Lead, Paid Search

Code3; United States; Remote; USD 106,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first workplace

Comprehensive medical, dental, and 
gl

Vision benefits

Job summary

Code3 is seeking a Lead, DTC Search to elevate paid search strategy and activation for a diverse client portfolio. You will drive performance across Google, Microsoft, Yahoo!, with a focus on Brand, Non-brand, Shopping, PMAX, and AI-enabled approaches, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver measurable business outcomes.

You will mentor direct reports, contribute to new business pitches, and stay ahead of industry trends.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of proven experience in developing paid search media plans and strategic presentations.
• Experience contributing to new business pitches.
• Ability to anticipate client requests, team and agency needs and provide proactive solutions.
• Proficiency in research platforms, paid search platforms and analytics dashboards.
• Certifications in digital marketing and/or paid search media strategy are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the overarching paid search strategy on your portfolio of accounts and deliver activation excellence across search platforms and tactics.
• Conduct keyword research, writing ad copy, optimizations and establishing bidding strategies to meet and exceed client KPIs.
• Leverage feed management and platform integrations (Feedonomics, Shopify) to guide clients and teams in driving shopping campaign performance.
• Provide proactive performance insights and optimization recommendations using robust data sets and tools.
• Identify, test, and scale innovative approaches, automation opportunities, and emerging technologies within paid search.
• Collaborate with client partnerships, creative, growth, and activation teams to ensure proper execution of strategy and client stewardship.
• Turn complex search strategies into compelling campaign recommendations and maintain best practices in media planning and performance analysis.
• Cultivate client partnerships as a trusted advisor on search and digital marketing.

Skills

Paid search strategy

Keyword research

Analytics dashboards

AI in marketing

Team collaboration

Tools

Google Ads

Microsoft Advertising

Yahoo!

Feedonomics

Shopify

Job description

About Code3

Code3 is an integrated marketing agency, powering business growth for digital disruptors and Fortune 500 leaders alike. Our power is at the intersection of Connections, Creative and Commerce – that’s what is in our DNA. By harvesting insights and utilizing audience data, we work with our clients to develop scroll-stopping content and creative that performs and elevates the brands we work with across all digital media platforms.

Our people are energized by challenges and sprint to find unorthodox solutions. We plan, activate and measure as one team, and we’re not afraid to push boundaries and test our way to success. Coders are Relentless, Gritty, Nimble humans who are always striving to be better.
With teams across the U.S., you’ll find more than a job at Code3. You’ll find a place to grow, make an impact, and do your best work alongside a team that’s invested in your success.

East Coast strongly preferred

The Opportunity

As a Lead, DTC Search you’ll be responsible for managing and elevating search strategy, activation and thought‑leadership against a portfolio of clients spanning several categories. You have a deep passion for staying on top of trends, and you understand how paid search plays into the broader media ecosystem.

You’ll work closely with a cross‑disciplinary team across both challenger and enterprise accounts. You’ll be charged with managing performance, driving growth and to shift thinking beyond basic campaign tactics and connect the dots with broader business objectives and outcomes.

What you’ll do:

• Define and own the overarching paid search strategy on your portfolio of accounts and deliver activation excellence across search platforms (Google, Microsoft, Yahoo!) and tactics (Brand, Non‑brand, Shopping, PMAX, Demand Gen, Competitor)
• Conduct keyword research, writing ad copy, optimizations and establishing bidding strategies to meet and exceed client KPIs
• Leverage a solid understanding of feed management including strategy and build within platforms (e.g. Feedonomics, Shopify) in order to guide clients, managed service teams and agency team in driving shopping campaign performance
• Provide both proactive and reactive performance insights and optimization recommendations leveraging robust data sets and tools.
• Actively identify, test, and scale innovative approaches, automation opportunities, and emerging technologies (including AI applications) within paid search across your accounts to maintain a competitive edge
• Be a collaborative partner between your peers in client partnership, creative, growth and activation teams to ensure proper execution of strategy and client stewardship
• Be a storyteller: turning complex search strategies into compelling campaign recommendations
• Maintain best practices on your accounts in media planning, forecasting, budgeting & setup best practices, developing learning agendas, and performance analysis
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with clients, acting as a trusted advisor on search and digital marketing
• Provide critical perspective and stay ahead of platform updates, industry trends, and emerging technologies
• Overseeing direct reports in strategy development and provide mentorship and training opportunities to assist with career growth and delivering on client expectations
• Support new business initiatives and pitches by conducting platform audits, developing strategy slides and being the paid search expert within presentations

Who will love this role:

• Passion for the ever‑changing media landscape and the new role paid search plays
• A data‑driven decision‑maker passionate about exceeding client expectations
• An entrepreneurial spirit who craves building, elevating and adapting process
• An appetite for leveraging AI and other technologies to improve workflows and strategy
• A people person that enjoys close relationships with your team, partners and clients
• A passion for vocalizing thought leadership and new ideas via presentations, blogs and other content distribution channels
• A problem solver with the ability to develop creative solutions

You should have:

• 5+ years of proven experience in developing paid search media plans, strategic presentations
• Experience contributing to new business pitches
• Ability to anticipate client requests, team and agency needs and provide proactive solutions
• Proficiency in research platforms, paid search platforms and analytics dashboards
• Certifications in digital marketing and/or paid search media strategy are a plus ( Google Analytics Certification, Microsoft Advertising Search Certification, Google Ads Search Certification, Google AI Powered Shopping Ads Certification etc.)

The position also offers a bonus based on company and client success.

The base salary range will be determined based on the candidate’s experience and geographic location. Certain positions may also be eligible for a bonus, with eligibility and details discussed during the recruitment process.For candidates that are based in California, we encourage you to review this important information for California residents here. For best results, open the link in a new tab.

Salary Range

$106,000—$128,000 USD

Working at Code3

At Code3, we believe great work happens when people feel supported, trusted, and empowered to do their best. We’re proud to offer a competitive rewards package, meaningful opportunities for growth, and a culture that’s collaborative, inclusive, and—most importantly—human.

Here’s what you can expect as a Coder:

• Remote‑first workplace designed to support flexibility and connection
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, plus a generous retirement program
• Thoughtful parental leave and return‑to‑work program
• Flexible Time Off, sabbatical opportunities, paid holidays, quarterly Company “Recharge” Days, and a holiday closure in December
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities to help you grow your skills and career
• A commitment to transparent DEIB practices and building a workplace where everyone can thrive

A Few Things to Know

All candidates who receive an offer will be required to successfully complete a background check.

Want to get to know us a little better? Check outLife at Code3to learn more about our people, culture, and what it’s like to be a Coder.

Our Interview Process

During this first call, we’ll get to know you, learn more about your experience, and talk about what you’re looking for in your next opportunity. We’ll also explore alignment with our company and values, and depending on the role, we may ask a few technical or role‑specific questions. From there, the process can look a little different depending on the role. You can expect to meet several members of the team and, for some positions, complete a skills assessment such as a Take‑Home Assignment or Live Exercise.We’ll make sure you know what to expect every step of the way. Your Talent Acquisition partner will walk you through the full process during your initial conversation.

Inclusive Workforce

At Code3, we’re committed to creating a culture where people from all backgrounds feel welcome, supported, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We want every Coder to feel included and have the opportunity to contribute fully to our vision and goals.All applicants will receive fair consideration for employment. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic in the location where the candidate is applying.

If you have an accessibility need or would benefit from an accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know at [e-mail]. We’re happy to work with you to make the process as comfortable and accessible as possible.

For more information about the data we collect and how we use it, please refer to ourPrivacy Policy.

We use AI technology to help streamline parts of our hiring workflow. People are at the heart of our hiring process, and all candidate decisions are made by our Talent Acquisition Team.