Manager, Paid Search (SEM)

Ovative Group, LLC; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top Workplace recognition

401(k) match

Health insurance

Office access in Minneapolis

Sabbatical program

Job summary

Ovative Group in Minneapolis seeks a Manager, Paid Search (SEM) to lead enterprise-level paid search programs for major clients. You will manage day-to-day operations, set objectives and KPIs, and partner with SEO and retail teams to shape holistic search strategies.

The role requires 5–6+ years in enterprise SEM, strong client management, and experience leading teams. Ovative offers a collaborative culture, generous benefits, and opportunities to drive growth across digital channels.

Qualifications

• 5–6+ years of enterprise-level paid search marketing experience.
• Proven track record in direct-response search marketing and performance marketing.
• Experience with paid search tools such as Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and SA360.
• Experience managing direct reports and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Own and grow the overall relationship and performance of large clients.
• Lead day-to-day management of paid search programs with clear objectives and KPIs.
• Develop client communications and build trust with stakeholders.
• Lead and develop Ovative team members with coaching and feedback.

Skills

Enterprise SEM

Client management

Team leadership

PPC optimization

Google Ads

Microsoft Ads

SA360

Tools

SA360

Google Ads Editor

Excel

Job description

About Ovative Group

Ovative Group is an independent, full-funnel media, measurement, and creative firm. Leveraging our deep industry expertise, we help brands like Best Buy, Domino's, American Eagle, The Home Depot, Post, Disney, Tumi, Michael Kors, Boost Mobile, and UnitedHealth Group transform their media and measurement programs. The result? Profitable growth that speaks for itself. At Ovative, we don't just track data, we redefine success. How do we do it? Our proprietary MarTech platform, EMRge helps businesses transform marketing into a driver of sustainable growth. Powered by Enterprise Marketing Return (EMR), our differentiated approach to holistic media buying, planning, and measurement, EMRge is the first MarTech platform to measure businesses holistically. We're all about raising the bar every day, and it shows. Our work has been recognized by organizations like Digiday, Google, Inc. 5000, USA Today, and Search Engine Land.

About the Role

Digital Marketing is a critical part of every consumer journey, but many companies only measure its impact on their digital outcomes. Our approach to paid search optimization at Ovative Group can’t be found anywhere else. We measure and optimize search marketing campaigns at the enterprise level, both online and offline. Our clients are household names that span multiple industries, including retail, healthcare, education, CPG, and hospitality. The Ovative Group Manager, Paid Search (SEM) position is an opportunity for an experienced candidate to take the next step in a leadership role at a fast‑growing company that has the highest standards for talent, fun, and client success. The ideal candidate demonstrates phenomenal client management, inspiring team leadership, great critical thinking, and sophisticated understanding of the digital media landscape.

Responsibilities

• Client relationship management: own, manage and grow the overall relationship and performance of some of Ovative Group’s largest clients.
• Lead day-to-day management of client paid search programs including:
  • Clearly defining program objectives, tactics and KPIs.
  • Developing and delivering client communication.
  • Effectively managing client relationship and establishing trust and credibility.
  • Effectively influencing client stakeholders to evolve strategies and measurement approach to drive enterprise impact through paid search channel.
• Team leadership and employee development:
  • Recruit, train and manage new Ovative team members.
  • Foster a culture of open communication and 360‑degree feedback.
  • Inspire your team and direct reports to reach their quarterly, annual, and long‑term goals with strong coaching and development aligned to their interests and goals.
• Cross‑functional strategy & thought leadership:
  • Act as a subject matter expert for Paid Search strategies by continually evolving Ovative’s approach to best practices; vetting and partnering with new technology companies; managing planning and execution tools, and staying on top of emerging trends.
  • Partner with SEO, retail media, and upper‑funnel teams to drive holistic search strategies and impact.
  • Develop and drive forward multi‑channel digital media strategies and roadmaps aligned with client program growth goals.
  • Support higher level, cross‑functional marketing strategy projects by providing deep media expertise.
• Performance media management & execution:
  • Guide, manage, and QA optimization and management of client paid search programs including strategy and campaign planning, integrated with all Ovative services.
  • Campaign tactics and segmentation strategy, with a customer first mindset.
  • Algorithmic bid platform and manual bidding strategy and optimization to optimize to enterprise results.
  • Strategic partner management (Google, Microsoft, SA360, etc.).
  • Actively identify new test and learn opportunities within paid search to build on expertise and unlock new capabilities.
  • Custom analysis, reporting and insights that can scale across the channel.
  • Plan and activate as a true AI and holistic search expert.
  • Partner with internal and external SEO partners to drive holistic program growth across platforms.
  • Adopt and scale internal best practices that best align to client goals.
  • Test and adoption of AI‑driven search capabilities (AI Max, emerging AI platforms, etc.) that improve business outcomes for our clients.

Requirements

• 5‑6+ years of experience directly responsible for enterprise‑level paid search marketing (SEM) programs.
• Proven track record of success driving strong positive results through paid search marketing programs.
• Proven mastery of performance‑based, direct‑response search marketing programs.
• Execution with paid search technologies tools (Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Search Ads 360, etc.).
• External partner management (Google, Microsoft, technology partners, etc.).
• Previous experience in performance marketing, retail, eCommerce, etc. preferred.
• Experience managing direct reports.
• Pay Transparency.

Pay Transparency

At Ovative, we offer a transparent view into three core components of your total compensation package: Base Salary, Annual Bonus, and Benefits. The salary range for this position below is inclusive of an annual bonus. Actual offers are made with consideration for relevant experience and anticipated impact. For our Manager positions, our compensation ranges from $90,000 to $132,000, which is inclusive of a 20% bonus.

Benefits

• Strong, competitive, holistic benefits that understand the importance of your life inside and out of work.
• Workplace culture recognized as a Top Workplace for ten years running.
• Open communication and flat hierarchy.
• Inclusive environment where everyone can participate and thrive.
• Medical leave benefits inclusive of same‑sex partners.
• Access to all office spaces in Minneapolis, NYC, and Chicago.
• Paid travel to Minneapolis headquarters for company events, team events, and in‑person collaboration.
• Generous paid vacation policy.
• 401(k) match program.
• Top‑notch health insurance options, inclusive of same‑sex partners.
• Family formation benefits including reimbursement options for fertility, pregnancy, and parenting needs.
• Monthly stipend for your mobile phone and data plan.
• Sabbatical program.
• Charitable giving via time and financial match program.
• “Shenanigan’s Day” (company event).

EEO Statement

We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind, including on the basis of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.