Associate Director, SEM

WPP Media Limited; Chicago, Los Angeles, New York (IL, CA, NY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive medical

Group retirement plans

Vision and dental insurance

Significant paid time off

Preferential partner discounts

Employee mental health awareness days

Job summary

WPP Media Limited is seeking an Associate Director, Paid Search to lead the day-to-day paid search operations, manage budgets, and serve as the main client contact. You will shape strategic direction, mentor staff, and ensure high-quality performance across multiple accounts.

You will partner with senior clients, train managers and associates, and develop standard methodologies to improve efficiency while maintaining strong client relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional work experience in a relevant field.
• 5+ years in analytical tools and paid search platforms.
• Proven track record in leading and growing junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day management of the paid search workflow and budgets.
• Interface with senior clients and present strategic recommendations.
• Develop and mentor Search Managers and Associates to elevate practice.
• Drive operational efficiencies and maintain strong client relationships.

Skills

Paid search leadership

Team management

Client relationship mgmt

Strategic direction

Budgeting & accounting

Communication

Education

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

Tools

Google Analytics

Webtrends

Omniture

Google Ads Editor

Bing Ads Editor

Job description

About WPP Media

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.

Role Summary & Impact

As an Associate Director, Paid Search, you will be accountable for all day-to-day Paid Search operations and be the main point of contact for an account. You will provide strategic direction and leadership inside the digital group to deliver the most effective and advanced communication plans. You will manage the career paths of supporting staff within the Paid Search team and will be expected to function at a highly efficient level, manage teams on multiple accounts, and maintain a strong client relationship.

Skills and Experience

• Lead and own the day-to-day management of search team workflow and oversight of search recommendations, execution details, budgets/accounting and performance.
• Develop positive relationships with the search community, vendors and Directors for optimal service levels and results.
• Study and understand the client’s product, marketing objectives and digital goals with an emphasis on paid search, ensuring your recommendations are insightful and consistent.
• Interface and present to senior clients on a regular basis.
• Train, motivate and develop Search Managers, Senior Associates and Associates, performing as a leader with minimal supervision. A key result will be developing talent. We need you to elevate the practice by developing your own team members to be strategic about the role of paid search in the media mix.
• Develop and write up standard methodologies for improving operational efficiencies within the team and the group.
• Keep senior management apprised of key client opportunities, potential risks and other key nuances which affect the health of the business.
• 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).
• Significant client-facing and relationship management experience.
• Prior experience managing a team; demonstrating a proven track record in training and growing junior team members.
• 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 believing in andChampioning Growth and Developmentfor every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.

We Create an Open Environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment,

• competitive medical
• group retirement plans
• vision and dental insurance
• significant paid time off
• preferential partner discounts
• 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 when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in an 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 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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