SEM Director

Description

The company is a global independent platform company that combines business strategy, media, creative and data in one operating model, run on its own operating system, Alli. It has more than 1,000 employees and works with brands including Apple, Nike, Dropbox, Experian, Sephora and Whole Foods.

The paid search team sits where data, technology, strategy and creative meet. It works with media, creative, analytics and client teams to find opportunities and produce results that can be measured.

The team is curious, open to new ideas and always looking to improve. It questions established methods, tests new capabilities and uses technology and insights to change how search brings brands and audiences together.

As Paid Search Marketing (SEM) Director, you will set the strategic direction for paid search programs, build stronger relationships with senior clients and coach team members. You will help shape where the SEM practice goes and keep the team producing high-quality client work.

Responsibilities

• Set the strategy for complex paid search programs so that campaign strategy, investment and execution match client business goals and produce measurable results.
• Develop and roll out advanced paid search strategies on Google Ads and Microsoft Ads, turning channel performance into practical business recommendations.
• Act as a senior strategic adviser to clients, linking paid search performance, consumer behavior and market conditions to their wider business and marketing goals.
• Oversee performance and optimization across client portfolios, directing teams on bidding, audience segmentation, keyword expansion, creative testing and other ways to improve results.
• Lead paid search planning and budgeting, helping teams spread investment well and finding ways to create incremental growth.
• Set up and grow test-and-learn frameworks across paid search, using experiments and analysis to shape strategy and scale what works.
• Guide measurement and reporting so teams look past platform metrics and present insights, recommendations and stories that tie paid search activity to client outcomes.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with search platforms and industry partners to bring new capabilities, insights and innovation to clients.
• Work with leaders in media, creative, analytics, strategy and technology to build joined-up cross-channel plans and strengthen paid search's role in wider marketing programs.
• Drive adoption and strategic use of Alli, the company's proprietary platform, working across functions to find chances for automation, optimization and efficiency in paid search.
• Apply AI, automation and technology to raise the quality and speed of work, streamline processes and support faster, better-informed decisions across the SEM practice.
• Keep up with search industry changes, platform updates, consumer behavior and new technology, and turn relevant trends into opportunities for clients and the team.
• Mentor and develop team members through coaching, technical guidance and strategic context to grow their professional development and deepen paid search expertise across the organization.
• Help set best practices, operating standards and strategic priorities for the SEM discipline, and find ways to keep improving how the team works and delivers value.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in paid search, digital media, performance marketing or a related field, with a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Advanced expertise in paid search strategy and activation on platforms such as Google Ads and Microsoft Ads, including experience leading sophisticated programs focused on measurable business outcomes.
• Experience providing strategic leadership on large or complex client engagements, connecting paid search investment and performance to wider marketing and business objectives.
• Advanced skills in data analysis, measurement, forecasting, budget management and performance reporting, with the ability to turn complex information into clear strategic recommendations.
• Deep understanding of advanced paid search methods, including bidding optimization, audience segmentation, keyword strategy, automation, creative experimentation and test-and-learn frameworks.
• Experience designing experiments, including A/B tests and other structured approaches to finding and scaling performance gains.
• A strong cross-channel view, with the ability to combine paid search strategy with social, programmatic, creative, analytics and other media and marketing work.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Analytics, with the ability to use data and technology to find insights, improve performance and support decisions.
• Advanced relationship-building and communication skills, with experience building trusted partnerships with senior clients, platform partners and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Experience mentoring and developing talent, building team capability and creating an environment where people can contribute, learn and grow.
• Curiosity and adaptability as a Continual Learner, keeping up with search and media innovation while putting client success first and spotting ways to add real value, with a Customer-Focused mindset.
• A People-Focused approach to leadership, encouraging collaboration, innovation and growth, leading by example and building strong relationships that help others do their best work.

Conditions

The company is committed to inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer that recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.

Benefits

• Bonus: eligible for the company's annual bonus program, with awards based on individual impact and performance, plus team and company results, subject to program terms.
• Professional development through learning programs, mentorship and career advancement support.
• Generous time off to rest, spend time with loved ones and enjoy life outside work.
• Paid parental leave.
• Retirement benefits, including employer contributions or matching where applicable.
• Fertility and family-building benefits for eligible employees and their spouses or partners.
• Medical, dental and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Optional pet insurance.
• Company-funded lifestyle spending account for eligible health and well-being expenses.
• Commuter benefits where available.
• Eight paid volunteering hours each year.
• Enterprise AI tools and ongoing training on using AI effectively, creatively and responsibly.
• Benefits and compensation vary by location and eligibility and are subject to plan terms. Full details are shared during hiring.