Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Specialist

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24’s client, a dynamic e-commerce company in East London, seeks a data-driven SEM Specialist to develop, implement, and optimize paid search campaigns across Google Ads and other platforms to drive qualified traffic and maximize ROAS.

You will analyze performance, conduct keyword research, write compelling ad copy, and collaborate with SEO and content teams in a hybrid in-office/remote setup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Economics or related quantitative field.
• 3–5 years hands-on SEM management experience in e-commerce.
• Proven expertise in Google Ads (Search, Display, Shopping).
• Strong data analysis and interpretation of campaign performance.
• Experience with web analytics tools (Google Analytics).
• Experience with bid management platforms and tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Google Ads certification desirable.
• Ability to work in a hybrid East London setting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute paid search strategies across Google Ads, Bing Ads, and more.
• Manage campaigns to hit target KPIs: CPA, ROAS, conversions.
• Conduct keyword research, audience segmentation, targeting for efficiency.
• Write compelling ad copy and choose keywords to boost CTR and conversions.
• Monitor performance daily and adjust campaigns.
• Run A/B tests on ads, landing pages and bidding strategies.
• Analyze data and provide insights and reports to stakeholders.
• Stay updated on SEM trends and best practices.
• Manage budgets to maximize ROI.
• Collaborate with SEO and content teams for cohesive strategy.

Skills

Analytical skills

Google Analytics

Bid management platforms

Communication skills

Google Ads certification

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing/Business/Economics

Tools

Google Ads

Bing Ads

Other search platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic e-commerce company, is seeking a data-driven Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Specialist to enhance their online advertising presence in East London, Eastern Cape . This role focuses on developing, implementing, and optimizing paid search campaigns to drive qualified traffic, conversions, and maximize return on ad spend (ROAS). You will be responsible for managing campaigns across Google Ads and other search platforms, continuously analyzing performance, and implementing strategies to achieve business objectives. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of SEM best practices, a knack for data analysis, and a desire to drive measurable results. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, blending in-office collaboration in East London with remote flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute paid search strategies across platforms like Google Ads, Bing Ads, etc.
• Manage and optimize campaigns to achieve target KPIs, including CPA, ROAS, and conversion volume.
• Conduct in-depth keyword research, audience segmentation, and targeting to ensure campaign efficiency.
• Write compelling ad copy and select appropriate keywords to maximize click-through rates (CTR) and conversion rates.
• Monitor campaign performance daily, identifying trends and proactively making adjustments.
• Perform A/B testing on ad creatives, landing pages, and bidding strategies to optimize results.
• Analyze campaign data to provide actionable insights and performance reports to stakeholders.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest SEM trends, algorithm updates, and best practices.
• Manage campaign budgets effectively, ensuring efficient spend and maximizing ROI.
• Collaborate with the SEO and content teams to ensure a cohesive online marketing strategy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Economics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on experience managing SEM campaigns, preferably in an e-commerce environment.
• Proven expertise in Google Ads (Search, Display, Shopping) and other major search advertising platforms.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and derive actionable insights.
• Proficiency with web analytics tools such as Google Analytics.
• Experience with bid management platforms and tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Certification in Google Ads is highly desirable.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, collaborating in person in East London and remotely.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• This role provides a flexible hybrid work arrangement in East London, Eastern Cape , supporting a healthy work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and certifications, are readily available.
• You will be part of an innovative marketing team driving significant growth for a leading e-commerce business.