SEM Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: SEM Specialist

🔹 Company: James Allen

🔹 Location: New York, New York, United States (Remote)

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: May 7, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote & On-site)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing, optimizing, and scaling paid search campaigns across Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and other platforms for James Allen and Blue Nile.
• Collaborating with brand, analytics, and ecommerce teams to drive traffic, conversions, and revenue.
• Performing in-depth keyword research, ad copywriting, and A/B testing to improve CTR and ROAS.
• Analyzing campaign performance and making data-driven optimizations.
• Developing monthly performance reports with actionable insights for leadership and stakeholders.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of SEM principles and experience in managing paid search campaigns. Familiarity with ecommerce environments and luxury retail markets is a plus.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Own and manage day-to-day execution of paid search campaigns across both banners.

✅ Perform in-depth keyword research, ad copywriting, and A/B testing to continuously improve CTR and ROAS.

✅ Monitor campaign performance and make data-driven optimizations to budgets, bidding strategies, targeting, and ad creatives.

✅ Collaborate with analytics and ecommerce teams to track key KPIs, conversion events, and customer behavior.

✅ Analyze competitor activity and industry trends to uncover new growth opportunities.

✅ Align SEM strategies with each brand’s voice, product focus, and seasonal initiatives.

✅ Develop monthly performance reports with actionable insights for leadership and stakeholders.

✅ Test and implement new campaign types and beta features across Google and Bing platforms.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of autonomy and requires strong organizational skills to manage multiple brands simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Marketing or a Business related area.

Experience: 3+ years of hands-on SEM experience, preferably in an ecommerce environment.

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and performance marketing principles.
• Proficiency with Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, and conversion tracking setup.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills.
• Detail-oriented with a bias for testing, learning, and optimizing.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience managing multiple brands or product lines simultaneously.
• Familiarity with jewelry or luxury retail markets.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in ecommerce and luxury retail markets may have an advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $66,000 - $90,000 per year. Final pay rate is determined by experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match
• Flexible spending account
• Health savings account
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee discount
• Parental leave
• Life insurance

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. This role may require occasional work outside of standard business hours.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for SEM specialists with 2-5 years of experience in the New York area.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: James Allen is a diamond bridal jewelry company with a technology soul. They operate in the competitive retail and ecommerce spaces.

Company Size: James Allen has 501-1,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: James Allen was founded in 2006 and has since grown to become one of the fastest-growing online retailers of diamonds and engagement rings.

Company Description:

• James Allen offers a wide range of high-quality diamond engagement rings and other fine jewelry at competitive prices.
• The company is committed to providing exceptional customer service and a seamless online shopping experience.
• James Allen is known for its innovative use of technology in the jewelry industry, offering customers virtual try-on tools and 360° diamond views.

Company Specialties:

• Diamond engagement rings
• Fine jewelry
• Ecommerce platform development
• Supply chain management

Company Website: http://www.jamesallen.com

ASSUMPTION: James Allen's focus on technology and innovation sets it apart from traditional jewelry retailers, offering unique opportunities for growth and learning.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for a mid-level marketing professional with 2-5 years of experience in SEM.

Reporting Structure: The SEM Specialist will report directly to the Senior Marketing Manager and work closely with brand, analytics, and ecommerce teams.

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, requiring both remote work and on-site presence at the New York office.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to a Senior SEM Specialist or Marketing Manager role as the company and team grow.
• Expanding skills in other marketing channels and ecommerce platforms.
• Potential to work on special projects or initiatives to drive company-wide impact.

ASSUMPTION: With the company's growth and focus on technology, there are ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: James Allen's headquarters is located in New York, NY, with a modern, collaborative work environment.

Office Location(s): 135 W 50th St, New York, NY 10020, US

Geographic Context:

• New York City offers a vibrant and diverse cultural scene, with numerous attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options.
• The city is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to commute to the office.
• New York is a major hub for the retail and ecommerce industries, providing ample networking opportunities.

Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with occasional flexibility required to meet project deadlines or attend team meetings.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at James Allen is fast-paced and dynamic, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the Senior Marketing Manager to discuss qualifications and fit for the role.
• In-depth interview with the Senior Marketing Manager and a member of the marketing team to assess SEM skills and cultural fit.
• Take-home assignment to demonstrate understanding of SEM best practices and campaign management.
• Final interview with the Senior Marketing Manager and a member of the executive team to discuss career growth and company culture.

Key Assessment Areas:

• SEM knowledge and experience
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Communication and project management skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with company values

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant SEM experience and achievements in your resume and cover letter.
• Tailor your application materials to demonstrate your understanding of James Allen's unique value proposition and target audience.
• Prepare for interview questions that assess your ability to manage multiple brands simultaneously and make data-driven decisions.

ATS Keywords: SEM, Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, keyword research, ad copywriting, A/B testing, data analysis, performance marketing, Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, conversion tracking, project management, analytical skills, communication skills, detail-oriented, ecommerce

ASSUMPTION: The application process at James Allen is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit, with a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making and collaboration.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Google Ads
• Microsoft Ads
• Google Analytics
• Google Tag Manager
• Conversion tracking tools (e.g., Google Ads Conversion Tracking, Google Analytics Goals)
• SEO tools (e.g., SEMrush, Ahrefs, Moz)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for SEM specialists and can be learned or improved upon with relevant experience.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer-centric
• Innovative
• Collaborative
• Data-driven
• Accountable

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Data-driven and analytical
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and open to feedback

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, data-driven environment?
• Are you comfortable working collaboratively with multiple teams to achieve shared goals?
• Do you have a strong bias for testing, learning, and optimizing your work based on data and feedback?

ASSUMPTION: James Allen's company culture is characterized by a strong focus on innovation, data-driven decision-making, and collaboration, with a customer-centric approach.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple brands simultaneously may require strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively.
• Occasional work outside of standard business hours may be required to meet project deadlines or attend team meetings.
• The fast-paced work environment may present challenges for candidates who prefer a more structured or slower-paced work environment.
• Competition in the retail and ecommerce spaces may present challenges in driving traffic, conversions, and revenue.

ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges associated with this role are typical for SEM specialists in the ecommerce industry and can be mitigated with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a customer-centric mindset.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other SEM Specialist roles, this position offers the opportunity to work on multiple brands simultaneously, providing additional complexity and growth opportunities.
• James Allen's focus on technology and innovation sets it apart from traditional jewelry retailers, offering unique learning and growth experiences.
• Career paths for SEM Specialists typically include advancement to Senior SEM Specialist, Marketing Manager, or other marketing leadership roles, depending on the company's structure and growth.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for growth and learning, with a focus on technology and innovation that sets it apart from traditional retail environments.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive SEM strategy for a new product launch, driving traffic, conversions, and revenue.
• Conducting keyword research and competitor analysis to identify new growth opportunities and optimize campaign performance.
• Collaborating with the analytics team to track key KPIs and customer behavior, using data to inform campaign optimizations and strategy adjustments.

ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed are representative of the types of initiatives an SEM Specialist at James Allen might work on, but the specific projects will vary based on the company's needs and priorities.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical workflow for managing multiple brands simultaneously in this role?
• How does James Allen support the professional development and growth of its SEM team members?
• What are the most challenging aspects of working in the SEM team at James Allen, and how do you address them?
• How does the SEM team collaborate with other departments, such as brand and ecommerce, to drive traffic, conversions, and revenue?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, relevant questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the company culture and team dynamics.

📌 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 SEM experience and achievements, emphasizing your ability to manage multiple brands simultaneously and drive data-driven results.
• Prepare for interview questions that assess your SEM knowledge, analytical skills, and cultural fit with James Allen's values and work style.
• 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.