Manager, Paid Search

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Manager, Paid Search

🔹 Company: GroupM

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

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 30, 2025

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

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid: 4 days in-office)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing client-paid search programs, including strategy development and execution
• Monitoring and evaluating campaign performance analytics
• Staying current with industry trends and tools
• Contributing to corporate initiatives and automation projects
• Mentoring and managing junior team members

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, analytical skills, and team management abilities. It's ideal for someone looking to grow their career in paid search marketing and team leadership.

📋 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, presenting to clients regularly

✅ 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, and develop 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 and contribute to enhancing the overall practice

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on execution, and client management. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential.

🎯 Required Qualifications

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

Experience: 3+ years 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 PPC optimization techniques (ROI / CPA / CPL / Impression Share)
• Experience meeting with and delighting clients
• Desire to manage and mentor junior members of a team

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience as a manager
• Fluency in additional languages (beneficial but not required)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong foundation in paid search marketing, with experience in relevant tools and a proven track record in client management. Managerial experience is a plus but not required.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 to $140,000 (USD) per year. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including business needs, experience, level of responsibility, and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Medical
• Group Retirement Plans
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Preferential Partner Discounts
• Employee Mental Health Awareness Days

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/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 in paid search marketing. Benefits are comprehensive and include health, retirement, and wellness-related perks.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services. GroupM is a global media investment group with a mission to shape the next era of media where advertising works better for people.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees. As part of GroupM, this role offers opportunities to work with a large, diverse team and access to extensive resources.

Founded: GroupM was founded in 2003 as a division of WPP plc.

Company Description:

• GroupM is responsible for more than $60 billion in annual media investment globally
• Offers a unique combination of global scale, expertise, and innovation to generate sustained value for clients
• Committed to fostering a culture of respect and equal opportunities for all employees

Company Specialties:

• Media investment
• Media planning and buying
• Digital marketing
• Data-driven insights

Company Website: www.groupm.com

ASSUMPTION: GroupM's large size and global presence provide ample opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse clients and projects.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level (Manager). This role offers opportunities for growth into senior management or specialized expertise within paid search marketing.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Paid Search and oversees junior team members.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (4 days in-office). This arrangement offers flexibility while maintaining a strong team culture.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to senior management roles within GroupM
• Expansion into other areas of digital marketing or media investment
• Development of specialized expertise in paid search marketing

ASSUMPTION: This role provides a strong foundation for career growth within GroupM and the broader media industry.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site (Hybrid). The offices are located in New York City and Chicago, with a hybrid work arrangement of 4 days in-office.

Office Location(s): 1 Southwark Bridge Rd, London, England SE1 9HL, GB (Global headquarters, not specific to this role)

Geographic Context:

• New York, NY: A major global financial and cultural hub with a vibrant advertising industry
• Chicago, IL: A significant market for media and advertising, with a strong business ecosystem

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

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen
• In-depth behavioral and technical interviews
• Final interview with the hiring manager

Key Assessment Areas:

• Paid search marketing expertise
• Analytical skills and problem-solving abilities
• Client management and communication skills
• Leadership and team management capabilities

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience with analytical tools, PPC optimization, and client management
• Tailor your resume to emphasize skills and experiences relevant to this role
• Prepare examples of your work and be ready to discuss your approach to paid search marketing strategies

ATS Keywords: Paid Search, PPC, Bid Management, Client Management, Team Leadership, Analytics, Strategy Development

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's technical skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit within GroupM.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Google AdWords Editor
• Bing Ads Editor
• Google Analytics
• Web trends
• Omniture
• DoubleClick Search
• Kenshoo
• Marin
• SEMrush
• AdCenter
• AdGooroo

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is essential for success in this role. Candidates should be comfortable learning and adapting to new tools as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Continuous Learning

Work Style:

• Data-driven and analytical
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and open to change
• Results-focused and accountable

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you stay current with industry trends and new tools in paid search marketing?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you managed a team to achieve a specific goal?
• How do you approach developing and implementing paid search marketing strategies for clients?

ASSUMPTION: GroupM values candidates who are passionate about continuous learning, collaborative, and results-driven. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to these aspects during the interview process.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple clients and campaigns simultaneously
• Keeping up with the fast-paced nature of the digital marketing industry
• Balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day execution and management
• Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement and maintaining team cohesion

ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to time management and prioritization.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from other paid search management positions in its focus on strategy development and team leadership, rather than hands-on execution
• GroupM's global presence and resources provide unique opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse clients and projects
• Career paths within GroupM may include advancement to senior management roles or expansion into other areas of digital marketing or media investment

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their long-term career goals and how this role aligns with their desired path within the media and advertising industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a paid search marketing strategy for a new client, including keyword research, ad creation, and bid management
• Conducting a comprehensive audit of an existing client's paid search campaigns and recommending optimizations to improve performance
• Managing a team to execute a large-scale paid search campaign for a major event or product launch

ASSUMPTION: These projects illustrate the strategic, analytical, and team management aspects of the Manager, Paid Search role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the most significant challenges facing the paid search team currently, and how can this role help address them?
• How does GroupM support the professional development and growth of its employees in this role?
• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the paid search department?
• How does GroupM approach work-life balance, particularly in a hybrid work arrangement?
• What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role, according to the hiring manager?

ASSUMPTION: These questions help candidates better understand the role, team dynamics, and company culture, enabling them to make an informed decision about their fit for the position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences, such as analytical tools, PPC optimization, and client management
• Prepare a cover letter emphasizing your interest in paid search marketing and team leadership
• If applicable, gather examples of your work and be ready to discuss your approach to paid search marketing strategies
• Follow up with the hiring team one week after submission, inquiring about the status of your application

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