📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Paid Search Manager
🔹 Company: Tombras
🔹 Location: Knoxville, TN or Atlanta, GA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: April 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (with relocation assistance offered)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Architecting effective SEM/PPC campaigns for national and global brands
- Managing paid search bid management across multiple brands
- Presenting tactical plans and campaign status reports to clients
- Researching keywords, analyzing their relevance, and performing competitive analysis
- Collaborating with teams to improve conversion rates and lower cost-per-lead
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of SEM/PPC strategies and a proven track record of driving results for enterprise clients.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Architect effective SEM/PPC campaigns with direction from the VP of Integrated Search
✅ Manage paid search bid management across multiple brands using best-in-class strategies
✅ Research keywords, analyze their relevance, and perform competitive analysis
✅ Recommend landing page strategies and consult on landing page planning and optimizations
✅ A/B test campaign variables to increase efficiency, expand search impression share, and drive higher ROI
✅ Monitor and analyze campaign performance in platforms like Google AdWords, Bing Ads, DoubleClick Search, and Tableau
✅ Implement and test strategies designed to increase conversion rates and lower cost-per-lead
✅ Work with the Paid Search Assistant to ensure billing and budget pacing is handled accurately and in a timely manner
✅ Champion department processes, stay current on search marketing industry trends, and best practices
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills to succeed in a fast-paced, ever-changing digital environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Advertising/Marketing, Business, PR/Communications or related field.
Experience: 3+ years of experience within an advertising agency
Required Skills:
- Google AdWords certifications - with 1-2 years' experience with Google AdWords and Bing Ads
- Experience managing multi-million dollar campaigns for enterprise clients
- Proven track record of successful client relationship development
- Proven success leading a team
- Strong analytical thinker
- Excellent communicator, team player, and collaborator
- Skilled in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint or Keynote
- Intimate knowledge of website analytics programs (Google Analytics, Adobe Omniture, etc.)
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with various CMS environments (WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, MODX, Magento, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in multiple verticals and a strong understanding of website analytics will be highly competitive for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 per year (based on experience and location)
Benefits:
- Family-oriented environment
- Dog-friendly offices
- Unlimited PTO
- Generous parental leave for primary and non-primary caregivers
- Medical (PPO or High Deductible option) for employee + dependents
- 401(k) Participation
- Employer-paid Dental & Vision
- Promotions from within and varied career development opportunities
- New, Modern building in Downtown Knoxville
Working Hours: Full-time, standard business hours with occasional overtime as needed
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Paid Search Manager role with the given experience level and location. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications and agency-specific factors.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Tombras is a full-service, national advertising agency specializing in connecting data and creativity for business results. They are one of the top independent agencies in North America, with a strong focus on digital marketing.
Company Size: Tombras has 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized agency environment with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: Tombras was founded in 1946 and has since grown into a 450+ person agency with offices across the United States.
Company Description:
- Tombras is a family-oriented agency with a strong focus on fostering a supportive work environment.
- The agency is united by its philosophy: Connecting Data & Creativity for Business Results.®
- Tombras has been recognized by AdAge, Adweek, Communication Arts, Fast Company, Forbes, and Fortune for its innovative work and industry leadership.
Company Specialties:
- Branding
- Marketing
- Advertising
- Digital
- Media
- Public Relations
- Social Media
- Direct Marketing
- Mobile
- Search Engine Optimization
Company Website: http://www.tombras.com
ASSUMPTION: Tombras' mid-sized structure allows for ample opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with various teams and departments.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-career level, requiring a balance of strategic thinking, tactical execution, and team leadership.
Reporting Structure: The Paid Search Manager reports directly to the VP of Integrated Search and oversees a Paid Search Assistant.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the option to work in either the Knoxville or Atlanta office. Relocation assistance may be offered.
Growth Opportunities:
- Tombras offers promotions from within and varied career development opportunities, allowing for potential growth into senior management or specialized roles.
- The agency's focus on digital marketing provides ample opportunities for professional development in emerging technologies and trends.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a commitment to professional development will have the best opportunities for growth within this role.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Tombras' offices are modern, dog-friendly spaces that foster collaboration and creativity.
Office Location(s): Knoxville, TN or Atlanta, GA
Geographic Context:
- Knoxville, TN: A mid-sized city with a vibrant downtown and a strong focus on outdoor recreation and cultural attractions.
- Atlanta, GA: A major metropolitan area with a diverse cultural scene, numerous professional opportunities, and a thriving tech industry.
Work Schedule: Full-time, standard business hours with occasional overtime as needed
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their personal preferences and career goals when deciding between the Knoxville and Atlanta offices.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
- In-depth interview with the VP of Integrated Search and a member of the Paid Search team
- Final interview with the VP of Integrated Search and the agency's President
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical skills and experience with SEM/PPC strategies
- Communication and presentation skills
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Leadership and teamwork skills
Application Tips:
- Highlight your experience with SEM/PPC campaigns and any relevant success stories
- Tailor your resume to emphasize the required skills and qualifications for this role
- Prepare a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of Tombras' unique culture and values
ATS Keywords: Paid Search, SEM, PPC, Bid Management, Keyword Research, Analytics, Campaign Performance, Conversion Rate Optimization, Client Relationship Development, Team Leadership
ASSUMPTION: Tombras' interview process is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth within the agency.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Google AdWords
- Bing Ads
- DoubleClick Search
- Tableau
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint or Keynote
- Google Analytics
- Adobe Omniture
- Various CMS environments (WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, MODX, Magento, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Family-oriented
- Collaborative
- Innovative
- Data-driven
- Results-focused
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and ever-changing digital environment
- Creative problem-solving abilities
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Tombras' family-oriented culture and values?
- How comfortable are you working in a fast-paced, ever-changing digital environment?
- How do your communication and teamwork skills contribute to a collaborative work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with Tombras' values and work style will be most successful in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The fast-paced nature of the digital marketing industry may require occasional overtime and quick decision-making
- Managing multiple clients and campaigns simultaneously may present organizational and time management challenges
- The on-site work arrangement may require relocation for some candidates
- The competitive nature of the advertising industry may present challenges in attracting and retaining top talent
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should carefully consider their personal preferences and career goals when evaluating the potential challenges of this role.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other Paid Search Manager roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to work with national and global brands in a family-oriented, collaborative environment
- Tombras' focus on digital marketing provides ample opportunities for professional development in emerging technologies and trends
- Career paths within Tombras may include growth into senior management or specialized roles, depending on individual skills and interests
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their career goals and personal preferences when comparing this role to similar opportunities in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive SEM/PPC strategy for a national retail client to increase online sales and brand awareness
- Optimizing landing pages and ad copy for a global e-commerce client to improve conversion rates and reduce cost-per-acquisition
- Conducting keyword research and competitive analysis for a regional B2B client to expand market share and drive leads
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the types of initiatives a Paid Search Manager at Tombras might undertake to drive results for clients.
❓ 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 Tombras support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the Paid Search team?
- What is the typical career path for a Paid Search Manager at Tombras, and what opportunities exist for growth within the agency?
- How does Tombras foster a collaborative and innovative work environment, and what role does this role play in maintaining that culture?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days, and how will success be measured?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process demonstrates a candidate's interest in the role and commitment to success within the agency.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with SEM/PPC campaigns, keyword research, and client relationship development
- Prepare a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of Tombras' unique culture and values, and your enthusiasm for the role
- If applicable, prepare examples of your work or case studies that showcase your skills and achievements in paid search marketing
- Follow up with the Tombras Talent Acquisition team one week after submitting your application to inquire about your application status
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
