📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Paid Search Manager
🔹 Company: Jellyfish
🔹 Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (with remote/hybrid work options)
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Advertising Services
🔹 Date Posted: June 9, 2025
🔹 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 their success through innovative strategies
- Activating campaigns across Google Ads (search, shopping, display, and video) and Microsoft Ads
- Optimizing accounts daily and generating performance reports
- Collaborating with the Senior Paid Search Director and contributing to quarterly business reviews
- Continuously seeking solutions to refine and automate processes
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong focus on client relationships and data-driven decision making. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility while maintaining a collaborative office environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage the strategy and performance of assigned client accounts, focusing on innovation and meeting targets
✅ 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: This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex data insights effectively.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Not specified (emphasis on 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-building skills
- Ability to adapt strategies and plans to navigate unforeseen circumstances
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with other advertising platforms (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
- Familiarity with automation and bidding strategies
- Knowledge of SQL or other data querying languages
ASSUMPTION: While one year of experience is preferred, Jellyfish emphasizes skills, expertise, and behavioral attributes over years of experience and traditional degrees.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for this role in South Africa is typically between ZAR 350,000 - 450,000 per annum, based on experience and qualifications. This estimate is subject to change and should be confirmed with the employer.
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 flexible hours (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location. Actual compensation may vary and should be confirmed with the employer.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees (global)
Founded: 2005
Company Description:
- Jellyfish is a global digital marketing agency that combines tech enthusiasts, creative minds, and media and data experts to empower clients along their digital journey
- The company prides itself on embracing diverse perspectives, fostering innovation, and reinventing media activation
- Jellyfish offers a unique fusion of global client portfolios and proprietary technology, setting it apart in the industry
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 expertise enable it to offer comprehensive digital marketing solutions to its clients.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level (1-3 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Paid Search Director
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (up to 60% remote work)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential career progression within the Paid Media Capability or other capabilities within the agency
- Access to LinkedIn Learning for continuous professional development
- Opportunities to work with global clients and collaborate with international teams
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for growth and development within a global digital marketing agency.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (with remote work options)
Office Location(s): Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Geographic Context:
- Durban is the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal and offers a subtropical climate with beautiful beaches and a vibrant cultural scene
- The city is home to various industries, including finance, logistics, and tourism, providing ample networking opportunities
- Durban has a well-established public transportation system, making it easy to commute to and from the office
Work Schedule: Flexible hours between 8 am and 6:30 pm, with up to 60% remote work
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a flexible work-life balance while maintaining a collaborative office environment.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-depth interviews with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical skills and knowledge of Paid Search platforms
- Data analysis and reporting skills
- Client relationship-building skills
- Adaptability and problem-solving skills
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant skills and experience in your resume, focusing on Paid Search campaigns and client management
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and your fit with Jellyfish's company culture
- Prepare examples of successful Paid Search campaigns or projects to discuss during the interview
ATS Keywords: Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Paid Search, Campaign Management, Data Analysis, Client Relationship, Process Automation, Strategy Adaptation
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, and demonstrating relevant skills and experience will be crucial for success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Google Ads (search, shopping, display, and video)
- Microsoft Ads (Bing)
- Excel
- LinkedIn Learning
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and platforms is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Move Faster: Embrace agility and continuous improvement
- Move Smarter: Leverage data-driven insights and innovative thinking
- Move Together: Foster collaboration and inclusive teamwork
Work Style:
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Data-driven and analytical
- Strong communicator and team player
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
- Are you comfortable working with large datasets and generating insights from them?
- Can you effectively communicate complex data insights to non-technical stakeholders?
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires a strong cultural fit with Jellyfish's values and work style.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple client accounts and balancing their priorities
- Keeping up with industry trends and platform updates
- Adapting to changes in client objectives or market conditions
- Working effectively in a hybrid or remote work environment
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and effective communication.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Paid Search Manager vs. Paid Media Manager: Paid Search Managers focus specifically on search engine advertising, while Paid Media Managers oversee a broader range of advertising channels
- Industry-specific context: The advertising industry is highly competitive and dynamic, requiring continuous learning and adaptation
- Career path comparison: Paid Search Managers can progress to Senior Paid Search Manager, Paid Media Director, or other leadership roles within the agency
ASSUMPTION: Understanding the differences between related roles and the industry context can help applicants tailor their application and prepare for the interview process.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a successful Paid Search campaign for a new client, driving a significant increase in conversions and ROI
- Optimizing an existing Paid Search campaign to improve performance and reduce costs, while maintaining or increasing conversions
- Conducting a comprehensive audit of a client's Paid Search accounts and providing data-driven recommendations for improvement
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss specific examples of their Paid Search experience and the results they have achieved.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within it?
- How does Jellyfish support the professional development of its employees?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working in a hybrid or remote work environment, and how does Jellyfish address them?
- What opportunities are there for growth and progression within the Paid Media Capability or other capabilities within the agency?
- How does Jellyfish approach work-life balance, and what resources are available to support it?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions 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 the application link
- Tailor your resume to highlight your Paid Search experience and skills, using relevant keywords from the job description
- Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and your fit with Jellyfish's company culture
- Prepare examples of successful Paid Search campaigns or projects to discuss during the interview
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application, expressing your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
