Associate Director, Paid Search

WPP Media; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model (4 days in-office)

Competitive benefits package

Paid time off

Dental and vision insurance

Retirement plans

Job summary

WPP Media seeks an ambitious Associate Director, Paid Search to lead strategic vision and day-to-day execution for Paid Search on a major QSR Restaurant brand. You will modernize search, align with programmatic efforts, and drive measurable ROI with strong team leadership and Google Ads mastery.

This 100% dedicated role requires deep analytics, cross-functional collaboration, and effective client communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years in analytical tools (GA, Webtrends, Omniture) and search desk tools.
• Hands-on Google Ads campaigns management required.
• Google Ads Certification required.
• Strong client-facing and relationship skills.
• Advanced Excel for reporting and analysis.
• Excellent communication and organization.

Responsibilities

• Own long-term vision, roadmap, and RACI for Paid Search across Google, PMAX, YouTube, and emerging formats.
• Lead and manage day-to-day search team workflow, budgets, and performance.
• Serve as senior SME in client-facing interactions and cross-channel discussions.
• Analyze campaign data to optimize media spend and deliver ROI.
• Interface and present to senior clients on a regular basis.

Skills

Analytical tools experience

Google Ads campaigns

Client-facing skills

Advanced Excel

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Analytics/Marketing/Communications/Advertising

Tools

Google AdWords Editor

Bing Ads Editor

Google Analytics

Webtrends

Omniture

Job description

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by ourpioneeringagentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth.

WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.

We are seeking an ambitious, data-driven Associate Director, Paid Searchto serve as the most senior search resource on our high-priority performance marketing team. In this role, you will be responsible for defining the long-term strategic vision and overseeing day-to-day execution for Paid Search on a major QSR Restaurant brand.

As search media continues to evolve beyond traditional keywords into Performance Max (PMAX), YouTube, and automated multi-format channels, you will lead the charge in modernizing our search practice and bridging the gap between Paid Search and Programmatic media execution.

This is a 100% dedicated, high-impact role requiring strong team leadership, deep technical mastery in Google Ads, and exceptional data analytics capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Own the long-term vision, roadmap, and RACI framework for Paid Search across traditional Google/Microsoft search, Performance Max (PMAX), YouTube, and emerging formats.
• Lead and own the day-to-day management of search team workflow and oversight of search recommendations, execution details, budgets/accounting and performance.
• Serve as the senior search subject matter expert (SME) in client-facing interactions and cross-channel internal discussions
• Maintain a heavily performance-driven management approach, diving deep into campaign data to extract actionable insights, optimize media spend, and deliver measurable ROI.
• Interface and present to senior clients on a regular basis.
• Maintain a heavily performance-driven management approach, diving deep into campaign data to extract actionable insights, optimize media spend, and deliver measurable ROI.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Analytics, Marketing, Communications, Advertising; OR equivalent professional work experience.
• 5+ Years experience in Analytical Tools (Google Analytics, Web trends, Omniture), Search Engine Desktop Tools (Google AdWords Editor, Bing Ads Editor).
• Hands-on experience directly managing Google Adscampaigns is mandatory.
• Google Ads Certification (Required)
• Significant client-facing and relationship management experience.
• Advanced Excel skills. Utilizing advanced functions for reporting and analysis
• Exhibit passion through appropriate participation in team, agency, and industry initiatives.
• Excellent verbal and written skills; exceptional organizational skills, multi-tasking capabilities, and attention to detail.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment toBe Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We alsoLead Optimistically,firmly believingin andChampioning Growth and Developmentfor every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees toleveragethe extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at thecutting edgeof marketing and advertising. WeCreate an Open environmentbuilt on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office eventsshowcasingteam wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens whenwe'retogether, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. Please note that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country.

Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy) for more information on how we process the information you provide.

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, go to https://mybenefits.wpp.com/public/welcome for more details.

US Pay Range

$75,000 - $180,000 USD

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