Senior Manager of Search Engine Marketing

ABOUT THE JOB:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced strategic SEM lead to manage our significant Paid Search Marketing budget. This role is responsible for developing and executing Paid Search strategies that drive learning and contribute directly to lead quantity and quality resulting in orders and revenue.  The role combines strategic planning, hands on campaign management, and potential 3rd party agency leadership. Experience with multiple Search Engine platforms include both traditional search engines like Google and Bing as well emerging AI-first search engines including Perpleixty, Open AI/Chat GPT, Microsoft Copilot, etc. 
You will be part of a broader Demand Generation team responsible for driving leads across multiple channels including:
•    Website
•    Organic Search
•    Paid Search
•    Email/SMS
•    Digital Display
•    Social/PR
•    Events/Conferences
The ideal candidate will have experience leading SEM for a business and/or as part of a media agency. The focus on data-driven insights and SEM best practices is key. Being a collaborative partner with others on the Demand Gen team as well as Channel experts/leads, especially Organic Search, will ensure a consistent and integrated demand framework

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

Strategic Development
•    Create and implement paid search strategies aligned with business objectives and demand gen goals
•    Identify growth opportunities and emerging trends in SEM, including AI-driven automation and campaign orchestration
•    Ensure optimization across the entire SEM journey from Keywords to ad copy to destination pages
•    Work closely with the Organic Search lead to ensure cross-functional learning and insights are applied across both Paid and Organic search
Campaign Management
•    Oversee end-to-end execution: keyword research, ad copywriting, bidding strategies, audience targeting, and landing page optimization. 
•    Manage large-scale budgets to maximize ROI and meet CPA/CAC targets.
Performance Analysis & Optimization
•    Monitor and analyze campaign performance, providing actionable insights and recommendations. 
•    Develop testing frameworks (A/B tests) to improve ad copy, bidding, and landing page performance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
•    Work closely with analytics, SEO, creative, and other media teams to ensure integrated strategies. 
•    Communicate performance and strategy clearly to stakeholders, including senior leadership.
Team/Discipline Leadership
•    Mentor and lead paid search specialists, fostering innovation and continuous learning.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education and Experience: 
•    Bachelor’s degree in marketing or related fields
•    4-6+ years of experience managing SEM campaigns on Google and/or Bing
•    Expertise in Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Google, Analytics, and bid management tools (e.g., Search ads on 360)
•    Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and/or Tableau
•    Excellent communications and presentation skills
•    Ability to manage competing priorities and delivers results in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Attributes: 
•    Experience with AI-driven campaign optimization and automation. 
•    Proven ability to manage large budgets and forecast performance. 
•    Leadership experience in mentoring and developing team members
•    Experience leading 3rd party SEM/PPC agencies executing on strategic plans

Physical Requirements:
Ability to sit, stand, walk, etc., for office environment.

Work Environment: 
This is an in office role; not hybrid.