Search Engine Marketing Associate

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Search Engine Marketing Associate

🔹 Company: Macy's

🔹 Location: New York, NY, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Retail

🔹 Date Posted: May 8, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing large-scale ad budgets and optimizations to meet target goals
• Analyzing campaign performance data and providing actionable insights
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to align SEM strategies with business objectives
• Mentoring and leading specialist team members
• Ensuring high-quality deliverables for internal stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in SEM strategy and execution, with a focus on driving performance and return on ad spend (ROAS) within the retail industry.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Manage large-scale ad budgets and optimizations to meet target goals

✅ Analyze campaign performance data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights to improve performance and ROAS

✅ Ensure availability during peak holiday seasons to monitor and maintain campaign performance

✅ Work with bidding platforms and manage complex account structures to drive large-scale account performance

✅ Report on campaign performance to senior management, offering insights and recommendations for future campaigns

✅ Build and maintain relationships with platform partners to access new features and opportunities

✅ Provide leadership and mentorship to specialist team members

✅ Collaborate with other marketing teams, such as communications planning, marketing effectiveness, and site merchandisers, to align efforts

✅ Ensure all deliverables are quality-assured and client-ready for internal stakeholders

✅ Understand SKU/product priorities and identify opportunities to drive performance

✅ Attend weekly leadership meetings with site merchants and leadership to present findings and recommendations for optimal performance

✅ Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships, and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities

ASSUMPTION: The role involves a high level of responsibility and requires strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills to succeed.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field

Experience: 4-6 years of experience in SEM, with a general understanding of e-commerce and the digital advertising ecosystem

Required Skills:

• Expertise in SEM strategies within the retail industry, including audience segmentation and omni-channel campaigns
• Proficiency in using platforms such as Skai (formerly Kenshoo), ProductsUp, and other bid management tools to optimize performance and drive sales
• Strong ability to analyze campaign performance using analytics tools like Adobe Analytics or Google Analytics, and translate findings into actionable, data-driven insights for optimization
• Proven experience managing large-scale ad budgets, implementing effective bidding strategies, and maximizing ROAS while meeting business goals
• Excellent communication skills for presenting complex performance data and insights to internal stakeholders and senior leadership
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as communications, site merchandising, and platform partners, ensuring SEM strategies align with overall business objectives
• Strong leadership and mentorship capabilities, guiding specialist team members and fostering a collaborative team environment
• Ability to stay up-to-date with SEM trends, algorithm changes, and industry best practices, applying them to drive successful outcomes
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, balancing both technical expertise and broader business goals to optimize SEM performance
• Demonstrated capability in triaging performance issues, providing clear solutions, and developing improvement plans when necessary
• Strong focus on quality assurance, ensuring that all work is delivered at the highest standard and meets stakeholder expectations

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific bidding platforms or tools used by Macy's
• Knowledge of the Macy's brand and retail environment

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, a strong understanding of the retail industry and e-commerce landscape is crucial for success in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year (Based on industry standards for SEM roles with 4-6 years of experience in the retail industry)

Benefits:

• Merchandise discounts
• Performance-based incentives
• Annual merit review
• Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice
• Tuition reimbursement

Working Hours: Full-time, with flexibility during peak holiday seasons to monitor and maintain campaign performance

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for SEM roles with similar experience levels in the retail industry. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as skills, experience, and performance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Retail

Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Large enterprise with extensive resources and a well-established brand)

Founded: 1858 (Rich history and heritage in the retail industry)

Company Description:

• Macy's is America’s store for life, delivering quality fashion at affordable prices to customers through approximately 640 locations and the leading e-commerce site macys.com
• Macy's inspires fashion exploration and discovery through exclusive brands, dynamic mobile and social platforms, and memorable experiences like the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks and Thanksgiving Day Parade
• Macy's supports local and national charities, giving nearly $50 million each year and 146,000 hours of volunteer service

Company Specialties:

• Retail

Company Website: http://www.macysjobs.com?rx_source=linkedincompanypage

ASSUMPTION: Macy's is a well-established retailer with a strong brand presence and a commitment to community involvement and charitable giving.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with a focus on driving performance and mentoring team members

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Senior Manager, Search Engine Marketing, and may have specialist team members reporting to them

Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site position with flexibility during peak holiday seasons to monitor and maintain campaign performance

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance to a Senior Associate or Manager role within the Search Engine Marketing team
• Opportunities to collaborate with other marketing teams and gain exposure to different aspects of the business
• possibility to work on high-visibility campaigns and projects, driving significant impact on the company's bottom line

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the Search Engine Marketing team and the broader marketing organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office environment with a focus on collaboration and teamwork

Office Location(s): 151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001, US

Geographic Context:

• New York, NY, is a major metropolitan area with a diverse population and a vibrant cultural scene
• The office is located in the heart of Manhattan, offering easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities
• The city offers a wide range of housing options, from urban apartments to suburban homes

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility during peak holiday seasons to monitor and maintain campaign performance

ASSUMPTION: The work environment is fast-paced and dynamic, with a strong focus on collaboration and teamwork. The location offers easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and potential team members
• Final interview with the Senior Manager, Search Engine Marketing

Key Assessment Areas:

• SEM strategy and execution
• Bid platform proficiency
• Data analysis and optimization skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Leadership and mentorship capabilities

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant SEM experience and achievements in your resume
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing your SEM campaigns and their results
• Research Macy's brand and retail environment to demonstrate your understanding of the company
• Practice presenting complex performance data and insights in a clear and concise manner

ATS Keywords: SEM, Search Engine Marketing, PPC, Paid Search, Bid Management, Data Analysis, Optimization, Retail, E-commerce, Marketing Effectiveness, Campaign Performance, ROAS

ASSUMPTION: The application process is competitive, and applicants should highlight their relevant SEM experience and achievements to demonstrate their qualifications for the role.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Skai (formerly Kenshoo)
• ProductsUp
• Adobe Analytics
• Google Analytics
• Microsoft Excel

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and platforms is essential for success in this role, as they are commonly used in the SEM industry.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer Obsessed
• Inclusive and Diverse
• Collaborative and Innovative
• Accountable and Results-Driven

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Data-driven and analytical
• Results-focused and accountable

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you stay up-to-date with SEM trends and algorithm changes?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you optimized a campaign to improve performance and ROAS?
• How do you approach mentoring and leading team members to drive success?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with Macy's company values and work style to ensure a successful and fulfilling career.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing large-scale ad budgets and optimizations can be complex and time-consuming
• Analyzing campaign performance data and providing actionable insights requires strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams may require navigating different priorities and perspectives
• Working during peak holiday seasons may require flexibility and additional hours

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to manage the complexities and demands of this role, including large-scale budget management, data analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other SEM Associate or Manager positions in the retail industry, with a focus on driving performance and optimizing campaigns
• Unlike other roles, this position offers the opportunity to work for a well-established retailer with a strong brand presence and extensive resources
• Career progression in this role may lead to senior-level positions within the Search Engine Marketing team or broader marketing organization

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to similar positions in the industry, with a focus on driving performance and optimizing campaigns for a well-established retailer.

📝 Sample Projects

• Optimizing a large-scale SEM campaign to improve ROAS by 20% within a quarter
• Developing and implementing a comprehensive keyword strategy to expand campaign reach and drive conversions
• Collaborating with site merchandisers to identify high-priority SKUs and optimize campaigns for improved performance

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the types of initiatives and responsibilities associated with this role, with a focus on driving performance and optimizing campaigns.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and reporting relationships within the Search Engine Marketing team?
• How does this role collaborate with other marketing teams, such as communications planning and marketing effectiveness?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Search Engine Marketing team and the broader marketing organization?
• How does Macy's support work-life balance, especially during peak holiday seasons?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful and insightful questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and understanding of the company's priorities and culture.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through http://www.macysjobs.com?rx_source=linkedincompanypage
• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant SEM experience and achievements
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing your SEM campaigns and their results
• Research Macy's brand and retail environment to demonstrate your understanding of the company
• Practice presenting complex performance data and insights in a clear and concise manner
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your final 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.