Senior Paid Search Specialist

Campfire Recruitment; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Campfire Recruitment in Auckland, North Island, is seeking an experienced Paid Search specialist to own strategy and execution for a portfolio of client accounts. You’ll drive campaigns, optimisation, budgets and measurable outcomes.

You’ll collaborate with clients and internal teams while mentoring junior specialists and exploring AI Search, GEO/AEO and emerging channels. This role offers hybrid work within a dynamic agency environment.

Qualifications

• Experience managing paid search campaigns for multiple clients.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to turn data into recommendations.
• Interest in AI Search and emerging discovery behaviours.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, activation and optimisation of Paid Search campaigns.
• Manage complex client accounts and media budgets.
• Develop strategic recommendations across bidding, audiences and budgets.
• Lead testing and performance optimisation initiatives.
• Mentor junior team members and share best practices.
• Collaborate with clients, media partners and internal teams.

Skills

Paid Search proficiency

Account management

Tools

Google Ads

SA360

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Campfire Recruitment – Auckland, North Island

$70,000 - $80,000 a year

Permanent

Hybrid

2d ago , from Campfire Digital Recruitment

• Deliver high-impact paid search campaigns for leading brands
• Learn from industry-leading search specialists and digital experts
• Gain hands-on exposure to strategy, innovation and campaign testing

What's in it for you

• Own strategy and performance across major Paid Search accounts
• Work with sophisticated clients and significant media budgets
• Develop expertise across AI Search, GEO/AEO and emerging channels
• Lead testing, innovation and new platform adoption
• Mentor junior specialists and share your expertise
• Hybrid working within a collaborative, high-performing agency
• Strong opportunities for continued career development

About the Role

Reporting to the Senior Paid Search Manager, you'll independently manage a portfolio of client accounts, owning Paid Search strategy, activation, optimisation and performance.

You'll develop data-driven recommendations across bidding, audiences, creative, budgets and account structure, while working closely with clients, internal specialists and media partners to deliver measurable commercial outcomes.

You'll also play an important role in evolving the agency's Search capability, leading testing initiatives, identifying new opportunities and helping the wider team understand how traditional Search connects with emerging discovery behaviours.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, execution and optimisation of Paid Search campaigns
• Independently manage complex client accounts and media budgets
• Develop strategic recommendations across bidding, audiences, creative and account structure
• Lead campaign testing and performance optimisation initiatives
• Build trusted relationships with clients, media partners and internal stakeholders
• Identify opportunities across AI Search, GEO/AEO, SEO, Social Search and emerging platforms
• Stay ahead of Search trends, platform updates and new technologies
• Mentor junior team members and share Paid Search best practice
• Contribute to improvements across processes, tools and ways of working

About You

You’ll be an experienced Paid Search specialist who is comfortable taking ownership of both strategy and execution.

You're commercially minded, highly analytical and confident turning performance data into clear recommendations for clients. You'll also be naturally curious about where Search is heading and interested in how AI and emerging discovery behaviours are changing digital marketing.

What You’ll Bring

• Advanced Paid Search experience across Google Ads and SA360
• Experience independently managing multiple client accounts
• Strong campaign strategy, optimisation and budget management capability
• Excellent analytical and commercial decision-making skills
• Confidence presenting recommendations and communicating with clients
• Strong stakeholder and relationship management skills
• High attention to detail and excellent organisational skills
• Experience mentoring or supporting junior specialists
• A proactive interest in AI Search, GEO/AEO and the evolving Search landscape

Salary: $70,000 - $80,000 + Benefits

About Campfire

Campfire is New Zealand's specialist recruitment agency for Digital Marketing, E-commerce, Digital Media, and Creative talent.

We recruit permanent, contract, and freelance professionals across New Zealand and partner with some of the country's most innovative agencies, brands, and technology businesses.

View our digital talent network: Campfire Digital Talent Network