Senior Associate, Paid Search

Mindshare; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

WPP Media in Chicago seeks a Senior Associate, Paid Search to lead campaign execution for client accounts, guiding bid strategy, keyword development, and ad copy alignment with briefs.

You will mentor junior teammates and own the internal search planning process, delivering tactical recommendations to the digital team and clients. This role blends analytics with hands-on optimization in a hybrid work setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in business/marketing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day management of the search plan and bid recommendations.
• Develop keyword lists and manage budgets and pacing.
• Produce regular search reports and identify new keywords.
• Write initial ad copy Drafts based on briefs and client direction.
• QA keywords and manage traffic using bid management tools.
• Stay updated on PPC tools and UI changes; mentor Associates.

Skills

Campaign management

Keyword planning

Ad copy writing

Bid management

Excel proficiency

Client-facing

PPC optimization

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business/Analytics/Marketing/Communications/Advertising

Tools

Google Analytics

Google AdWords

BingAds

Kenshoo

Marin

DoubleClick

Adobe Omniture

Job description

About WPP Media

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships - all united by ourpioneeringagentic marketing platform, WPP Open - we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth.

WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.

For more information, visit wppmedia.com.

Role Summary & Impact

As a Senior Associate, Paid Search, you will manage the campaign execution process for our clients. You will have already advanced beyond the initial stepping stones of understanding the fundamentals of Paid Search. In this role, you will have increased responsibility and accountability for campaign execution, gain further exposure to client-facing opportunities, and will mentor junior teammates. You will be regarded as the steward of the internal search planning process and expected to provide tactical recommendations to senior search teammates, digital team members, and clients.

Skills and Experience

• Accountable for the day-to-day management of the search plan including oversight of bid recommendations, execution details, budgets/accounting.
• Develop initial keyword lists, using identified brand territory for Search Manager's review industry, proprietary and agency tools for Manager review.
• Run search reports on a regular basis to mine for new keywords, creative text ad, pacing and overall spend.
• Write initial drafts of ad creative text ads based on briefing materials, website content and client direction.
• Traffic, upload, and QA keywords, harnessing the Bid Management Tool process.
• Stay on top of the latest updates regarding tools and User Interfaces (AdWords, Bing, Bid Management Platforms, eMarketer, SEMrush, Search Engine Land, AdCenter, AdGooroo, etc.).
• Training of Associates and oversight of their deliverables.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Analytics, Marketing, Communications, Advertising; OR equivalent professional work experience.
• 1+ year or more of practical experience running paid search campaigns.
• Hands‑on experience planning/buying across Google and Bing using tools such as Google Analytics, Google AdWords, and BingAds.
• An in-depth understanding of Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaign management and optimization practices.
• Knowledge of third party platforms such as Kenshoo, Marin, DoubleClick or analytics tools like Adobe Omniture is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written skills; exceptional organizational skills, multi-tasking capabilities, and attention to detail.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment toBe Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We alsoLead Optimistically,firmly believingin andChampioning Growth and Developmentfor every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees toleveragethe extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at thecutting edgeof marketing and advertising. WeCreate an Open environmentbuilt on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office eventsshowcasingteam wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens whenwe'retogether, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment.That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. Please note that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country.

Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy) for more information on how we process the information you provide.

Salary

US Pay Range: $45,000 — $90,000 USD

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, go to https://mybenefits.wpp.com/public/welcome for more details.

Please read our Privacy Notice for more information on how we process the information you provide.