📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: SEM Specialist
🔹 Company: Western Digital
🔹 Location: Irvine, California, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-14
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Remote OK)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing global Paid Search and Shopping campaigns
- Collaborating with internal teams to acquire customers
- Developing target keywords and placements
- Aligning search engine activities with broader digital marketing strategy
- Managing search engine budgets and determining investments
- Speaking knowledgeably about KPIs and presenting results to internal teams
- Managing relationships with Google Ads and Microsoft Ads teams
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of Paid Search and Shopping campaigns, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with various internal teams.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Build and manage global Paid Search and Shopping campaigns
✅ Collaborate with internal teams to acquire customers through paid search, shopping, and other related digital marketing channels
✅ Identify and develop target keywords and placements to accelerate eCommerce growth
✅ Ensure alignment of search engine activities with broader digital marketing strategy
✅ Own and manage search engine budgets, determining the right investments to grow the business while hitting KPI goals
✅ Speak knowledgeably about KPIs such as impressions, clicks, CTR, CPC, CVR, conversions, impression share, and ROAS
✅ Present search engine strategy and results to internal teams, such as executives, PR, Marcom, Product Marketing, and eCommerce
✅ Manage relationships with Google Ads and Microsoft Ads teams
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: BA/BS degree
Experience: 2-5 years of experience managing Paid Search and Shopping campaigns
Required Skills:
- Passion for all channels of search engine marketing, including Paid Search, Shopping, Performance Max, YouTube, and Display
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Certification in Google Ads
- Mastery of Excel
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with Adobe Analytics
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in Paid Search and Shopping campaigns, as well as relevant experience in digital marketing, are likely to be successful in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Marketing Specialist role with 2-5 years of experience in Irvine, California)
Benefits:
- Paid vacation time
- Paid sick leave
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life, accident, and disability insurance
- Tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts
- Employee assistance program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Transit benefits
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for a Marketing Specialist role with 2-5 years of experience in Irvine, California. Actual salary may vary based on factors such as relevant education, certifications, and performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Western Digital operates in the computer hardware manufacturing industry, focusing on data storage solutions for hyperscalers, enterprises, and cloud providers.
Company Size: Western Digital is a large company with over 10,000 employees, providing ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: Western Digital was founded in 1970 and has since grown to become a global leader in data storage technology.
Company Description:
- At the forefront of data storage innovation
- Delivering scalable solutions for the world’s hyperscalers, enterprises, and cloud providers
- Committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees
Company Specialties:
- Big Data
- Cloud Storage
- Data Center Storage
- HDD
- Helium HDD
- Backup Recovery
- Data Federation
- Virtualization
- Personal Storage
- Cloud Computing
- SQL Data Storage
- VDI
- NVMe
- Embedded Storage
- Object Storage
- Software
- Storage Solutions
- and Data Technology
Company Website: www.westerndigital.com
ASSUMPTION: Western Digital's focus on data storage solutions and commitment to innovation make it an attractive employer for individuals interested in the tech industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for a Marketing Specialist with 2-5 years of experience, looking to grow their career in digital marketing.
Reporting Structure: The SEM Specialist will report to the Marketing Manager and collaborate with various internal teams, such as PR, Marcom, Product Marketing, and eCommerce.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site but allows for remote work.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on more responsibilities and advance to a Senior Marketing Specialist or Marketing Manager role
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and campaigns
- Chance to learn from and collaborate with experienced marketing professionals
ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong growth potential for individuals looking to advance their careers in digital marketing.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Western Digital's Irvine office is a modern, collaborative workspace with state-of-the-art technology and amenities.
Office Location(s): 5601 Great Oaks Parkway, San Jose, CA 95138, US; 951 Sandisk Dr, Milpitas, CA 95035, US; 44100 Osgood Rd, Fremont, CA 94539, US
Geographic Context:
- Irvine is located in Orange County, California, with a population of approximately 300,000
- The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with numerous parks, beaches, and cultural attractions
- Irvine is known for its high-quality schools and safe neighborhoods
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible hours and the opportunity to work remotely.
ASSUMPTION: Western Digital's Irvine office provides a modern, collaborative work environment with ample opportunities for growth and development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR team
- In-depth interview with the Marketing Manager and/or other team members
- Final interview with the hiring manager
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical skills and knowledge of Paid Search and Shopping campaigns
- Communication and presentation skills
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Western Digital's values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and achievements in your resume, focusing on Paid Search and Shopping campaigns
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and your fit with Western Digital's culture
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and experience with Paid Search and Shopping campaigns
ATS Keywords: Paid Search, Shopping Campaigns, Digital Marketing, Keyword Development, Budget Management, KPI Analysis, Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Communication Skills, Excel Mastery, Adobe Analytics
ASSUMPTION: Western Digital's interview process is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit with the company's values.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Google Ads
- Microsoft Ads
- Adobe Analytics
- Excel
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Customer Focus
- Integrity
- Performance
- Inclusion
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and analytical
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Results-focused and accountable
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a passion for Paid Search and Shopping campaigns and a strong desire to learn and grow in this field?
- Are you comfortable working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously?
- Do you have strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to speak knowledgeably about KPIs and other marketing metrics?
ASSUMPTION: Western Digital values candidates who are passionate about data storage technology, collaborative, and results-driven.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing global Paid Search and Shopping campaigns can be complex and time-consuming
- Working with multiple internal teams may require strong communication and project management skills
- Keeping up with industry trends and best practices in Paid Search and Shopping campaigns may be challenging
- Balancing work-life integration in a full-time role with remote work options may require strong time management skills
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong technical skills, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other Marketing Specialist roles, this position places a greater emphasis on Paid Search and Shopping campaigns and requires a higher level of technical expertise
- In the data storage industry, Western Digital is known for its innovative solutions and commitment to customer success, providing a unique opportunity for growth and development
- Career paths for Marketing Specialists at Western Digital may include advancement to Senior Marketing Specialist or Marketing Manager roles, with opportunities to specialize in specific areas of digital marketing
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for growth and development within the data storage industry, with a focus on Paid Search and Shopping campaigns.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a global Paid Search campaign to drive eCommerce growth for a new product launch
- Collaborating with the PR team to create targeted Shopping campaigns that complement an upcoming media event
- Analyzing campaign performance data to identify trends and optimize keyword targeting and bidding strategies
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and collaborative opportunities available in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within the broader marketing organization?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
- How does Western Digital support the professional development and growth of its marketing team members?
- What are the most challenging aspects of managing global Paid Search and Shopping campaigns, and how can I best prepare to overcome these challenges?
- How does Western Digital foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning within its marketing teams?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to understanding the company's culture and expectations.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience with Paid Search and Shopping campaigns, as well as any other relevant skills and achievements
- Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and your fit with Western Digital's culture and values
- Prepare for the interview by researching Western Digital's products, services, and industry trends, as well as practicing your responses to common interview questions
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your final interview to express your continued interest in the position and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
