📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: SEM Specialist
🔹 Company: Western Digital
🔹 Location: Irvine, California, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-28
🔹 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 through digital marketing channels
- Developing target keywords and placements to accelerate eCommerce growth
- Aligning search engine activities with broader digital marketing strategy
- Managing search engine budgets and determining investments to grow the business
- Speaking knowledgeably about KPIs and presenting search engine strategy and 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 collaborate effectively 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 associated budgets for each search engine and determine 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 in a team environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: BA/BS degree
Experience: 2+ 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 with the ability to communicate across all levels of the company
- Certification in Google Ads
- Mastery of Excel (skill test required)
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with Adobe Analytics
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in digital marketing and a strong understanding of search engine marketing channels will be well-suited for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year (based on industry standards for a SEM Specialist with 2-5 years of experience in the Irvine, CA area)
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
- 401(k) plan
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Western Digital operates in the computer hardware manufacturing industry, focusing on data storage solutions for various sectors, including hyperscalers, enterprises, and cloud providers.
Company Size: Western Digital has 10,001+ employees, providing ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: Western Digital was founded in 1970 and has since grown into a global leader in data storage technologies.
Company Description:
- At the forefront of data storage innovation, delivering scalable solutions for the world’s hyperscalers, enterprises, and cloud providers.
- Western Digital offers an expansive portfolio of technologies, HDDs, and platforms under its Western Digital, WD, WD_BLACK, and SanDisk Professional brands.
- The company is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees, fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.
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
- 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 an intermediate-level marketing professional with 2-5 years of experience in search engine marketing.
Reporting Structure: The SEM Specialist will report to the Senior Marketing Manager and work closely 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 advance to a Senior SEM Specialist or Marketing Manager role as the company and team grow
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and collaborate with various internal teams
- Access to professional development resources, such as training and workshops, to enhance skills and knowledge
ASSUMPTION: This role offers ample opportunities for growth and development within the marketing department and the broader organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Western Digital's Irvine office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity.
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:
- The Irvine office is located in Orange County, California, offering a pleasant Mediterranean climate and a high quality of life.
- The area is known for its vibrant tech industry, providing ample networking and professional development opportunities.
- Irvine is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and offers a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and entertainment options.
Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break. Flexible work arrangements may be available.
ASSUMPTION: Western Digital's Irvine office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with ample opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR department
- Technical assessment or case study
- On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and team members
- Final interview with the Senior Marketing Manager
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical knowledge of Paid Search and Shopping campaigns
- Analytical skills and ability to interpret data
- Communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams
- Problem-solving skills and ability to work independently
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and achievements in search engine marketing on your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to emphasize your passion for search engine marketing and eCommerce growth
- Prepare for the technical assessment or case study by reviewing your knowledge of Paid Search and Shopping campaigns
- Research Western Digital's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit for the organization
ATS Keywords: Paid Search, Shopping Campaigns, Digital Marketing, Keyword Development, Budget Management, KPI Analysis, Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Communication Skills, Adobe Analytics, Excel Mastery
ASSUMPTION: Western Digital's interview process is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, cultural fit, and ability to contribute to the company's mission and 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:
- Customer-centric
- Innovative
- Collaborative
- Inclusive
- Responsible
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Data-driven and analytical
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-focused and accountable
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a passion for search engine marketing and a strong desire to drive eCommerce growth?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and collaborating with various internal teams?
- Do you possess strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data to inform decision-making?
ASSUMPTION: Western Digital values candidates who align with their company values and work style, as well as those who demonstrate a strong passion for search engine marketing and eCommerce growth.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing global Paid Search and Shopping campaigns may require working non-standard hours to accommodate time zones
- Collaborating with various internal teams may present communication challenges and require strong project management skills
- Managing search engine budgets and determining investments to grow the business may require strong analytical skills and data-driven decision-making
- The fast-paced nature of the role may present challenges in maintaining work-life balance
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated by effective time management, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other SEM Specialist roles, this position offers a broader range of responsibilities and the opportunity to work with a global brand
- Western Digital's focus on data storage solutions provides a unique context for search engine marketing efforts
- Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities to advance to Senior SEM Specialist or Marketing Manager positions as the company and team grow
ASSUMPTION: This role provides unique opportunities for growth and development within the marketing department and the broader organization.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a global Paid Search and Shopping campaign strategy to drive eCommerce growth
- Collaborating with internal teams to optimize search engine campaigns and improve KPIs
- Managing search engine budgets and determining investments to grow the business while hitting KPI goals
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and opportunities available 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 collaborate with other marketing teams, such as PR, Marcom, Product Marketing, and eCommerce?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the marketing department and the broader organization?
- How does Western Digital support work-life balance for its employees?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and achievements in search engine marketing
- Write a cover letter emphasizing your passion for search engine marketing and eCommerce growth
- Prepare for the technical assessment or case study by reviewing your knowledge of Paid Search and Shopping campaigns
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
