📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Paid Search Specialist
🔹 Company: Grainger Businesses
🔹 Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (3 days on-site in Lake Forest or Chicago)
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 27, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days on-site)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing high-volume Paid Search programs to generate revenue growth
- Executing campaign management and performance analysis to maximize incremental revenue growth
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners
- Optimizing keyword portfolio through rapid testing and data analysis
- Automating processes, reporting, and alerts
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of Paid Search best practices and a proven ability to translate analysis into actionable insights and recommendations.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead Paid Search Campaign Management (Performance Analysis, Program Health Checks, and Optimization Efforts) and execute rapid testing initiatives in support of incremental ROAS goals
✅ Project Manage Rapid Testing Initiatives in Support of Incremental ROAS Goals
✅ Work with Google, Microsoft, and Search Ads 360 vendor teams to ensure PPC program objectives are met, troubleshoot issues, and stay informed of new capabilities for program optimization
✅ Grow and optimize keyword portfolio through rapid testing: Data analysis, Bid strategy, Audience/Product, Ad Copy, Landing page, etc.
✅ Automate processes, reporting, and alerts
✅ Work with internal business partners and vendors to coordinate and communicate project initiatives, define strategy, make budget recommendations, and execute ROI deliverables
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of autonomy and requires strong project management skills to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field
Experience: 2+ years of experience managing large-scale Paid Search programs for well-established online retailers
Required Skills:
- Strong understanding of Paid Search channel and best practices (Campaign Structure, Geo/Rapid Testing, Bid Strategy Management)
- Proficient in Quantitative Analysis/Analytical thinking with proven ability to translate analysis into actionable and valuable insights and recommendations
- Ability to navigate and generate reports from Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, and Power BI
- Proven ability to build and influence cross-functional external and internal partnerships
- Strong Project Management skills
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with product listing ads (PLA) and product feed optimization
- Experience collaborating with organic/SEO teams and Testing & Analytics Teams
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in e-commerce and a proven track record of driving revenue growth through Paid Search campaigns are highly desired.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $60,400.00 to $100,700.00 per year
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
- 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.
- 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
- Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing, and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
- Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is subject to change and the compensation ultimately paid may be higher or lower than the range described above. The range reflects the potential base pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual base pay compensation will depend, in part, on factors such as geographic work location and relevant experience and skills.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Retail Office Equipment
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Public Company)
Founded: 1927
Company Description:
- Grainger is a leading business-to-business organization with more than 4.5 million customers worldwide relying on them for products in categories such as safety, material handling, and metalworking, along with services like inventory management and technical support.
- Grainger provides value for customers, fostering an engaging culture, and driving strong financial results. Their welcoming workplace enables team members to learn, grow, and make a difference by keeping businesses running and their people safe.
- Grainger offers more than a million industrial-quality products, a consultative sales approach, technical and product expertise, a premium digital experience, and the ability to get the right products to customers when they need them.
Company Specialties:
- Supply Chain Management
- Facilities Management
- MRO
- Light and Heavy Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Inventory Management Solutions
- Safety Services
- Hospitality
- Transportation
- Keepstock
Company Website: www.grainger.com
ASSUMPTION: Grainger's extensive product offerings and commitment to customer service make it an attractive employer in the retail office equipment industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Paid Search Channel Lead
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site in Lake Forest or Chicago)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to a senior role within the Paid Search team or a leadership position in digital marketing
- Opportunities to expand skills and knowledge in e-commerce, digital marketing, and data analysis
- possibility to work on high-impact projects with significant revenue potential
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a clear path for career progression and the opportunity to work on high-visibility projects with significant revenue potential.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (3 days on-site in Lake Forest or Chicago)
Office Location(s): 100 Grainger Parkway, Lake Forest, Illinois 60045, US
Geographic Context:
- Lake Forest and Chicago are both located in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Illinois
- Both locations offer a mix of urban and suburban living with easy access to major highways and public transportation
- Chicago is a major metropolitan area with a diverse range of cultural, entertainment, and dining options
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement)
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to enjoy the best of both worlds.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-depth behavioral and technical interviews with the hiring manager and team members
- Final round interview with the Paid Search Channel Lead
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Paid Search expertise and experience
- Data analysis and problem-solving skills
- Project management and organizational skills
- Collaboration and communication skills
- Alignment with Grainger's company culture and values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant Paid Search experience and achievements in your resume
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability
- Research Grainger's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit
- Be ready to discuss your approach to data analysis and optimization in Paid Search campaigns
ATS Keywords: Paid Search, PPC, SEM, Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Performance Analysis, Program Optimization, Data Analysis, Bid Strategy Management, Project Management, Collaboration, SEO, Testing, Analytics
ASSUMPTION: Tailoring your resume and application to highlight relevant Paid Search experience and keywords will increase your chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Google Ads
- Microsoft Ads
- Google Analytics
- Adobe Analytics
- Power BI
- Search Ads 360
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in these tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer Focus
- Integrity
- Innovation
- Teamwork
- Accountability
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and analytical
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Results-focused and accountable
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you approach data analysis and optimization in Paid Search campaigns?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve a common goal?
- How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in Paid Search marketing?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Grainger's company values and work style are more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the company's ongoing success.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing high-volume Paid Search programs can be complex and time-consuming
- Keeping up with industry trends and best practices requires continuous learning and adaptation
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners can present communication and coordination challenges
- The hybrid work arrangement may require additional self-discipline and time management skills
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are proactive, organized, and able to manage their time effectively will be better equipped to overcome these challenges.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Paid Search Specialist vs. Senior Paid Search Specialist: The senior role involves more strategic decision-making, team leadership, and budget management
- Paid Search Specialist vs. SEO Specialist: Paid Search focuses on paid advertising, while SEO focuses on organic search engine optimization. Both roles require a strong understanding of the search engine landscape and user behavior
- Paid Search Specialist vs. Digital Marketing Manager: The digital marketing manager role oversees multiple marketing channels, including Paid Search, and is responsible for developing and executing overall marketing strategies
ASSUMPTION: Understanding the differences between these related roles can help candidates determine which path aligns best with their career goals and interests.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive Paid Search strategy for a new product launch
- Optimizing keyword portfolio and bid strategies to improve ROAS for an existing campaign
- Collaborating with the SEO team to improve organic search rankings and drive more traffic to the website
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and initiatives that a Paid Search Specialist may undertake in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
- How does this role fit into the broader digital marketing strategy for the company?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Paid Search team or the broader marketing organization?
- How does the company support work-life balance for employees in hybrid roles?
- What is the company's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and provides valuable insights into the work environment and company culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant Paid Search experience and keywords
- Prepare a cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit
- If applicable, prepare examples of your Paid Search campaign work or relevant projects
- 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.
