SEM Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: SEM Specialist

🔹 Company: Blue Nile

🔹 Location: New York, NY

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (On-site & Remote)

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: May 7, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

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

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing, optimizing, and scaling paid search campaigns across Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and other relevant platforms for James Allen and Blue Nile
• Collaborating with brand, analytics, and ecommerce teams to drive traffic, conversions, and revenue
• Aligning SEM strategies with each brand’s unique positioning, goals, and seasonal initiatives
• Analyzing campaign performance, competitor activity, and industry trends to uncover new growth opportunities
• Developing monthly performance reports with actionable insights for leadership and stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of SEM principles, hands-on experience, and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

📋 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 requires a high level of detail-orientation, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects 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 a strong understanding of SEM principles will be most successful in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $66,000 - $90,000 per year (based on 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, with flexible hours and the option to work remotely

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: Retail, specifically ecommerce jewelry retail

Company Size: 501-1,000 employees (mid-sized company)

Founded: Blue Nile was founded in 1999 and has since grown to become the leading online retailer of certified diamonds, engagement rings, and fine jewelry

Company Description:

• Blue Nile is committed to providing a superior customer experience, extraordinary value, and industry-leading product quality and style
• The company offers thousands of GIA and AGSL certified diamonds and provides guidance and education to help customers choose the perfect piece
• Blue Nile has been named Forbes Favorite Online Jeweler every year since 2000 and has been a part of over 500,000 proposals

Company Specialties:

• eCommerce
• Retail
• Diamonds
• Jewelry
• Education and Guidance

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

ASSUMPTION: Blue Nile's focus on customer experience, quality, and value sets it apart in the competitive jewelry retail market.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level marketing role with opportunities for growth and advancement

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Marketing Manager and works closely with brand, analytics, and ecommerce teams

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (On-site & Remote) with flexible hours and the option to work remotely

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement within the marketing department, such as promotion to Senior SEM Specialist or Marketing Manager
• Expansion into related roles, such as SEO Specialist or Digital Marketing Manager
• Potential to work on high-impact projects and contribute to the company's overall growth and success

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the marketing department and the company as a whole.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (On-site & Remote) with an office located in New York, NY

Office Location(s): 135 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019, US

Geographic Context:

• New York, NY is a major metropolitan area with a diverse population and a thriving job market
• The office is located in Midtown Manhattan, offering easy access to public transportation and numerous amenities
• The area is known for its vibrant culture, arts, and entertainment scene

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours and the option to work remotely

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video screen with the HR department
• In-depth interview with the Senior Marketing Manager and a member of the marketing team
• Final interview with the Director of Marketing

Key Assessment Areas:

• SEM knowledge and experience
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Communication and collaboration abilities
• Cultural fit and alignment with Blue Nile's values

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant SEM experience and achievements in your resume and cover letter
• Demonstrate your understanding of Blue Nile's business and the role's responsibilities in your application materials
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability

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: Blue Nile's interview process is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth within the company.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Google Ads
• Microsoft Ads
• Google Analytics
• Google Tag Manager
• Conversion tracking tools
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• As One Team: We work together to win
• Customer Obsessed: We passionately and transparently help our customers find their perfect piece
• Speed and Quality: We act with speed and quality, paying attention to every detail
• Driven to Disrupt: Our curiosity, creativity, and willingness to test and learn drive our business

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Data-driven and analytical
• Adaptable and resourceful
• Customer-focused and results-oriented

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment?
• Are you comfortable working with data and using it to inform decision-making?
• Do you have a customer-focused mindset and a drive to achieve results?
• Are you adaptable and resourceful, able to manage multiple projects simultaneously?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Blue Nile's values and work style will be most successful in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple brands and product lines simultaneously
• Keeping up with the fast-paced and ever-changing SEM landscape
• Balancing on-site and remote work effectively
• Meeting the high standards set by Blue Nile for customer experience and product quality

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to an SEM Manager or Digital Marketing Specialist, but with a focus on paid search campaigns and a greater emphasis on hands-on execution
• In comparison to related roles, this position offers opportunities for growth and advancement within the marketing department and the company as a whole
• Career paths for this role may include advancement to Senior SEM Specialist, Marketing Manager, or expansion into related roles such as SEO Specialist or Digital Marketing Manager

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for growth and development within the marketing department and the company as a whole.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a new keyword research strategy to improve campaign performance
• Collaborating with the analytics team to track and optimize conversion events and customer behavior
• Analyzing competitor activity and industry trends to uncover new growth opportunities

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the hands-on, data-driven nature of this role and the opportunity to make a significant impact on campaign performance and business growth.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits into the broader marketing department?
• How does Blue Nile support the professional growth and development of its employees?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how has the current SEM Specialist approached them?
• How does Blue Nile measure the success of its SEM campaigns, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) are most important?
• What opportunities are there for growth and advancement within the marketing department and the company as a whole?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate your interest in the role, the company, and your commitment to success in this position.

📌 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 skills
• Prepare for the interview by researching Blue Nile's business, the role's responsibilities, and the company's values and work style
• Follow up with the hiring manager after the interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.