Manager, Paid Search

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Manager, Paid Search

🔹 Company: WPP Media

🔹 Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States or New York, New York, United States

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (4 days in office)

🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 30, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing client-paid search programs, focusing on strategy development and execution
• Supervising junior teammates and mentoring their growth
• Monitoring and evaluating campaign performance analytics based on client KPI targets
• Staying current with industry trends and tools to improve offerings and enhance practice
• Contributing to corporate initiatives, automation projects, and process changes

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, analytical skills, and team management. Candidates should be comfortable working with data, tools, and clients while also driving team growth and process improvement.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead the day-to-day supervision of client-paid search programs, including strategic approaches, bid recommendations, execution details, budgets, and overall goal achievement

✅ Understand the client’s product, marketing objectives, and digital goals with an emphasis on paid search, presenting to clients on a regular basis

✅ Monitor, track, and evaluate campaign performance analytics based on client KPI targets and baselines

✅ Stay on top of the latest updates regarding tools and User Interfaces (AdWords, Bing, Bid Management Platforms, eMarketer, SEMrush, Search Engine Land, AdCenter, AdGooroo, etc.)

✅ Think creatively, research, and develop tools and innovative tactics to improve efficiencies or advance the practice

✅ Actively contribute to corporate initiatives, automation projects, process changes, and roll-outs

✅ Stay current on industry trends, focusing on how changes can help improve offerings to accounts and enhance our overall practice

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, data analysis, and client management. Candidates should be comfortable working with data, tools, and clients while also driving team growth and process improvement.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Analytics, Marketing, Communications, Advertising, or equivalent professional work experience

Experience: 3+ years of experience in analytical tools (Google Analytics, Web trends, Omniture), search engine desktop tools (Google AdWords Editor, Bing Ads Editor), and bid management tools (DoubleClick Search, Kenshoo, Marin, etc.)

Required Skills:

• Expertise in Pay-Per-Click (PPC) optimization techniques (ROI / CPA / CPL / Impression Share)
• Familiarity with 3rd party tracking tools (DoubleClick, Floodlight, Sizmek, etc.)
• Experience meeting with and delighting clients
• Desire to manage and mentor junior members of a team; prior experience as a manager is a plus

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with automation projects and process changes
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong foundation in paid search, analytical tools, and client management. Familiarity with bid management tools and a desire to mentor junior team members are also crucial for success in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $140,000 per year (USD)

Benefits:

• Medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance
• Significant paid time off
• Preferential partner discounts
• Employee mental health awareness days

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with a hybrid work arrangement (4 days in office)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a mid-level manager role in advertising and marketing. Benefits are comprehensive and include health insurance, retirement plans, and mental health resources.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services

Company Size: 10,001+ employees

Founded: Not specified

Company Description:

• WPP Media is WPP’s global media collective, built for the AI era
• They bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create innovative solutions that deliver unparalleled growth for brands - in every market, every day

Company Specialties:

• Advertising Services

Company Website: WPPmedia.com

ASSUMPTION: WPP Media is a large, global advertising agency with a focus on innovative media solutions. They prioritize creativity, collaboration, and connection in their work environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level Manager

Reporting Structure: This role involves managing junior teammates and contributing to corporate initiatives. The reporting structure is not specified but likely includes direct reports and collaboration with other teams and stakeholders

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (4 days in office)

Growth Opportunities:

• Mentoring and developing junior teammates
• Contributing to corporate initiatives and automation projects
• Expanding industry knowledge and expertise

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth through team management, process improvement, and staying current on industry trends. The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility while maintaining a strong office presence.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (4 days in office)

Office Location(s): Chicago, Illinois, United States or New York, New York, United States

Geographic Context:

• Both locations offer vibrant urban environments with diverse cultures and ample professional opportunities
• Chicago and New York are major hubs for advertising and marketing industries

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with a hybrid work arrangement (4 days in office)

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility while maintaining a strong office presence. Both locations offer diverse cultural experiences and ample professional opportunities in the advertising and marketing industries.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or video interview with the hiring manager and team members
• Final interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Paid search strategy and execution
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Client management and communication skills
• Team management and mentoring

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant paid search, analytical, and client management experience
• Prepare examples of successful paid search campaigns and data-driven insights
• Demonstrate your ability to manage and mentor junior teammates

ATS Keywords: Paid Search, PPC, Bid Management, Analytics, Client Management, Team Management, Industry Trends, Process Improvement

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's paid search strategy, data analysis, client management, and team management skills. Demonstrating relevant experience and providing concrete examples will be crucial for success.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Google Analytics
• Google AdWords Editor
• Bing Ads Editor
• Bid Management Platforms (DoubleClick Search, Kenshoo, Marin, etc.)
• 3rd Party Tracking Tools (DoubleClick, Floodlight, Sizmek, etc.)
• eMarketer, SEMrush, Search Engine Land, AdCenter, AdGooroo

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is essential for success in this role. Candidates should be comfortable working with data, analytics, and various paid search platforms.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity
• Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust
• Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Data-driven and analytical
• Client-focused and results-oriented

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you embrace WPP & WPP Media’s shared core values and can you provide examples of how you’ve demonstrated them in previous roles?
• Are you comfortable working in a hybrid environment, balancing remote work and in-office collaboration?
• How do you approach managing and mentoring junior teammates, and can you provide examples of your success in this area?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should assess their fit with the company's core values and work style. Demonstrating a strong cultural fit will be essential for success in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple clients and their unique paid search needs
• Keeping up with the latest industry trends and tools
• Balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day campaign management
• Mentoring and developing junior teammates while also meeting client deadlines

ASSUMPTION: This role presents various challenges, including managing multiple clients, staying current on industry trends, balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day tasks, and mentoring junior teammates. Candidates should be comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from other paid search roles in its focus on strategy development and team management
• Industry-specific context: The advertising industry is dynamic and competitive, requiring continuous learning and adaptation
• Career path comparison: This role is a mid-level management position with opportunities for growth through team management and process improvement

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for strategic thinking, team management, and process improvement. Candidates should be prepared to work in a dynamic, competitive industry and embrace continuous learning and adaptation.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a paid search strategy for a new client, including keyword research, bid management, and A/B testing
• Analyzing campaign performance data to identify trends and optimize results for an existing client
• Mentoring a junior teammate in paid search best practices and helping them develop their own strategies for their dedicated accounts

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic, analytical, and team management aspects of this role. Candidates should be prepared to work on similar projects and provide examples of their success in these areas.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical client portfolio for this role and the paid search strategies you've developed for them?
• How does this role collaborate with other teams and stakeholders within WPP Media and WPP?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development in this role?
• How does WPP Media support work-life balance for its employees?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how have previous managers approached them?

ASSUMPTION: These questions will help candidates better understand the role, the company culture, and the opportunities for professional growth. Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates engagement and interest in the position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant paid search, analytical, and client management experience
• Prepare examples of successful paid search campaigns and data-driven insights
• Demonstrate your ability to manage and mentor junior teammates
• Follow up with the hiring team one week after submission 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.