SEM Senior Manager

Description

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

Its work has won Cannes Lions and Adweek's Media Plan of the Year, and it has been ranked among Ad Age's Best Places to Work for 11 consecutive years.

The paid search (SEM) team is made up of creative thinkers, problem solvers and collaborators who work with media strategy, creative and analytics teams to build search campaigns that reach audiences in measurable ways.

The team values curiosity and collaboration, and encourages every member to grow, share ideas and have an impact. As SEM Senior Manager, you will lead a team and shape search strategy for well-known brands.

Responsibilities

• Run complex search programs, making sure activity supports client goals and produces measurable results.
• Coach and mentor junior team members on account management across Google Ads, Bing and other platforms.
• Build creative and messaging strategies that follow Google best practices and meet client objectives.
• Set advanced plans for keywords, campaign structure, targeting and display networks that grow client results at scale.
• Track campaign performance and give cross-channel recommendations that raise revenue and ROI.
• Lead and motivate teammates, mentoring them and encouraging collaboration and new ideas across the SEM team.
• Drive use of the company's proprietary platform, Alli, within client accounts, and share feedback to help improve it.
• Lead company-wide search training and share expertise to support the department's growth.
• Combine technical solutions with custom strategies for each client's specific challenges.
• Manage and develop SEM professionals, assigning resources to get the most from each person and each client.
• Assess resourcing needs and find ways to make paid search work more efficient and effective.

Requirements

• 7+ years of paid search experience and a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of leadership experience, including mentoring, training and managing a high-performing team.
• Hands-on experience running paid search campaigns on Google Ads, Microsoft Ads and Bing Ads.
• Ability to design and apply advanced plans for keywords, campaign structure, audience targeting and budget optimization.
• Skill in cross-channel performance analysis and in turning findings into recommendations that lift revenue and ROI.
• Experience with A/B testing and creative experiments to refine campaigns over time.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Google Analytics to produce clear insights and performance reports.
• Strong problem solving that produces custom answers to client challenges.
• Proven ability to inspire and guide SEM professionals and build a culture of collaboration, innovation and growth.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to align paid search with wider marketing strategy and keep execution consistent.
• Curious and adaptable, keeping up with media innovation while putting client success first and looking for ways to add real value.
• People-focused leadership: you lead by example and build strong relationships that help others do their best.

Conditions

Equal opportunity employer: hiring and promotion are decided without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.

Benefits

• 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.
• Learning and development programs, mentorship and support for career advancement.
• Generous time off to rest and spend time with family and friends.
• 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.