Job Description

About Ogilvy

Ogilvy has been creating impact for brands through iconic, culture-changing, value-driving ideas since the company was founded by David Ogilvy 75 years ago. It builds on that rich legacy through Borderless Creativity - innovating at the intersections of its advertising, public relations, relationship design, consulting, and health capabilities with experts collaborating seamlessly across over 120 offices in nearly 90 countries. Ogilvy currently ranks as the #1 global agency network for creative excellence and effectiveness by WARC, signifying its ability to deliver creative solutions that drive unreasonable impact for clients and communities. Ogilvy is a WPP company (NYSE: WPP). For more information, visit Ogilvy.com, and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook.

We are looking for a Head of Performance Marketing

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Performance Marketing to lead our digital paid media operations and drive strategic success across a range of global and South African clients. Reporting to the Global Media Partner, this role combines leadership, technical expertise, and commercial acumen to deliver outstanding results. The successful candidate will have both local and global experience, ensuring a holistic approach to paid media strategies. They will take ownership of paid media performance, operational improvements, and innovation while contributing to new business development and creating training modules and playbooks to enhance team capabilities.

This role reports into the Global Media Partner and is based in Cape Town. Key responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership:

Develop and execute advanced paid media strategies across Programmatic, Search, Paid Social, and emerging platforms. Align strategies with client and business objectives in collaboration with the Global Media Partner. Lead innovative programmatic solutions, leveraging platforms such as DV360 and Adform for optimal results.

Operational Excellence

Set up and manage ad accounts, including Business Managers, MCC accounts, and Campaign Manager 360 (CM360). Ensure security, compliance, and maintenance of partner badges while maintaining platform hygiene. Work closely with the Ad Operations Lead to improve workflows, QA documents, and operational processes. Conduct audits and assessments to ensure operational efficiency and adherence to industry best practices.

Performance Management

Take ownership of pacing, optimisation, and delivery of paid media campaigns, ensuring KPIs are consistently met. Drive the adoption of automation tools and AI-powered solutions to enhance campaign performance and efficiency. Manage DCO (Dynamic Creative Optimisation) processes to improve personalisation and results.

Vendor, Supplier, and Partner Management

Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, and partners, negotiating favourable terms. Act as the primary liaison for media and technology partners, driving collaboration and value creation. Identify and onboard new vendors and tools to support innovation and evolving business needs.

Commercial Acumen

Partner with the Global Media Partner in new business development efforts for global markets and clients, contributing to pitches and client acquisition strategies. Provide strategic input and insights to position the organisation as a leader in the digital media landscape. Ensure cost-efficiency and ROI in budget management while driving commercial opportunities.

Team Leadership & Development

Manage and mentor the paid media team, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture. Develop and deliver training modules and playbooks to enhance media capabilities across internal teams and business units. Ensure adherence to best practices, workflows, and operational standards.

Client Relations

Act as a trusted advisor to clients, presenting recommendations with confidence and strategic insight. Collaborate with the Global Media Partner and senior stakeholders to deliver measurable client outcomes. Maintain and enhance long-term client relationships through performance excellence.

CORE STRENGTHS:

Ownership & Accountability Lead with integrity and consistently deliver high-quality outcomes. Proactive & Collaborative Approach Anticipate challenges and foster teamwork to achieve shared goals. Innovative & Solutions-Oriented Leverage technology and data-driven methodologies to optimise results. Strategic Thinking Shape forward-looking strategies based on data-driven insights and trends. Performance Excellence Focus on exceeding benchmarks and delivering measurable impact. Consistency & Trust Build confidence through reliability, transparency, and collaboration.

DESIRED SKILLS & DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

Minimum 10 years of experience in digital paid media, with a proven history in performance marketing. Demonstrated experience across local and global markets, understanding nuanced regional and international dynamics. Expertise in programmatic platforms (e.g., DV360, Adform, CM360) and advanced audience strategies. Proficiency in managing Business Managers, MCC accounts, and tracking setups (e.g., GTM, GA4). Experience building automation dashboards: LookerStudio or PowerBI + Funnel IO or Supermetrics integration. Demonstrated ability to create training materials, playbooks, and capability-building initiatives. Experience with operational improvements, including QA documentation and workflow enhancements. Strong negotiation skills and vendor management expertise. Advanced proficiency in Excel and analytics tools. Proven expertise in budget management, media planning, and commercial strategies. Certifications in Meta Blueprint and Google Ads (Search, Display, Analytics)

KEY ATTRIBUTES:

Strategic thinker with a strong results-oriented mindset and proven commercial acumen. Exceptional communicator and presenter, skilled in client-facing and pitch environments. Collaborative and empowering leader with a focus on innovation and performance. Adaptable to emerging trends and technologies within the digital media industry.

WHAT WE OFFER!

Full-time job within a growing and trendsetting agency Global client portfolio Attractive package and benefits Continuous trainings. Career conversation and growing opportunities Hybrid work policy

Join our team to lead the charge in delivering cutting-edge paid media strategies, driving commercial growth, and empowering our teams through training and innovation!



At Ogilvy, our people are at the heart of what we do: a creative agency that sparks game-changing ideas across culture and business through collaboration, integrity, and a celebration of self-expression.



We believe in building powerful teams with purpose. This means hiring and nurturing talent across all races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, sexual orientation, and gender identities - and we relentlessly curate transformative initiatives that make our commitment to fairness, and equity a reality.



Our ultimate mission is to leave a positive impact on the world, creating a better future for all, while supporting and uplifting the global communities we serve. This is central to our mantra of Borderless Creativity.



Equal Opportunity Employer. Ogilvy considers candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Applicants from the United States can learn more about their rights by viewing the federal "Know Your Rights" and Pay Transparency posters by clicking here.



If you need any assistance seeking a job opportunity, or if you need reasonable accommodation with the application process, please contact us at accommodations@ogilvy.com. Please note that this contact is only for candidates who are requesting accommodation. Emails for other purposes, including application status requests, will not receive a response.