📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Paid Search Manager
🔹 Company: Jellyfish
🔹 Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Advertising Services
🔹 Date Posted: May 21, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing client accounts and driving performance through innovative strategies
- Activating campaigns across Google Ads (search, shopping, display, and video) and Microsoft Ads
- Optimizing accounts daily and guiding search innovation
- Communicating performance reports to non-technical stakeholders
- Collaborating with the Senior Paid Search Director and supporting Quarterly Business Reviews
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of Paid Search campaigns and a proven track record in an agency environment. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working with complex data and maintaining client relationships.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Activate campaigns with Google Ads (search, shopping, display, and video) or Microsoft Ads
✅ Run daily account optimization and growth
✅ Produce performance reports and communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders
✅ Guide search innovation and testing initiatives
✅ Support Quarterly Business Reviews with the client
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of technical tasks, data analysis, and client communication. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple accounts are essential.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Not specified (Jellyfish emphasizes skills and expertise over traditional degrees)
Experience: At least one year of experience in an agency environment managing large budgets for a client
Required Skills:
- In-depth knowledge of Google Ads (search, shopping, display, and video) or Microsoft Ads (Bing)
- Excellent Excel skills for data processing and analysis
- Strong client relationship management skills
- Ability to adapt strategies and plans to navigate unforeseen circumstances
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with other advertising platforms (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, a degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field may be beneficial but is not required. Relevant certifications (e.g., Google Ads Certified) would also be an asset.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for this role is estimated to be between ZAR 450,000 and ZAR 600,000 per annum, based on industry standards for a Paid Search Manager with 1-2 years of experience in South Africa.
Benefits:
- Custom Work Environment: Work remotely for up to 60% of your days and shape your day between 8am and 6:30pm with flexible working hours
- Growth, Your Way: Grow your career with one paid day each month for self-development and access to LinkedIn Learning with unlimited online courses
Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible hours between 8am and 6:30pm
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's skills, experience, and the company's internal salary structure.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Jellyfish operates in the Advertising Services industry, focusing on digital marketing strategies for global clients.
Company Size: Jellyfish is a mid-sized company with 1,001-5,000 employees worldwide. This size allows for a collaborative work environment with opportunities for growth and exposure to diverse projects.
Founded: Jellyfish was founded in 2005 and has since grown into a global digital marketing agency, offering a unique fusion of tech enthusiasts, creative minds, and media and data experts.
Company Description:
- Jellyfish believes in the power of diverse perspectives and inclusive collaboration
- The company welcomes individuals who excel in collaborative, varied teams and value the unique contributions that each person brings to the table
- Jellyfish empowers clients along their digital journey by embracing diverse perspectives, reinventing media activation, and crafting influential stories
Company Specialties:
- Digital Strategy
- Search
- Analytics
- Integrated Campaign Planning
- Design & Build
- Creative
- Conversion Optimisation
- Training
- Video Production & Animation
- Paid Media
- Email
- Google Marketing Platform Partner
- Programmatic Display
- UX
- AI
- Organic Social
- and Paid Social
Company Website: http://www.jellyfish.com
ASSUMPTION: Jellyfish's global presence and diverse service offerings provide ample opportunities for career growth and exposure to various aspects of digital marketing.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for early-career professionals seeking to establish themselves in the digital marketing industry or experienced candidates looking to transition into a Paid Search Manager role.
Reporting Structure: The Paid Search Manager reports directly to the Senior Paid Search Director and works closely with the client and other internal teams to deliver campaign results.
Work Arrangement: The role is offered on a hybrid basis, with employees working remotely for up to 60% of their days and the remaining time in the office.
Growth Opportunities:
- One paid day each month for self-development
- Access to LinkedIn Learning with unlimited online courses
- Potential for career progression within the Paid Media Capability or other departments within the company
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and growth opportunities provided by Jellyfish demonstrate the company's commitment to employee development and work-life balance.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Jellyfish's Durban office is located in the heart of the city, offering a modern and collaborative work environment.
Office Location(s): 1 Richefond Circle, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal 4319, South Africa
Geographic Context:
- Durban is the third-largest city in South Africa, with a vibrant cultural scene and a subtropical climate
- The city is known for its beautiful beaches, such as Durban Beach and Umhlanga Beach
- Durban is also home to various attractions, including the uShaka Marine World and the Moses Mabhida Stadium
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours between 8am and 6:30pm
ASSUMPTION: The location and work environment provided by Jellyfish offer a dynamic and engaging setting for employees to thrive in their roles.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the HR team
- Technical assessment or case study presentation
- Final interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical skills in Paid Search campaign management
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Client relationship management
- Problem-solving and adaptability
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and achievements in Paid Search campaign management
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your fit for the role and the company's values
- Prepare for the interview by researching Jellyfish's clients and campaigns, as well as industry trends
ATS Keywords: Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Paid Search, Campaign Management, Data Analysis, Client Relationship, Performance Reporting, Innovation, Optimization, Excel, Problem Solving, Adaptability
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, and candidates should emphasize their relevant skills and experience in their application materials.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Google Ads (search, shopping, display, and video)
- Microsoft Ads (Bing)
- Excel
- LinkedIn Learning platform
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies listed are essential for the role and will be used daily to manage client accounts and optimize campaign performance.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Collaboration
- Inclusive culture
- Continuous learning and growth
Work Style:
- Adaptable and flexible
- Data-driven and analytical
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, inclusive work environment?
- Are you comfortable working with complex data and using it to inform decision-making?
- Can you adapt your strategies and plans to navigate unforeseen circumstances?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Jellyfish's values and work style are more likely to succeed in the role and contribute to the company's continued growth and success.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple client accounts and prioritizing workloads
- Keeping up-to-date with industry trends and algorithm changes
- Balancing technical tasks with client communication and relationship management
- Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement and maintaining productivity in a remote setting
ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges listed are common to roles in the digital marketing industry and can be mitigated with strong organizational skills, effective time management, and a proactive approach to learning and development.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Paid Search Manager vs. PPC Manager: Both roles focus on managing Paid Search campaigns, but the Paid Search Manager role may have more responsibility for strategic planning and client relationships
- Industry-specific context: The digital marketing industry is dynamic and fast-paced, requiring candidates to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices
- Career path comparison: The Paid Search Manager role can serve as a stepping stone to more senior roles within the Paid Media Capability or other departments within the company
ASSUMPTION: Understanding the differences between similar roles and the industry-specific context can help candidates tailor their application materials and prepare for the interview process.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive Paid Search strategy for a new client, including keyword research, ad copy creation, and bid management
- Analyzing campaign performance data to identify trends and optimize ad spend allocation across multiple channels
- Collaborating with the creative team to develop eye-catching and engaging ad visuals that align with the client's brand guidelines
ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed provide a snapshot of the types of tasks and responsibilities that a Paid Search Manager might encounter in the role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical client portfolio for this role and the industries they represent?
- How does the Paid Media Capability collaborate with other departments within the company to deliver integrated marketing campaigns?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Paid Media Capability and the company as a whole?
- How does the company support employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, particularly in a hybrid work arrangement?
- Can you provide an example of a successful Paid Search campaign that the team has executed and the strategies that contributed to its success?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and informed questions during the interview process can help candidates demonstrate their interest in the role and gain a better understanding of the company's culture and values.
📌 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 experience in Paid Search campaign management and client relationship management
- Prepare for the interview by researching Jellyfish's clients, campaigns, and industry trends
- Follow up with the hiring manager 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.
