Paid Search Manager

Manifest; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Flexible PTO

Competitive benefits and 401(k) match

Job summary

Manifest, a data-driven full-service agency in Chicago, seeks a Paid Search Manager to lead hands-on search strategies for ecommerce clients. The role blends analysis, bidding optimization, and cross-team collaboration in a hybrid Chicago office.

You'll partner with analytics, creative, and account teams to translate data into measurable performance, deliver weekly and monthly reporting, and drive client success with thoughtful media plans.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years proven track record running performance marketing programs with focus on paid search.
• Experience on ecommerce brands with a Google focus.
• Familiarity with paid social and programmatic advertising is a plus.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience required.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on keys paid search with daily keyword analysis, bidding strategies, A/B testing and KPI analysis.
• Contribute strategic insights into content planning using analytics, trends and social listening.
• Manage direct client communication with account and project management.
• Collaborate with analytics, creative and operations to ladder media to client objectives.
• Develop and deliver weekly, monthly and quarterly reporting with performance insights.

Skills

Paid search

Agency experience

Client-facing

Google Ads

Google Shopping

Performance Max

DSP management

Paid social

Analytics

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Google Analytics

Google Keyword Planner

Microsoft Office

Keynote

Trade Desk

StackAdapt

Job description

At Manifest, our work is fueled by data, ignited by creativity and driven by results. We are a proudly independent, full-service agency represented by diverse talents, backgrounds and expertise, and we have one goal: to deliver breakthrough ideas and brand experiences that drive emotional connections and measurable impact. Let’s chat.

We’re hiring a Paid Search Manager to join our dynamic and collaborative Performance Marketing team. This role is for you if you have 3-5+ years of paid search / hands on keys experience, primarily in agency + client-facing culture. Experience on ecommerce brands with a Google focus would be ideal. Paid social (Meta) and/ or programmatic experience would be a plus. This role is based (hybrid) in our Chicago office.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on keys paid search, with daily responsibilities including keyword analysis and management, bidding strategies, A/B testing and KPI analysis.
• Contribute strategic insights into content planning and recognize opportunities for new content using analytics, search behaviors, intent and trends, social listening, competitive analytics, etc.
• Manage direct client communication, in partnership with account and project management, as it pertains to performance marketing programs.
• Collaborate with other internal teams, such as analytics, creative, account operations, etc., to ensure all media executions ladder to client objectives.
• Partner with Data Intelligence Analysts to develop and deliver weekly, monthly, and quarterly reporting including performance measurement, metrics analysis, and insights.

Requirements

• 3-5+ years proven track record running performance marketing programs with the focus on paid search, primarily in agency + client-facing culture.
• Experience on ecommerce brands with a Google focus strongly preferred.
• Paid social (Meta) and programmatic experience a plus.
• Expert computer proficiency: experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Keynote, Google Data products (such as Google Analytics), and keyword research tools: Google Keyword Planner, etc.
• Expertise in Google Ads required, with proficiency in Google Shopping and Performance Max.
• Familiarity with DSP management (TradeDesk, StackAdapt, etc.), and Paid Social platforms (Meta, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.) a plus.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to clearly and concisely articulate the rationale behind the methodology that goes into performance media strategy.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills and ability to maintain key department metrics.
• Highly organized and able to direct own activities and to promote cross-team collaboration.
• Troubleshooting capabilities and a self-starter attitude.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Hybrid to our Chicago office; 3x week onsite.

What We Offer

• Private Company — Being a private organization allows us to move quickly so that we can deliver our best for our teams and our clients.
• Flexibility — We have a hybrid work environment and a flexible PTO plan that allows teams to take time off when they need it.
• Competitive Benefits and Salary — Multiple options for health plans based on your and/or your family’s needs, plus a 401(k) match and paid parental leave. The annual salary range for this role in the Chicago market is $90k-$100k in base pay, and the base pay offered will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis based on experience, skills, training, certifications, education, etc., and will be informed by market data.

Manifest is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Manifest recruits qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, ethnicity, national origin, protected veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship status, or any other protected groups covered by federal, state or local laws.