What does a performance marketing executive do?
A performance marketing executive runs digital campaigns aimed at generating measurable results, such as leads, sales, or app installs. They typically work across paid channels like Google Ads, Facebook, LinkedIn, and programmatic platforms to optimise return on investment.
Their tasks include setting up campaigns, A/B testing creative, tracking performance metrics, and adjusting budgets or bids based on performance data. The role requires strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and comfort with tools like Google Analytics and Meta Ads Manager.
In smaller companies, they might manage full-funnel campaigns. In larger organisations or agencies, they often work under a manager, focusing on delivery and reporting across specific channels.
Key responsibilities of a performance marketing executive.
Performance marketing executives typically work across paid channels to drive measurable results. Key responsibilities include:
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Launching and managing campaigns across Google, Meta, LinkedIn, and programmatic platforms
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Optimising ads based on CPA, ROAS, CTR, and conversion volume
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Managing budgets, pacing, and bid strategies
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Supporting campaign testing across creative, audience, and placements
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Creating reports and dashboards to monitor performance
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Working with data and analytics teams to improve attribution models
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Collaborating with content, CRM, and design on cross-channel alignment
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Assisting with audience segmentation and retargeting strategies
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Tracking post-click behaviour and conversion paths
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Updating documentation and sharing learnings with wider teams
This role blends campaign execution with analytics and cross-functional collaboration.
Skills and requirements for a performance marketing executive.
Performance marketing executives need a solid understanding of digital channels, campaign delivery, and data-led decision-making. Employers typically look for:
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1–3 years of experience in digital marketing or paid media
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Knowledge of PPC, paid social, and display channels
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Experience running campaigns on Google, Meta, and LinkedIn Ads
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Strong data skills and confidence using reporting dashboards
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Understanding of conversion tracking and attribution models
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Ability to write ad copy and support creative testing
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Familiarity with budgets, bid strategies, and optimisation
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Organised with excellent time management and accuracy
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Willingness to test, learn, and adapt based on performance
Most performance executives start from digital marketing or junior paid roles and often grow into channel specialists or account managers.
Average salary for a performance marketing executive.
In the UK, the average salary for a performance marketing executive typically ranges from £30,000 to £40,000, based on platform experience, analytics capabilities, and channel management.
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Mid-level performance marketing executives tend to earn between £30,000 and £35,000
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Senior executives or those managing multiple paid channels may earn between £36,000 and £40,000
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In high-performing ecommerce or subscription-based businesses, roles can include ROI-based bonuses
London-based roles and those in SaaS, fintech, and digital-first brands often command higher pay.
Career progression for a performance marketing executive.
A performance marketing executive is focused on paid channels, acquisition, and measurable digital outcomes. This role offers a clear progression path into channel ownership and strategic leadership. A typical journey includes:
Digital marketing assistant
Supports with performance reporting, campaign setup, and basic audience segmentation.
Performance marketing executive
Manages PPC, paid social, or programmatic campaigns. Optimises for ROI, ROAS, or conversions.
Performance marketing manager
Owns channel performance, forecasting, and testing. Leads junior execs or external agencies.
Head of performance marketing
Shapes paid media strategy. Manages teams and budgets aligned to customer acquisition goals.
Director of growth / acquisition
Sits on the senior leadership team. Oversees all performance channels and commercial outcomes.
SEO and Content Executive
Senior SEO Consultant
Senior Paid Media Manager
Senior Paid Media Manager
salary guide
Our UK marketing salary guide.
Performance marketers are essential to acquisition strategy, and hiring at executive level means competing with brands and agencies alike.
Our 2025 UK marketing salary guide provides accurate benchmarks for performance marketing executive roles, helping you stay competitive and attract data-driven candidates.
FAQS
Performance marketing executive FAQs.
They support demand generation through paid channels — including paid search, paid social, retargeting, and display. Campaigns are often goal-driven with a focus on leads, purchases, app installs, or sign-ups.
They often brief and test creative assets, ensuring that ad visuals and messaging are aligned with performance goals. Feedback loops between content and performance are essential for continual optimisation.
They often manage or monitor campaign spend within an assigned budget, adjusting bids and pacing based on performance. Strategy is typically guided by a senior manager, but executional control is common.
Cost per acquisition, ROAS, conversion rate, CTR, and engagement metrics depending on the funnel stage. Pipeline contribution or revenue influence is increasingly being tracked in B2B roles.
An analytical mindset, agility with A/B testing, and confidence using dashboards or BI tools. Candidates who can draw actionable insights and adapt campaigns in real time are highly valued.