About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 21 countries, in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East, serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.
About the Role
We are looking for a strategic and results-driven Paid Media Manager to lead digital marketing across our UK schools, driving high-impact campaigns across Google, Meta, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn to generate high-quality leads and support pupil enrolment growth. This role blends analytical expertise with creative innovation, combining data-driven insights with forward-thinking approaches to paid and organic content. You will develop and deliver annual multi-channel paid media strategies aligned with school priorities and KPIs, managing and optimising campaigns to maximise engagement, ROI, and overall performance. A key focus will be accelerating growth on YouTube and TikTok through effective use of video content, while continuously analysing performance data to inform improvements and provide actionable insights. Collaboration is essential, as you will work closely with Marketing Managers, Heads of Sales and Marketing, and creative teams to ensure consistent messaging and strong brand alignment. You will also oversee media budgets to ensure cost efficiency, maintain effective spend, and stay ahead of emerging digital trends and platform innovations—ensuring our schools remain competitive and visible in an increasingly dynamic market.
This is a Permanent, full time position. Hybrid role working 3 days a week in our Central London Office.
Who We Are Looking For
You are a results-focused, collaborative digital marketing professional with proven expertise in paid media and multi-channel campaign delivery. You excel at turning insight into action, optimising campaigns to drive growth, and partnering with stakeholders to achieve shared goals. With strong experience managing paid media activity across Google Ads, Meta Ads, and video-led platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn, you are able to plan, execute, and refine campaigns that deliver measurable lead generation and conversion outcomes. You bring solid analytical skills, with experience in ROI reporting and full-funnel conversion optimisation, alongside excellent collaboration and stakeholder management abilities that enable you to work effectively across multiple schools and teams. As a strategic and innovative thinker with a growth mindset, you stay ahead of digital marketing trends and use this knowledge to inform continuous improvement. You also possess strong communication and presentation skills, confidently translating complex data into actionable insights, and have robust budget management expertise, including spend pacing, CPC/CPL optimisation, and maximising ROI.
Benefits at Cognita
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Private Medical Insurance & Healthcare Cash Plan
- GPPP Pension
- Life Assurance
- School fee discount
- 25 days’ holiday (plus bank holidays)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee discounts site
- Professional subscriptions reimbursement.
How to Apply.
Please complete your application before the closing date:
25th January 2026.
Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.
Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
