Senior Manager, Paid Search, SEM

Jobtailor

Illinois

On-site

USD 120,000 - 170,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Job summary

Jobtailor in Illinois seeks an experienced Senior Paid Search Leader to own the health, growth, and profitability of a portfolio of large client relationships. You will set program vision, KPIs, and drive enterprise outcomes through collaboration with cross-functional teams.

You will coach managers, forecast capacity, and shape team structure while advancing SEM strategy, measurement, and AI-enabled search innovations to deliver measurable business impact.

Qualifications

8+ years of experience directly responsible for enterprise-level paid search marketing (SEM) programs.
3+ years of experience managing direct reports, including developing early-career talent.
Proven track record of driving strong positive results through paid search marketing programs.
Extensive client management experience, including working with senior stakeholders.
Experience with Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Search Ads 360, and similar paid search technologies and tools.

Responsibilities

Own the health, growth, and profitability of a portfolio of large paid search client relationships.
Serve as senior point of contact for client leadership and set program vision, objectives, and KPIs.
Influence senior client stakeholders to evolve strategy and measurement toward enterprise impact.
Identify organic growth opportunities and partner with account and growth teams on scoping, staffing, and proposals.
Escalate complex or at-risk programs and coach teams through difficult client conversations.
Lead and develop managers and individual contributors, with accountability for performance, growth, and retention.
Own staffing strategy, forecast capacity, shape team structure, and support recruiting and onboarding.
Coach managers on expectations, feedback, talent development, and leadership practices.
Own SEM solution-area accountabilities, including best practices, technology partnerships, planning tools, and emerging trends.
Partner with SEO, retail media, and upper-funnel teams on holistic search strategy.
Develop multi-channel digital media strategies and roadmaps aligned with client growth goals.
Support cross-functional marketing strategy projects with deep media expertise.
Represent Ovative's paid search perspective through thought leadership, partner forums, and industry conversations.
Set standards for paid search planning, execution, QA, forecasting, budgeting, segmentation, bidding, platform structure, and testing.
Manage strategic partners including Google, Microsoft, and Search Ads 360 partners.
Lead evolution of SEM measurement through scalable analysis, reporting, and insights.
Lead AI-enabled search experimentation and adopt emerging platforms that improve business outcomes.

Skills

Client management

Team leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytical problem-solving

Influencing stakeholders

Tools

Google Ads

Microsoft Ads

Search Ads 360

Planning tools

AI-driven platforms

Job description

Own the health, growth, and profitability of a portfolio of large paid search client relationships
Serve as senior point of contact for client leadership and set program vision, objectives, and KPIs
Influence senior client stakeholders to evolve strategy and measurement toward enterprise impact
Identify organic growth opportunities and partner with account and growth teams on scoping, staffing, and proposals
Escalate complex or at-risk programs and coach teams through difficult client conversations
Lead and develop managers and individual contributors, with accountability for performance, growth, and retention
Own staffing strategy, forecast capacity, shape team structure, and support recruiting and onboarding
Coach managers on expectations, feedback, talent development, and leadership practices
Own SEM solution-area accountabilities, including best practices, technology partnerships, planning tools, and emerging trends
Partner with SEO, retail media, and upper-funnel teams on holistic search strategy
Develop multi-channel digital media strategies and roadmaps aligned with client growth goals
Support cross-functional marketing strategy projects with deep media expertise
Represent Ovative's paid search perspective through thought leadership, partner forums, and industry conversations
Set standards for paid search planning, execution, QA, forecasting, budgeting, segmentation, bidding, platform structure, and testing
Manage strategic partners including Google, Microsoft, and Search Ads 360 partners
Lead evolution of SEM measurement through scalable analysis, reporting, and insights
Lead AI-enabled search experimentation and adopt emerging platforms that improve business outcomes

Requirements

8+ years of experience directly responsible for enterprise-level paid search marketing (SEM) programs
3+ years of experience managing direct reports, including developing early-career talent
Proven track record of driving strong positive results through paid search marketing programs
Extensive client management experience, including working with senior stakeholders
Deep expertise in enterprise paid search leadership and strategy connected to business outcomes and impact
Experience with Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Search Ads 360, and similar paid search technologies and tools
External partner management experience with Google, Microsoft, and technology partners
Experience coaching and developing high-performing talent
Sound conceptual and analytical problem-solving skills
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer on a full-time basis
Must not require current or future visa sponsorship
Preferred: strong digital agency experience or digital lead experience on the client side
Preferred: performance marketing, retail, or eCommerce experience
Preferred: experience managing other managers or leading a multi-client portfolio
Preferred: hands-on experience testing and scaling AI-driven search capabilities

Core Competencies

Demonstrates extensive expertise in enterprise-level Paid Search Marketing (SEM) strategy and execution, with a strong focus on client management, team leadership, and performance optimization. Proven ability to drive growth through multi-channel digital media strategies and effective partner management.

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