📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Director, Paid Search
🔹 Company: Tombras
🔹 Location: Knoxville, TN or Atlanta, GA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: April 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 4-6+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Relocation assistance may be provided)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Architecting effective SEM/PPC campaigns
- Managing bid management strategies
- Mentoring and developing team members
- Ensuring accurate billing and budget pacing
- Working closely with other internal departments
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking and leadership, with a focus on driving client success through effective paid search campaigns.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Architect effective Search Engine Marketing (SEM) / Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaigns with direction from the Director of Paid Search
✅ Manage paid search bid management using best-in-class match type strategies, campaign settings, demographic targeting, remarketing, custom audience lists, and custom-built automation
✅ Research keywords, analyze their relevance, and perform competitive analysis
✅ Recommend landing page strategies and consult on landing page planning and optimizations
✅ Possess a well-developed analytical ability and a proven track record of extracting tangible insights from large data sets
✅ A/B testing a multitude of campaign variables to increase the efficiency of campaign budgets to drive leads/conversion improvements, expand search impression share, and drive higher ROI for clients
✅ Monitor and analyze campaign performance in platforms like Google AdWords, Bing Ads, Kenshoo, and more
✅ Implement and test strategies designed to increase conversion rates and lower cost-per-lead across multiple clients in multiple verticals
✅ Mentor, train, and develop Paid Search Analysts and Strategists to continually strengthen your team members
✅ Work with Paid Search Analysts to ensure billing and budget pacing is handled accurately and in a timely manner
✅ Work closely with other internal departments to develop fully integrated search campaigns
✅ Champion department processes, stay current on search marketing industry trends and best practices
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of responsibility and requires a strong understanding of paid search strategies, data analysis, and team management.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Advertising/Marketing, Business, PR/Communications, or related field
Experience: 4-6+ years of Paid Search experience within an advertising agency
Required Skills:
- Google Ads certifications
- Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
- Proactive & Self-Driven Work Ethic
- Early AI Adoption & Experimentation
- Continuous Learning Mindset
- Collaboration & Communication
- Intimate knowledge of paid search campaign types, strategies, and tactical executions
- Working knowledge around tracking solutions like pixels, Google Conversions, UET goals, Enhanced Conversions, and offline conversions tracking
- Skilled in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Keynote, and the Google Suite
- Intimate knowledge of website analytics programs (Google Analytics, Adobe, etc.)
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with Kenshoo or other bid management platforms
- Experience in a leadership role within an agency environment
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in paid search and a proven track record of driving client success through effective campaign management and strategic thinking.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 (Based on industry standards for a mid-level paid search role in Knoxville, TN, and Atlanta, GA)
Benefits:
- Unlimited PTO
- Generous parental leave for primary and non-primary caregivers
- Medical (PPO or High Deductible option) for employee + dependents
- 401(k) Participation
- Employer-paid Dental & Vision
- Family-oriented environment
- Dog-friendly offices
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with flexibility for project needs
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a mid-level paid search role in the specified locations. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising & Marketing
Company Size: 201-500 employees
Founded: 1946
Company Description:
- Tombras is a 450+ person, full-service agency with a digital mindset
- One of the top independent agencies in North America
- United by the philosophy: Connecting Data & Creativity for Business Results.®
Company Specialties:
- Branding
- Marketing
- Advertising
- Digital
- Media
- Public Relations
- Social Media
- Direct Marketing
- Mobile
- Search Engine Optimization
Company Website: http://www.tombras.com
ASSUMPTION: Tombras is a well-established, full-service advertising agency with a strong focus on digital marketing and a commitment to driving business results for clients.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior-level management role
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Paid Search
Work Arrangement: On-site, with relocation assistance provided if necessary
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for career advancement within the agency
- Opportunities to work on a diverse range of client accounts
- Chance to mentor and develop team members
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential within the agency, as well as the opportunity to work on a variety of client accounts and mentor team members.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, downtown office locations in Knoxville, TN, and Atlanta, GA
Office Location(s): 620 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902, US; 1776 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, US
Geographic Context:
- Knoxville, TN: A mid-sized city with a growing tech and startup scene, offering a lower cost of living compared to larger cities
- Atlanta, GA: A major metropolitan area with a thriving tech industry, offering a wide range of cultural and entertainment options
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with flexibility for project needs
ASSUMPTION: Both office locations offer a modern, collaborative work environment with easy access to amenities and public transportation.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
- In-depth interview with the Director of Paid Search and other team members
- Final interview with the VP of Search Marketing
Key Assessment Areas:
- Paid search campaign management skills
- Data analysis and strategic thinking abilities
- Leadership and team management capabilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with Tombras' values
Application Tips:
- Highlight specific examples of successful paid search campaigns you've managed
- Demonstrate your ability to analyze data and extract insights
- Showcase your leadership and team management skills through past experiences
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize relevant skills and experiences
ATS Keywords: Paid Search, SEM, PPC, Google Ads, Bid Management, Data Analysis, A/B Testing, Campaign Optimization, Leadership, Team Management
ASSUMPTION: Tombras uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, so including relevant keywords in your resume can help ensure your application is seen by the hiring team.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Google Ads
- Bing Ads
- Kenshoo
- Google Analytics
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Keynote
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as they are commonly used in paid search campaign management and data analysis.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Data-Driven
- Creative
- Collaborative
- Results-Oriented
- Innovative
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on client success
- Continuously learning and adapting to industry trends
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong data-driven mindset and a proven track record of extracting insights from data to inform strategic decisions?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively?
- Do you have a results-oriented approach to your work and a strong commitment to driving client success?
- Are you comfortable with continuous learning and adaptation to industry trends and new tools and technologies?
ASSUMPTION: Tombras values a data-driven, collaborative, and results-oriented work style, with a strong emphasis on continuous learning and innovation.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple client accounts and campaign optimizations simultaneously
- Keeping up with industry trends and best practices in paid search marketing
- Balancing strategic thinking and tactical execution in campaign management
- Mentoring and developing team members while also managing your own workload
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong time management, organizational, and leadership skills to balance multiple responsibilities and priorities effectively.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other paid search management roles, this position offers a higher level of strategic responsibility and leadership opportunities
- Tombras' focus on data-driven creativity sets it apart from other agencies, offering a unique blend of analytical and creative problem-solving
- Career paths within Tombras may vary depending on the individual's skills, interests, and performance, with opportunities for growth in both management and specialized roles
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic responsibility, data-driven creativity, and leadership opportunities within the agency environment.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive paid search strategy for a major retail client, driving a significant increase in online sales and in-store foot traffic
- Optimizing a large-scale e-commerce campaign for a leading online retailer, improving conversion rates and reducing cost-per-acquisition by 20%
- Managing a complex, multi-channel campaign for a global pharmaceutical company, driving brand awareness and generating leads across multiple regions
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of client accounts and campaign types that an Associate Director, Paid Search at Tombras might work on, showcasing the diversity and complexity of the role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the biggest challenges facing the paid search team currently, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Tombras support the professional development and growth of its team members?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does Tombras approach collaboration and integration with other internal departments, such as social media, programmatic, and investment teams?
- What are the most rewarding aspects of working at Tombras, according to current team members?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help you better understand the role, the team, and the company culture, allowing you to make a more informed decision about your fit for the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences in paid search campaign management, data analysis, and leadership
- Prepare examples of successful paid search campaigns you've managed, demonstrating your ability to drive results and optimize budgets
- Be ready to discuss your approach to data-driven decision-making, strategic thinking, and team management during the interview process
- Follow up with the hiring team one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
