Performance marketing executive job description.

Thinking of bringing in a performance marketing executive or moving into this role yourself? This job description covers paid and organic performance duties, skill sets, growth paths, and salary benchmarks.

Table of contents

    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:

    • Launching and managing campaigns across Google, Meta, LinkedIn, and programmatic platforms

    • Optimising ads based on CPA, ROAS, CTR, and conversion volume

    • Managing budgets, pacing, and bid strategies

    • Supporting campaign testing across creative, audience, and placements

    • Creating reports and dashboards to monitor performance

    • Working with data and analytics teams to improve attribution models

    • Collaborating with content, CRM, and design on cross-channel alignment

    • Assisting with audience segmentation and retargeting strategies

    • Tracking post-click behaviour and conversion paths

    • 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:

    • 1–3 years of experience in digital marketing or paid media

    • Knowledge of PPC, paid social, and display channels

    • Experience running campaigns on Google, Meta, and LinkedIn Ads

    • Strong data skills and confidence using reporting dashboards

    • Understanding of conversion tracking and attribution models

    • Ability to write ad copy and support creative testing

    • Familiarity with budgets, bid strategies, and optimisation

    • Organised with excellent time management and accuracy

    • 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.

    • Mid-level performance marketing executives tend to earn between £30,000 and £35,000

    • Senior executives or those managing multiple paid channels may earn between £36,000 and £40,000

    • 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.

    LATEST JOBS

    Latest performance marketing roles we’re recruiting for.

    SEO and Content Executive
    Staffordshire
    £26000.00 - £30000.00 per annum
    Permanent
    Performance Marketing
    View job ➞
    Senior SEO Consultant
    Berlin (10365), Berlin
    Negotiable
    Permanent
    Performance Marketing
    View job ➞
    Senior Paid Media Manager
    Berlin (10365), Berlin
    Negotiable
    Permanent
    Marketing
    View job ➞
    Senior Paid Media Manager
    Shoreditch, London
    £55000.00 - £60000.00 per annum
    Permanent
    Performance Marketing
    View job ➞
    MEET THE TEAM

    Meet our team of performance marketing recruiters.

    Sophie Shakeshaft
    Sophie Shakeshaft

    Digital Marketing - UK

    Maddie Richardson
    Maddie Richardson

    Content, Social & PR - UK

    Megan Dunn
    Megan Dunn

    Recruitment Consultant

    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.

    Ready to find your next hire?

    Looking for a new role?