📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Paid Search Manager
🔹 Company: Jellyfish
🔹 Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Marketing & Advertising
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-15
🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (up to 60% remote work)
🚀 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, video) and Microsoft Ads
- Optimizing accounts daily and producing performance reports
- Collaborating with the Senior Paid Search Director and cross-functional teams
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of Paid Search campaigns and a proven track record in an agency environment. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility while maintaining a collaborative office environment.
📋 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 in Quarterly Business Reviews with the client
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of technical tasks, client management, and strategic planning. Strong communication skills and data analysis capabilities are essential for success.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Relevant degree or equivalent experience
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, video) or Microsoft Ads (Bing)
- Excellent Excel skills and data processing abilities
- Strong client relationship management skills
- Ability to adapt strategies and plans to navigate unforeseen circumstances
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with Google Analytics or other analytics tools
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: While a relevant degree is preferred, Jellyfish emphasizes skills, expertise, and behavioral attributes over traditional degrees. Applicants with equivalent experience are encouraged to apply.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for this role is estimated to be between ZAR 350,000 and ZAR 450,000 per annum, based on industry standards for a Paid Search Manager role in South Africa with 0-2 years of experience.
Benefits:
- Custom Work Environment: Work remotely for up to 60% of your days and shape your day between 8 am and 6:30 pm 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 position with standard working hours (8 am to 6:30 pm) and flexible remote work options
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's skills and experience. The benefits package is designed to promote work-life balance and professional growth.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Jellyfish is a global digital marketing agency, specializing in integrated digital marketing, data-driven insights, and innovative technology solutions. They operate in a competitive market with a focus on delivering measurable results for their clients.
Company Size: Jellyfish has 1,001-5,000 employees globally, providing a large network of resources and opportunities for professional growth. As a mid-sized company, Jellyfish offers a balance between the agility of a smaller organization and the resources of a larger one.
Founded: Jellyfish was founded in 2005 and has since grown into a leading global digital marketing agency with offices across Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa.
Company Description:
- Jellyfish is committed to embracing 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 challenging the status quo, reinventing media activation, and crafting influential stories
Company Specialties:
- Digital Strategy
- Search
- Analytics
- Integrated Campaign Planning
- Design & Build
- Creative
- Conversion Optimization
- 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 commitment to diversity and inclusion fosters a collaborative work environment where employees can thrive and make a significant impact on the company's success.
📊 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 collaborates with cross-functional teams, including account managers, creatives, and data analysts.
Work Arrangement: The hybrid work arrangement allows for up to 60% remote work, providing flexibility while maintaining a collaborative office environment.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression into senior roles within the Paid Media capability or other areas of the business
- Access to professional development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning and one paid day per month for self-development
- Opportunities to work with a diverse range of global clients and gain exposure to different industries
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and focus on professional development create an environment that supports work-life balance and encourages career growth.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Jellyfish's office in Durban is a collaborative, modern workspace designed to foster creativity and productivity.
Office Location(s): 1 Richefond Circle, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal 4319, South Africa
Geographic Context:
- Durban is the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal and the third-largest city in South Africa, offering a vibrant urban environment with a mix of cultural, historical, and natural attractions
- The city has a subtropical climate, with warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters
- Durban is well-connected by major highways and has an international airport, making it easily accessible for both local and international travel
Work Schedule: Standard working hours are from 8 am to 6:30 pm, with flexible remote work options available for up to 60% of the time.
ASSUMPTION: The location in Durban provides a dynamic work environment with access to a diverse range of cultural experiences and a pleasant subtropical climate.
💼 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 and knowledge of Paid Search campaigns
- Client management and communication skills
- Problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with Jellyfish's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of Paid Search campaigns and Jellyfish's services in your application materials
- Prepare for the technical assessment or case study presentation by researching industry trends and best practices
ATS Keywords: Paid Search, Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Campaign Activation, Account Optimization, Performance Reporting, Innovation, Testing Initiatives, Excel, Data Analysis, Client Management, Strategic Planning
ASSUMPTION: The application process for Jellyfish is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best candidate for the role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Google Ads (search, shopping, display, video)
- Microsoft Ads (Bing)
- Excel
- Google Analytics (or other analytics tools)
- Project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Slack)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies listed are essential for performing the job's core responsibilities and may vary depending on the specific needs of the role and the client.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Collaboration: Jellyfish values a collaborative work environment where employees can learn from one another and contribute to the company's success
- Innovation: The company encourages employees to challenge the status quo and develop creative solutions to drive business growth
- Integrity: Jellyfish is committed to maintaining high ethical standards and conducting business with honesty and transparency
Work Style:
- Jellyfish fosters a dynamic, fast-paced work environment that requires employees to be adaptable and proactive
- The company values a data-driven approach to decision-making and encourages employees to continuously improve their skills and knowledge
- Jellyfish promotes a culture of open communication and encourages employees to share their ideas and insights
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced work environment?
- Are you comfortable challenging the status quo and developing innovative solutions?
- Do you have strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams?
ASSUMPTION: Jellyfish's values and work style create an environment that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, fostering a culture where employees can grow both personally and professionally.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple client accounts and balancing competing priorities
- Keeping up with industry trends and best practices in Paid Search campaigns
- Adapting to changes in client needs and market conditions
- Working effectively in a hybrid work environment, balancing remote work and in-office collaboration
ASSUMPTION: The role of Paid Search Manager presents unique challenges that require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other Paid Search Manager roles, this position offers a unique blend of client management, technical expertise, and strategic planning
- Jellyfish's global client portfolio provides opportunities to work with a diverse range of industries and gain exposure to different markets
- As a mid-sized company, Jellyfish offers a balance between the agility of a smaller organization and the resources of a larger one, fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment
ASSUMPTION: The Paid Search Manager role at Jellyfish offers a unique combination of responsibilities, opportunities, and challenges that set it apart from similar roles in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive Paid Search strategy for a global e-commerce client, driving a 30% increase in online sales
- Optimizing a Microsoft Ads campaign for a B2B software company, reducing cost-per-acquisition by 25% while maintaining a high conversion rate
- Collaborating with the creative team to produce engaging ad copy and visuals for a Google Ads campaign, improving click-through rate by 15% and lowering cost-per-click by 10%
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities available to a Paid Search Manager at Jellyfish, highlighting the importance of strategic planning, technical expertise, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Paid Media capability?
- How does Jellyfish support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does Jellyfish approach work-life balance, and what resources are available to support employees in achieving it?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the company culture and work environment.
📌 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 experiences for this role
- Prepare for the technical assessment or case study presentation by researching industry trends and best practices
- Prepare for the interview by reviewing the company's values, services, and recent projects
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview 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.
