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Manager, Paid Search

dentsu
Full-time
On-site
Chicago, Illinois, United States
πŸ’Έ Paid Advertising (PPC, SEM)

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Manager, Paid Search

πŸ”Ή Company: Dentsu

πŸ”Ή Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-time

πŸ”Ή Category: Advertising Services

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: July 18, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: Remote OK

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Managing Paid Search campaigns to achieve client goals
  • Overseeing ongoing optimization efforts
  • Collaborating with colleagues across channels
  • Providing strategic vision to clients

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on execution. The ideal candidate will have experience in managing large-scale Paid Search campaigns and be comfortable working with various tools and platforms.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Plan and manage Paid Search (PPC/SEM) campaigns, including account setup, strategy development, organization, and management

βœ… Oversee ongoing optimization efforts to meet campaign goals, including daily management of campaign budgets, on-site conversion actions, bid management, negative keyword strategies, website and category exclusions, ad creative, and landing page revisions based on performance history and our client's goals

βœ… Use reporting, analytics, and trend tools, including Google Analytics, comScore, and Compete

βœ… Audit both assigned client accounts and assist other accounts when needed

βœ… Analyze paid search beta tests and new platforms/vendors

βœ… Assist Client Services team with client communications around paid search knowledge, and recommendations to deliver a clear strategic vision to our client

βœ… Forecast and plan paid search growth, and communicate opportunity with the client

βœ… Be an advanced technical/discipline leader, and manage client communication without requiring Account Supervisor involvement

βœ… Draw important analysis from data and make specific recommendations – i.e., adapted to change strategies and recommendations based on data sets

βœ… Contribute to our expertise on PPC industry topics

βœ… Make credible recommendations, provide updates against goals, and participate in QBRs

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to draw insights from data to inform decision-making and strategy.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field

Experience: 3+ years of experience managing large-scale paid search campaigns

Required Skills:

  • Proven experience in managing large-scale Paid Search campaigns
  • Strong understanding of Paid Search campaign management and optimization practices, and search retargeting
  • Well-versed in success measurements, specifically in Branding/Awareness and Direct Response
  • Experience working in Search Engines and third-party tools (Google Ads, Bing Ads & SA360)
  • Google Certification (Fundamentals), Analytics and AdWords Certification
  • Desire to see things through to completion
  • Experience mentoring and promoting the development of new talent

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with GDN
  • Understanding of Display Media, SEO, Affiliates, Feeds, Mobile, Social and Attribution and influence on Paid Search Activities

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in managing large-scale Paid Search campaigns and a strong understanding of Paid Search management and optimization practices are ideal for this role.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $59,000 - $96,025 per year. This range is based on market research and internal equity considerations. The actual salary may vary based on factors such as relevant experience, skills, and other factors permitted by law.

Benefits:

  • Medical, vision, and dental insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • 401k
  • Flexible paid time off
  • At least 15 paid holidays per year
  • Paid sick and safe leave
  • Paid parental leave

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for remote work

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and internal equity considerations. The actual salary may vary based on factors such as relevant experience, skills, and other factors permitted by law.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Dentsu is a global advertising and marketing services company, operating in the Advertising Services industry.

Company Size: Dentsu has 10,001+ employees, making it a large enterprise. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects.

Founded: Dentsu was founded in 1901 and has a rich history in the advertising industry.

Company Description:

  • Dentsu is a global network designed for what’s next, helping brands predict and plan for disruptive future opportunities
  • The company connects brand, content, commerce, and experience underpinned by modern creativity
  • Dentsu teams together to create new paths to growth in the sustainable economy

Company Specialties:

  • Marketing communications
  • Advertising
  • Media planning
  • Media buying
  • People-Based Marketing
  • Creative
  • Innovation
  • Data and Technology

Company Website: https://www.dentsu.com/

ASSUMPTION: Dentsu's large size and global presence offer opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects. The company's focus on innovation and data-driven marketing makes it an attractive employer for digital marketing professionals.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-level (2-5 years) experience level, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.

Reporting Structure: The Manager, Paid Search reports directly to the Director.

Work Arrangement: This role is remote-friendly, with the option to work remotely or from the Chicago office.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential to advance to a senior or director-level role within the Paid Search team or related disciplines
  • Opportunities to work on diverse client projects and gain exposure to different industries
  • Chance to mentor and develop junior team members

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the Paid Search team or related disciplines. The remote-friendly work arrangement provides flexibility for work-life balance.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Dentsu has a hybrid work environment, with the option to work remotely or from the Chicago office.

Office Location(s): 1-8-1 Higashi-shimbashi, Tokyo, Japan; 10 Triton Street, Regents Place, London, UK; 105 York St, South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; 150 E 42nd St, New York, USA; Guoco Tower 1, Wallich Street #22-01, Singapore; Rua Wisard 298, SΓ£o Paulo, Brazil; Two Haddington Buildings, 20-38 Haddington road, Dublin, Ireland; Moermanskkade 85, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Geographic Context:

  • Chicago is a major city with a diverse economy and a thriving digital marketing industry
  • The city offers a high cost of living compared to other US cities but has a strong job market for digital marketing professionals
  • Chicago has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters

Work Schedule: The standard workweek is Monday to Friday, with the option for flexible hours and remote work.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work environment offers flexibility for work-life balance, while the diverse office locations provide opportunities for international collaboration and exposure to different markets.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screen with the HR team
  • In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
  • Final interview with the director or another senior leader

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Technical skills in Paid Search management and optimization
  • Analytical skills and data-driven decision-making
  • Client communication and stakeholder management
  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving

Application Tips:

  • Highlight relevant experience and achievements in managing large-scale Paid Search campaigns
  • Tailor your resume to emphasize skills and experience relevant to this role
  • Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and client management experience

ATS Keywords: Paid Search, PPC, SEM, Google Ads, Bing Ads, SA360, Analytics, Campaign Management, Optimization, Client Communication, Data Analysis, Mentoring, Digital Marketing, SEO, Display Media, Social Media

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's technical skills, analytical abilities, and client management experience. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of Paid Search management and optimization practices and be able to provide concrete examples of their success in this area.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Google Ads
  • Bing Ads
  • SA360
  • Google Analytics
  • comScore
  • Compete

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience working with Google Ads, Bing Ads, and SA360, as well as familiarity with Google Analytics, comScore, and Compete.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Innovation
  • Collaboration
  • Integrity
  • Diversity
  • Sustainability

Work Style:

  • Data-driven and analytical
  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Agile and adaptable
  • Results-focused and accountable

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you have experience working with large-scale Paid Search campaigns and a strong understanding of Paid Search management and optimization practices?
  • Are you comfortable working with data and drawing insights to inform decision-making and strategy?
  • Do you have experience managing client communications and stakeholder relationships?

ASSUMPTION: Dentsu values innovation, collaboration, and a data-driven approach to marketing. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working with data and drawing insights to inform decision-making and strategy, as well as having experience managing client communications and stakeholder relationships.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple client accounts and projects simultaneously
  • Keeping up with industry trends and new tools and platforms
  • Balancing strategic thinking and hands-on execution
  • Working remotely and managing client communications effectively

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong time management and organizational skills to balance multiple client accounts and projects simultaneously. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working remotely and managing client communications effectively.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Compared to related roles, this position requires more experience in managing large-scale Paid Search campaigns and a stronger understanding of Paid Search management and optimization practices
  • Industry-specific context: The Advertising Services industry is highly competitive, with a strong focus on data-driven marketing and innovation
  • Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities for growth and advancement within the Paid Search team or related disciplines, with potential to advance to senior or director-level roles

ASSUMPTION: This role requires more experience in managing large-scale Paid Search campaigns and a stronger understanding of Paid Search management and optimization practices compared to related roles. The Advertising Services industry is highly competitive, with a strong focus on data-driven marketing and innovation.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing a comprehensive Paid Search strategy for a major retail client, resulting in a 25% increase in online sales
  • Optimizing a large-scale Paid Search campaign for a leading tech company, reducing cost-per-acquisition by 15% while maintaining or improving conversion rates
  • Managing a team of Paid Search specialists to deliver on client goals and KPIs for a diverse portfolio of clients across various industries

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the candidate's ability to develop and execute comprehensive Paid Search strategies, optimize campaigns, and manage teams to deliver on client goals and KPIs.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Paid Search team?
  • How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees?
  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
  • How does the company measure the success of its Paid Search campaigns, and how is this communicated to clients?
  • What is the company's approach to work-life balance and flexible work arrangements?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions focus on understanding the team structure and dynamics, professional development opportunities, key priorities, success measurement, and work-life balance within the company.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through the link
  • Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills, such as managing large-scale Paid Search campaigns, optimizing campaigns, and working with various tools and platforms
  • Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and client management experience
  • If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your approach to data-driven decision-making and strategic thinking
  • Follow up with the hiring manager or HR team one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.