Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Specialist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Professional development

Performance incentives

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a results‑driven SEM Specialist to manage and optimize paid search campaigns from our Nelspruit base. The role focuses on driving qualified traffic, improving conversions, and maximizing ROAS through Google Ads and other search engines as needed.

The ideal candidate has 1–3 years of hands‑on experience with Google Ads, strong data analysis skills, and a Google Ads certification is highly preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Statistics, or related field.
• 1–3 years hands-on Google Ads management experience.
• Proven track record of optimizing SEM campaigns for ROAS.
• Google Ads certification is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive paid search campaigns on Google Ads and potentially other search engines.
• Conduct thorough keyword research and analysis to identify new targeting opportunities and negative keywords.
• Write compelling and effective ad copy and design ad extensions to improve CTR.
• Manage daily bid management and budget allocation to optimize campaign performance and ROAS.
• Monitor campaign performance closely, analyze key metrics (impressions, clicks, CTR, CPC, conversions, CPA), and identify areas for improvement.
• Perform A/B testing on ad creatives, landing pages, and targeting strategies to enhance campaign effectiveness.
• Collaborate with the content and web development teams to ensure landing pages are optimized for conversion.
• Generate regular performance reports for SEM campaigns, providing insights and recommendations for optimization.
• Stay up‑to‑date with the latest Google Ads features, industry trends, and best practices in SEM.
• Contribute to the overall digital marketing strategy by providing insights from SEM performance data.

Skills

Google Ads

Keyword research

Campaign optimization

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing/Business/Statistics

Tools

Google Analytics

Bid management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a growing e-commerce startup focused on niche outdoor gear, is seeking a results-driven Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Specialist to manage and optimize their paid search advertising efforts. This role is critical for driving qualified traffic, increasing conversions, and maximizing return on ad spend (ROAS). You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing Google Ads campaigns, conducting keyword research, optimizing bids, and analyzing campaign performance. The ideal candidate has a strong analytical aptitude, hands‑on experience with Google Ads, and a passion for driving measurable results in a fast‑paced environment. This position is based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA, offering a hybrid work arrangement for work-life balance. We are looking for a detail-oriented individual who can leverage data to make informed decisions and achieve aggressive growth targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive paid search campaigns on Google Ads and potentially other search engines.
• Conduct thorough keyword research and analysis to identify new targeting opportunities and negative keywords.
• Write compelling and effective ad copy and design ad extensions to improve click‑through rates (CTR).
• Manage daily bid management and budget allocation to optimize campaign performance and ROAS.
• Monitor campaign performance closely, analyze key metrics (impressions, clicks, CTR, CPC, conversions, CPA), and identify areas for improvement.
• Perform A/B testing on ad creatives, landing pages, and targeting strategies to enhance campaign effectiveness.
• Collaborate with the content and web development teams to ensure landing pages are optimized for conversion.
• Generate regular performance reports for SEM campaigns, providing insights and recommendations for optimization.
• Stay up‑to‑date with the latest Google Ads features, industry trends, and best practices in SEM.
• Contribute to the overall digital marketing strategy by providing insights from SEM performance data.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Statistics, or a related field.
• 1‑3 years of hands‑on experience in managing Google Ads campaigns.
• Proven track record of success in optimizing SEM campaigns for performance and ROAS.
• Proficiency with Google Ads platform and familiarity with bid management tools.
• Strong understanding of keyword research, ad copywriting, and landing page optimization.
• Experience with Google Analytics for tracking campaign performance and conversions.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Certification in Google Ads is highly preferred.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, health insurance options, and a dynamic work environment. This hybrid role provides flexibility, allowing you to work from home some days and in our Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA office on others. We offer opportunities for professional development, ongoing training, and career growth within a rapidly expanding company. Join a passionate team that values innovation and results.

• Benefits include performance incentives and access to team‑building events.