Lead Performance Marketing: Paid Search & Growth

Pearson; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Pearson is seeking a Lead Specialist, Performance Marketing to own daily paid search execution and optimization, driving enrollment and product adoption. You will manage campaigns across Google Ads, SA360, and Microsoft Ads, lead agency partners, and collaborate with Analytics, Enrollment, Finance, and Marketing stakeholders.

The role requires strong analytical skills, 7+ years in SEM, and a passion for testing and optimization.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on paid search (SEM) management.
• Expert-level Google Ads and SA360 experience; Microsoft Ads preferred.
• Proven success managing large-scale search programs with measurable goals.
• Strong understanding of conversion optimization, attribution, bidding, audience targeting, and measurement.
• Experience managing agency relationships and cross-functional collaboration.
• People management, leadership, and development experience.
• Strong analytical skills with data interpretation and action.
• Experience with web analytics and tag management (GA and tag managers).
• Advanced Excel and performance reporting tools proficiency.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as day-to-day owner of Paid Search programs across Google Ads, SA360, and other platforms.
• Execute and optimize campaigns to drive product adoption, applications, and enrollments.
• Translate strategic direction into campaign plans, testing initiatives, and optimization recommendations.
• Monitor campaign performance daily; identify opportunities to improve volume, conversions, and cost efficiency.
• Manage keyword expansion, audience targeting, bidding strategies, ad copy testing, and campaign structure improvements.
• Lead ongoing search query analysis and optimization for qualified traffic and enrollments.
• Maintain deep knowledge of evolving search trends, automation, and AI bidding.
• Lead internal experts and agencies to deliver flawless campaign execution.
• Review agency recommendations and validate decisions using performance data.
• Coordinate new platform features, beta opportunities, and testing initiatives.
• Develop and manage a robust testing roadmap across campaigns, audiences, creatives, and landing pages.
• Conduct rigorous A/B testing and performance analysis for scalable growth opportunities.
• Utilize AI-enabled tools to improve efficiency and workflow.
• Partner with website/marketing teams to optimize landing pages and conversions.

Skills

Paid Search

Google Ads

SA360

Microsoft Ads

Conversions

Attribution

Budget mgmt

Agency mgmt

Leadership

Analytics

Reporting

Job description

Pearson is seeking a Lead Specialist, Performance Marketing to own daily paid search execution and optimization, driving enrollment and product adoption. You will manage campaigns across Google Ads, SA360, and Microsoft Ads, lead agency partners, and collaborate with Analytics, Enrollment, Finance, and Marketing stakeholders.

The role requires strong analytical skills, 7+ years in SEM, and a passion for testing and optimization.