SEM Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: SEM Specialist

🔹 Company: Blue Nile

🔹 Location: New York, NY

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (On-site & Remote)

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: June 11, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-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.
• Performing in-depth keyword research, ad copywriting, and A/B testing to continuously improve CTR and ROAS.
• Monitoring campaign performance and making data-driven optimizations to budgets, bidding strategies, targeting, and ad creatives.
• Aligning SEM strategies with each brand’s voice, product focus, and seasonal initiatives.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of SEM principles and experience in managing campaigns across multiple platforms. The ideal candidate will have experience in an ecommerce environment and be comfortable working 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.

✅ 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 attention to detail and strong analytical skills. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working with data and making data-driven decisions.

🎯 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: While not required, experience managing multiple brands or product lines simultaneously and familiarity with jewelry or luxury retail markets would be beneficial for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $66,000 - $90,000 per year. Final pay rate shall be determined and is 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, typically 40 hours per week. Hours may vary based on business needs.

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. Benefits may vary based on employment type and work schedule.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Blue Nile is a leading online retailer of certified diamonds, engagement rings, and fine jewelry. They operate in the competitive retail industry, with a focus on ecommerce and a strong commitment to customer experience.

Company Size: Blue Nile has 501-1,000 employees, placing it in the mid-size category. This size allows for a structured work environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Founded: Blue Nile was founded in 1999 and has since grown to become a well-established player in the online jewelry market.

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 embraces a culture of adaptability, valuing hard work, flexibility, and curiosity. The team is nimble, innovative, and resourceful, making an impact on both the business and individual customer experiences.

Company Specialties:

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

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

ASSUMPTION: Blue Nile's focus on customer experience and commitment to quality make it an attractive employer in the online retail industry. The company's culture of adaptability and innovation provides opportunities for growth and professional development.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a mid-level position, requiring 3+ years of experience in SEM. It offers opportunities for growth and advancement within the marketing department.

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

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with a combination of on-site and remote work. The specific work arrangement may vary based on business needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• As Blue Nile continues to grow, there may be opportunities for the SEM Specialist to take on more responsibility and advance within the marketing department.
• The company's commitment to testing and learning provides opportunities for professional development and skill-building.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for growth and advancement within the marketing department. The company's commitment to testing and learning provides opportunities for professional development and skill-building.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Blue Nile's headquarters is located in New York, NY, with a hybrid work arrangement that combines on-site and remote work.

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

Geographic Context:

• New York City is a major hub for the retail industry, with a diverse range of employers and opportunities.
• The city offers a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous attractions and events.
• New York City has a high cost of living, with housing and other expenses generally higher than the national average.

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week. Hours may vary based on business needs.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility and work-life balance, while also offering opportunities for collaboration and in-person interaction with colleagues.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume submission
• Phone or video screen with the HR department
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Technical skills and knowledge of SEM principles
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Communication and collaboration skills
• Alignment with Blue Nile's company values and culture

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant SEM experience and achievements in your resume
• Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of Blue Nile's business and how your skills and experience align with the role
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively

ATS Keywords: SEM, Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, keyword research, ad copywriting, A/B testing, campaign performance, data-driven optimization, analytics collaboration, competitor analysis, performance reporting, campaign testing, project management, analytical skills, communication skills, detail-oriented

ASSUMPTION: Blue Nile's interview process is designed to assess technical skills and cultural fit. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their knowledge of SEM principles and provide examples of their work.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Google Ads
• Microsoft Ads
• Google Analytics
• Google Tag Manager
• Conversion tracking setup

ASSUMPTION: The SEM Specialist will be expected to have proficiency with the tools and technologies listed above. Familiarity with additional tools and technologies may be beneficial but is not required.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

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

Work Style:

• Adaptable: Blue Nile embraces a culture of adaptability, valuing hard work, flexibility, and curiosity
• Collaborative: The team works together to make an impact on both the business and individual customer experiences
• Data-driven: Decisions are made based on data and analysis, with a focus on continuous improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have experience working with cross-functional teams to drive results?
• Are you comfortable working with data and making data-driven decisions?
• Do you have a strong attention to detail and a bias for testing, learning, and optimizing?

ASSUMPTION: Blue Nile's company values and work style provide a framework for assessing cultural fit. Applicants should consider how their own values and work style align with those of the company.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple brands or product lines simultaneously may require strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively
• Working in a fast-paced, data-driven environment may require strong analytical skills and the ability to adapt to change
• The hybrid work arrangement may require strong communication and collaboration skills to ensure effective remote work
• The competitive retail industry may present challenges in driving traffic, conversions, and revenue

ASSUMPTION: These potential challenges are not insurmountable, but applicants should be aware of the demands of the role and consider how their skills and experience align with these challenges.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other SEM Specialist roles, but may require more experience with multiple brands or product lines
• Blue Nile's focus on customer experience and quality may require a higher level of attention to detail and commitment to customer service
• This role offers opportunities for growth and advancement within the marketing department, with a clear career path for high-performing individuals

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider how their skills and experience align with the demands of this role and how it compares to similar roles in the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive SEM strategy for a new product launch
• Analyzing competitor activity and industry trends to uncover new growth opportunities
• Creating and optimizing ad copy to improve CTR and ROAS

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to provide a sense of the types of tasks and responsibilities associated with this role. Applicants should be prepared to provide examples of their own work and how it aligns with these projects.

❓ 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 development and growth of its employees?
• Can you provide an example of a time when Blue Nile's commitment to testing and learning led to a significant improvement in performance?
• How does Blue Nile approach work-life balance for its employees?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions are intended to provide a better understanding of the role, the team, and the company culture. Applicants should tailor their questions to their own interests and concerns.

📌 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 how your skills and experience align with the role and Blue Nile's company values
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively
• Follow up with Blue Nile after submitting your application to express your interest in the role

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