SEM Senior Lead

PMG; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus program

Professional development

Generous time off

Parental leave

Healthcare

Job summary

PMG is seeking an SEM Senior Lead to drive strategic, data-driven search campaigns for top brands. You will lead tactical execution, optimize programs, and collaborate with media strategy, creative, and analytics teams to deliver scalable growth across Google Ads, Microsoft/Bing, and other platforms.

You will mentor junior staff, define keyword strategies, and monitor performance to maximize ROI. A strong analytics background and a customer-focused mindset are essential for success in PMG’s

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in paid search.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the tactical execution and optimization of search programs.
• Coach and mentor junior team members on account management across platforms.
• Develop creative and messaging strategies aligned with Google best practices.
• Define comprehensive strategies for keyword opportunities, campaign structuring, targeting, and display networks.
• Monitor and evaluate campaign performance and provide cross-channel recommendations.

Skills

Paid search

Google Ads

Mentoring

Campaign optimization

Analytics

SQL

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Google Ads

Microsoft Ads

Bing Ads

Excel

Google Analytics

SQL

Job description

PMG, a global independent platform company engineered for impact, integrates business strategy, media, creative, and data within a single operating model powered by our proprietary operating system, Alli. With more than 1,000 employees, PMG partners with brands including Apple, Nike, Dropbox, Experian, Sephora, and Whole Foods. Our work has earned top industry honors, including Cannes Lions and Adweek’s Media Plan of the Year, and PMG has won 40+ workplace culture awards, including being the only company to rank among Ad Age’s Best Places to Work for 11 consecutive years.

Who You Will Be Working With

At PMG, our Paid Search Marketing (SEM) team is a group of passionate strategists and problem-solvers who thrive on delivering impactful search campaigns. We work alongside media strategy, creative, and analytics teams to develop innovative, full-funnel marketing strategies for some of the world’s most exciting brands.

Our team prides itself on a collaborative and growth-oriented culture, where every member’s contributions are valued, and new ideas are always welcome. We constantly challenge ourselves to explore fresh solutions, adapt to industry changes, and uncover opportunities that drive success for our clients. As an SEM Senior Lead, you’ll play a key role in shaping strategies, mentoring team members, and driving exceptional results.

What You Will Do

• Lead the tactical execution and optimization of search programs, managing marketing activities to ensure alignment with client goals and scalable growth.
• Coach and mentor junior team members, providing guidance on account management across platforms like Google Ads, Bing, and others for a variety of clients.
• Develop creative and messaging strategies that align with Google best practices and deliver results for client campaigns.
• Define comprehensive strategies for keyword opportunities, campaign structuring, targeting, and display networks, tailored to meet specific client objectives.
• Monitor and evaluate campaign performance, providing cross-channel recommendations to maximize revenue, return on investment, and overall impact.
• Motivate and inspire teammates, serving as a leader and mentor within PMG’s search team while fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Drive adoption of PMG’s proprietary platform, Alli, integrating its capabilities into client accounts and contributing to its evolution through product recommendations.
• Lead PMG-wide search training, sharing expertise and driving departmental initiatives to ensure team success.
• Integrate technical solutions to create custom strategies that address client-specific business challenges and deliver measurable outcomes.

What You Will Bring

• 6+ years of experience in paid search, with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Advanced expertise in managing paid search platforms such as Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and Bing Ads to deliver scalable growth and measurable results.
• Proficiency in campaign structuring, keyword expansion, audience targeting, and budget optimization to achieve client objectives.
• Expertise in performance analysis, leveraging metrics to deliver actionable insights and cross-channel recommendations that maximize ROI.
• Strong ability to design and execute A/B testing frameworks and creative testing strategies for continuous improvement.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills to identify opportunities and optimize paid search efforts effectively.
• Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Excel, Google Analytics, and SQL to manage data, uncover valuable insights, and create clear, actionable performance reports.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to align paid search efforts with broader marketing strategies and ensure cross-functional success.
• A commitment to curiosity and adaptability as a Continual Learner, staying at the forefront of media innovation while prioritizing client success with a Customer-Focused mindset that seeks opportunities to deliver meaningful value.
• A dedication to People-Focused leadership, fostering collaboration, innovation, and professional growth by Leading by Example and nurturing strong relationships that empower others to excel.

What We Offer

Performance-Based Rewards:

Your impact should be part of your reward. This role is eligible for PMG’s annual bonus program—a standout part of our total compensation offering and an opportunity to share in our success. Bonus awards are informed by individual impact and performance, as well as team and company results, and are subject to applicable program terms.

Professional Development:

Keep growing through learning and development programs, mentorship opportunities, and support for career advancement.

Generous Time Off:

Take the time you need to recharge, connect with loved ones, and enjoy life outside work.

Parental Leave:

Receive paid parental leave during life’s important family moments.

Retirement Benefits:

Build for your future with competitive retirement benefits, including employer contributions or matching where applicable.

Fertility and Family Support:

Access fertility and family-building benefits for eligible employees and their spouses or partners.

Healthcare:

Choose from medical, dental, and vision coverage designed to support you and your family.

Pet Insurance:

Access optional coverage for the four-legged members of your family.

Lifestyle Spending Account:

Receive company-funded support for eligible health and well-being expenses.

Commuter Benefits:

Access support for your commute where available.

Volunteering Opportunities:

Receive eight paid hours each year to give back to your community.

AI Tools and Training:

Access enterprise AI tools and ongoing training that helps PMGers use AI effectively, creatively, and responsibly.

Our benefits and compensation programs may vary by location and eligibility and are subject to applicable plan terms. We’ll share full details during the hiring process.

What Sets Us Apart

Being part of PMG means joining a company culture that’s unmatched in digital. We're dedicated to working hard to serve our employees and clients, delivering value, results, and innovation—which often requires true grit and agility. We believe in taking care of ourselves and each other to continuously improve in every way.

In alignment with our core values to be inclusive and always change for the better, PMG is committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive culture, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that we only change for the better by bringing diverse perspectives to our company. PMG recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

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I would be willing and able to relocate to Austin, TX

I would be willing and able to relocate to Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

I would be willing and able to relocate to New York City, NY

I'm seeking a fully Remote role