📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Lead, Paid Search
🔹 Company: Code3
🔹 Location: Anywhere within the United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Advertising
🔹 Date Posted: May 22, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK (preference for Eastern Time Zone)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and leading paid search strategy for a portfolio of clients
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive growth and connect search tactics with business objectives
- Managing performance, optimizations, and innovative approaches within paid search
- Providing thought leadership and mentorship to team members
- Contributing to new business pitches and client stewardship
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Define and own the overarching paid search strategy on your portfolio of accounts and deliver activation excellence across search platforms and tactics
✅ Conduct keyword research, write ad copy, and establish bidding strategies to meet and exceed client KPIs
✅ Leverage feed management skills to guide clients and teams in driving shopping campaign performance
✅ Provide proactive and reactive performance insights and optimization recommendations using robust data sets and tools
✅ Actively identify, test, and scale innovative approaches, automation opportunities, and emerging technologies within paid search
✅ Collaborate with peers in Client Partnership, Creative, Growth, and Activation teams to ensure proper execution of strategy and client stewardship
✅ Maintain best practices on your accounts in media planning, forecasting, budgeting, and performance analysis
✅ Cultivate strategic partnerships with clients, acting as a trusted advisor on search and digital marketing
✅ Oversee direct reports in strategy development and provide mentorship and training opportunities
✅ Support new business initiatives and pitches by conducting platform audits, developing strategy slides, and being the paid search expert within presentations
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on execution, and team leadership, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 5+ years of proven experience in developing paid search media plans and strategic presentations
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in developing and executing paid search strategies
- Strong analytical skills and data-driven decision-making
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Proficient in research platforms, paid search platforms, and analytics dashboards
- Ability to anticipate client requests, team needs, and provide proactive solutions
Preferred Skills:
- Certifications in digital marketing and/or paid search media strategy (e.g., Google Analytics Certification, Microsoft Advertising Search Certification, Google Ads Search Certification)
- Experience with AI-powered tools and emerging technologies
ASSUMPTION: While certifications are preferred, they are not strictly required as long as the candidate has a strong foundation in paid search and a willingness to learn and adapt.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $108,000 - $126,000 (commensurate with candidate experience and location)
Benefits:
- Full medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Generous retirement program
- Thoughtful parental leave and return program
- Flexible Time Off, holidays, quarterly Company “Recharge” Days, and holiday closure in December
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
- Commitment to transparent DEIB practices
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible hours and a preference for candidates based within the Eastern Time Zone to align with clients' working hours
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for a Lead, Paid Search role with 5-10 years of experience. Final compensation may vary depending on the candidate's experience and location.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services
Company Size: 201-500 employees
Founded: 2011 (as SocialCode, rebranded to Code3 in 2021)
Company Description:
- Code3 operates at the intersection of media, creative, and commerce, helping brands succeed faster
- Manages digital advertising for disruptor and global brands across major platforms like Amazon, Facebook, Google, and emerging channels
- Committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and safe environment for its employees
Company Specialties:
- Performance marketing
- Media planning and buying
- Creative services
- Data and analytics
Company Website: http://www.code3.com
ASSUMPTION: Code3's focus on performance marketing and its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion make it an attractive employer for candidates seeking growth and impact in the advertising industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with opportunities for growth and leadership
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Director of Paid Search and may oversee junior team members
Work Arrangement: Remote OK, with a preference for candidates based within the Eastern Time Zone
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a Director or Manager role within the Paid Search team
- Opportunities to work on high-profile client accounts and contribute to new business pitches
- Access to ongoing learning and development opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong potential for career growth and development within Code3's Paid Search team.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Remote-first with a preference for candidates based within the Eastern Time Zone
Office Location(s): Cleveland, Ohio (headquarters)
Geographic Context:
- The Eastern Time Zone offers a large talent pool and allows for better alignment with clients' working hours
- Code3's remote-first culture fosters flexibility and work-life balance
- The company's commitment to DEIB practices creates an inclusive work environment
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible hours and the ability to work remotely
ASSUMPTION: The remote-first work environment and flexible hours allow for a better work-life balance and the ability to attract top talent from across the United States.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
- Interview with the Hiring Manager or Director of Paid Search
- Interview with a team member from the Paid Search team
- Final interview with the CEO or another executive team member
Key Assessment Areas:
- Paid search strategy and execution
- Data analysis and problem-solving skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Code3's values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and achievements in paid search strategy and execution
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your fit for this role and company
- Prepare examples of your work, such as successful paid search campaigns or presentations
- Research Code3's clients, industry, and competition to demonstrate your understanding of the market
ATS Keywords: Paid Search, Strategy, Execution, Data Analysis, Problem-Solving, Communication, Presentation, Cultural Fit, Code3, Advertising Services
ASSUMPTION: The interview process is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with Code3's values and mission.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Paid search platforms (Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising, Yahoo! Gemini)
- Research platforms (e.g., SEMrush, Ahrefs, Google Trends)
- Analytics dashboards (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics)
- Feed management tools (e.g., Feedonomics, Shopify)
- AI-powered tools and emerging technologies (e.g., Google AI Powered Shopping Ads)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard tools and platforms is essential for success in this role, and a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies is crucial.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Win Together
- Be Relentless
- Embrace Change
- Act Like an Owner
- Do the Right Thing
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and analytical
- Adaptable and open to change
- Proactive and solution-oriented
- Committed to continuous learning and improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment?
- Are you comfortable working with data and using it to inform decision-making?
- Do you embrace change and adapt quickly to new situations?
- Are you proactive and solution-oriented, with a strong sense of ownership?
- Are you committed to continuous learning and professional development?
ASSUMPTION: Code3's values and work style emphasize collaboration, data-driven decision-making, adaptability, proactivity, and a commitment to continuous learning, making it an attractive employer for candidates seeking a dynamic and growth-oriented work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple client accounts and priorities effectively
- Keeping up with the fast-paced and ever-changing media landscape
- Balancing strategic planning with hands-on execution and team leadership
- Working remotely and maintaining productivity and engagement
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other Paid Search Manager roles, this position offers a greater emphasis on strategic planning and thought leadership
- Code3's focus on performance marketing and commitment to DEIB practices set it apart from competitors in the advertising services industry
- This role offers strong potential for career growth and development within Code3's Paid Search team
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic planning, hands-on execution, and team leadership, making it an attractive opportunity for experienced paid search professionals seeking to advance their careers.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive paid search strategy for a major e-commerce client
- Conducting a platform audit and providing strategic recommendations for a new business pitch
- Optimizing a shopping campaign using feed management and AI-powered tools to improve performance
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, hands-on, and team leadership aspects of the role, providing candidates with a clear understanding of the responsibilities and expectations.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical portfolio of clients for this role and the industries they represent?
- How does this role collaborate with other teams within Code3, such as Client Partnership, Creative, and Growth?
- What opportunities are there for growth and advancement within the Paid Search team and the company as a whole?
- How does Code3 support work-life balance and employee well-being, particularly for remote workers?
- Can you provide an example of a successful paid search campaign that Code3 has executed for a client, and what made it successful?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to provide candidates with a better understanding of the role, the team, and the company, as well as the opportunity to assess their fit and potential for growth and success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/code3/jobs/6913920
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your work, such as successful paid search campaigns or presentations, to showcase your skills and accomplishments
- Follow up with the hiring manager or talent acquisition team one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
