Senior SEM Manager

Jobtailor; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a senior SEM engineer to shape the future of Xero’s global Paid Search program and evolve the technical foundations of the global SEM program.

You will build and operationalise AI-powered workflows for optimisation, analysis and reporting, implement validation and guardrails for AI-driven systems, and collaborate with Data Science, Marketing Technology and Product to connect data and AI into the SEM ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Deep, hands-on SEM expertise.
• Experience managing large-scale, multi-market Paid Search programs.
• Strong understanding of Google Ads, SA360, modern bidding and automation.
• Proven technical builder capability designing and deploying automation, workflows or technical solutions.
• Hands-on experience with AI and workflow orchestration tools such as Tray.ai, AirOps, n8n, Make, Zapier, OpenAI, Claude or similar.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear recommendations and influence senior stakeholders.
• Willingness to share knowledge, mentor others and elevate team capability.

Responsibilities

• Shape the future of Xero’s global Paid Search program.
• Evolve the technical foundations of the global SEM program.
• Build and operationalise AI-powered workflows for optimisation, analysis, reporting and operational processes
• Advance AI-driven SEM capabilities, including automated bidding and decision-making systems
• Implement validation, guardrails and measurement for AI-driven systems
• Identify automation opportunities that turn complex SEM processes into scalable, reusable solutions
• Partner with Data Science, Marketing Technology and Product to connect data, AI and emerging technology into the SEM ecosystem
• Explore emerging search and AI capabilities and test their commercial potential
• Collaborate with SEM specialists, CRO and the wider Performance Marketing organisation
• Act as a senior technical voice and translate complex ideas into opportunities for senior stakeholders
• Share expertise, mentor others and elevate the team’s technical capability

Skills

SEM Expertise

Multi-market Management

Google Ads SA360

Automation Solutions

AI Workflow Orchestration

Analytical Problem-Solving

Stakeholder Influence

Mentoring

Tools

Tray.ai

AirOps

n8n

Make

Zapier

OpenAI

Claude

Job description

• Shape the future of Xero’s global Paid Search program
• Evolve the technical foundations of the global SEM program
• Build and operationalise AI-powered workflows for optimisation, analysis, reporting and operational processes
• Advance AI-driven SEM capabilities, including automated bidding and decision-making systems
• Implement validation, guardrails and measurement for AI-driven systems
• Identify and deliver automation opportunities that turn complex SEM processes into scalable, reusable solutions
• Partner with Data Science, Marketing Technology and Product to connect data, AI and emerging technology into the SEM ecosystem
• Explore emerging search and AI capabilities and test their commercial potential
• Collaborate with SEM specialists, CRO and the wider Performance Marketing organisation
• Act as a senior technical voice and translate complex ideas into opportunities for senior stakeholders
• Share expertise, mentor others and elevate the team’s technical capability

Requirements

• Deep, hands-on SEM expertise
• Experience managing large-scale, multi-market Paid Search programs
• Strong understanding of Google Ads, SA360, modern bidding and automation
• Proven technical builder capability designing and deploying automation, workflows or technical solutions
• Hands-on experience with AI and workflow orchestration tools such as Tray.ai, AirOps, n8n, Make, Zapier, OpenAI, Claude or similar
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear recommendations and influence senior stakeholders
• Willingness to share knowledge, mentor others and elevate team capability

Core Competencies

Demonstrates deep SEM expertise with a focus on AI-driven capabilities, automation, and technical solutions. Proven ability to manage large-scale Paid Search programs while collaborating with cross-functional teams and mentoring others.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• SEM Expertise
• Google Ads
• Automation Solutions
• AI Workflow Orchestration
• Analytical Problem-Solving

Hard Skills

• Paid Search Management
• AI-Driven SEM Capabilities
• Automated Bidding
• Technical Solution Design
• Workflow Automation

Soft Skills

• Mentoring
• Influencing Stakeholders
• Collaboration

Industry Keywords

• Performance Marketing
• Search Engine Marketing
• Data Science
• Marketing Technology

Tools & Technologies

• Google Ads
• SA360
• Tray.ai
• AirOps
• N8n
• Make
• Zapier
• OpenAI
• Claude