christmas closure days, and early finishes on bank holiday Fridays
Balance matters – a culture that genuinely supports work–life balance
People-first perks – employee referral programme and family-focused benefits, including paid maternity & paternity leave, fertility support, pregnancy loss leave, and a maternity phase-back programme
Your wellbeing, covered – access to mental health and wellbeing programmes, plus paid health insurance for you and your dependents under 18
Plan for the future – professional financial advice, contributory pension, and life assurance
Be part of something bigger – join our D&I, CSR, Green, Social or Great Place to Work committees and even earn an extra day’s leave for making an impact
And plenty more along the way…

Salary Range

60,000-72,000 DOE

About us

Core is Ireland's largest marketing communications company with over 400 people working across the key areas of marketing communications - research, data science, strategy, planning, creative development and implementation. We are now a collective of nine practices, working towards a single purpose - to expand the possibilities of what brands can achieve. At Core, we believe that change can move us forward and compel us towards new possibilities. Our wonderful people are at the centre of our success. It is essential that we keep building a high-trust working environment that supports our people and enables them to flourish. There is no magic formula for becoming a great place to work. Instead, it involves working together, through constant change, to match the personal dreams and ambitions of our people with the aspirations of the organisation.

Over the years, we have cemented our position as a great place to work, with 2025 being voted 8 Best Large Workplace in Ireland. Additionally, we are recognised as a Best Workplace for Women, and Best Workplace for Health & Wellbeing. 2025 was our best year yet, and we're excited to have you join us and our continued success.

Core

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