📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: SEM Specialist
🔹 Company: Saks Fifth Avenue
🔹 Location: New York, NY, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Retail Apparel and Fashion
🔹 Date Posted: May 12, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting the execution and optimization of search and shopping campaigns
- Collaborating with internal teams and external partners
- Analyzing performance data and generating actionable insights
- Assisting in campaign creation and reporting
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong analytical mindset, a passion for paid search, and excellent communication skills to drive campaign success and performance improvements.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Program Strategy & Performance Support:
- Analyze and interpret performance data to generate actionable insights
- Review KPIs and recommend optimizations at the tactic level to drive growth
- Monitor budget pacing and ensure the program is on track to meet revenue and ROAS targets
- Contribute to the creation of new campaigns, ensuring alignment with the online assortment and brand priorities
- Assist in the preparation of promotional strategies that support broader marketing objectives
- Generate regular performance reports, identify trends, and troubleshoot data anomalies
✅ Vendor & Agency Coordination:
- Collaborate with the search agency to ensure alignment between strategy and execution during campaign launches and ongoing optimizations
- Support vendor relationships by assisting in coordination with partners like Feed Vendors and Google on operational needs and issue resolution
- Maintain clear, consistent communication with external partners to ensure the timely delivery of assets, reporting, and campaign updates
✅ Strategic Support & Innovation:
- Stay up to date with the latest search marketing trends, tools, and best practices, sharing relevant insights with the team
- Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on current and future search marketing initiatives
- Assist in planning and executing test-and-learn efforts, helping to identify new growth opportunities and improve campaign performance
ASSUMPTION: The role may evolve over time as the company grows and adapts to market changes.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree required
Experience: 1+ years of hands-on experience in Paid Search, preferably in the eCommerce or retail vertical
Required Skills:
- Experience with platforms such as Google Ads, Bing Ads, Google Merchant Center, and bidding tools (SA360 preferred)
- Working knowledge of web analytics and competitive tracking platforms (e.g., Adobe Analytics, Google Analytics, The Search Monitor)
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to convert data into actionable insights and compelling narratives
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and levels within the organization
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Familiarity with scripting languages (e.g., Python, R) for data manipulation and analysis
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having experience with relevant tools and a strong analytical mindset is highly preferred for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $62,400 - $80,200 USD per year
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Employee discount on Saks Fifth Avenue merchandise
- Opportunities for career growth and development
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the retail sector. Benefits may vary based on the company's current offerings.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Saks Fifth Avenue operates in the competitive luxury retail apparel and fashion industry, focusing on delivering inspiring luxury fashion experiences to its customers.
Company Size: With approximately 10,000 employees, Saks Fifth Avenue is a mid-sized company, offering a mix of corporate and retail environments.
Founded: Saks Fifth Avenue was founded in 1924 and has since grown to become a premier destination for luxury fashion.
Company Description:
- Saks Fifth Avenue is committed to helping customers express themselves through relevant and inspiring fashion
- The company combines an emphasis on the digital customer experience with a strong connection to a network of extraordinary stores for seamless, all-channel shopping
- Saks Fifth Avenue is part of Saks Global's distinguished portfolio of world-class luxury retailers and real estate assets
Company Specialties:
- Luxury fashion retail
- E-commerce and omnichannel retailing
- Data-driven marketing and customer experience
Company Website: http://www.saks.com
ASSUMPTION: As a well-established luxury retailer, Saks Fifth Avenue offers a stable work environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for early-career professionals looking to gain experience in paid search and digital marketing within the retail sector.
Reporting Structure: The SEM Specialist will report to the Paid Search Manager and collaborate with various internal teams, such as Ecommerce, Site Merchandising, and Analytics, as well as external search agency partners.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role, requiring the candidate to work from Saks Fifth Avenue's offices in New York, NY.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to Senior SEM Specialist or Paid Search Manager roles
- Expansion into other digital marketing channels or e-commerce roles
- Development of leadership and management skills through mentorship and training programs
ASSUMPTION: With experience and strong performance, candidates may have opportunities to grow within the company or explore other roles within the digital marketing or e-commerce teams.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Saks Fifth Avenue's headquarters is located in a modern, high-rise office building in the heart of New York City.
Office Location(s): 225 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281, US
Geographic Context:
- New York City offers a vibrant, multicultural environment with numerous amenities and attractions
- The office is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easily accessible from various neighborhoods
- The city's fast-paced environment may require candidates to be adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic setting
Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, with some flexibility for remote work or adjusted hours as needed.
ASSUMPTION: Working in New York City may come with unique challenges, such as a higher cost of living and a fast-paced work environment. However, it also offers numerous opportunities for professional growth and networking.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call with the HR department
- In-depth interview with the Paid Search Manager and/or other team members
- Final interview with the hiring manager or a panel of interviewers
Key Assessment Areas:
- Analytical skills and data interpretation
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Understanding of paid search and digital marketing principles
- Problem-solving and strategic thinking
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and skills in your resume, emphasizing any experience with paid search, Google Ads, or other relevant platforms
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills
- Research Saks Fifth Avenue's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit with the organization
ATS Keywords: Paid Search, Google Ads, Bing Ads, Google Merchant Center, SA360, Web Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Google Analytics, Data Analysis, Communication, Collaboration, Campaign Optimization, Performance Reporting, Budget Management, Trend Analysis, Promotional Strategies
ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary depending on the specific needs of the hiring team and the volume of applicants. It is essential to stay informed about any updates or changes to the process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Google Ads
- Bing Ads
- Google Merchant Center
- SA360
- Adobe Analytics
- Google Analytics
- The Search Monitor
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Scripting languages (e.g., Python, R)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies listed may evolve over time as the company adopts new platforms or updates existing ones.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer obsession
- Innovation and continuous improvement
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Integrity and accountability
Work Style:
- Data-driven and analytical
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do I have a strong analytical mindset and a passion for paid search?
- Am I comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
- Do I possess excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with various teams?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Saks Fifth Avenue's company values and work style will likely be a good fit for the organization and this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment may require adaptability and quick decision-making
- Collaborating with various internal teams and external partners may present communication and coordination challenges
- The role may require occasional work outside of regular business hours to support campaign launches or troubleshoot issues
- Competition within the luxury retail sector may present challenges in driving campaign performance and achieving targets
ASSUMPTION: Addressing these challenges proactively and demonstrating a strong work ethic will be essential for success in this role.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other SEM Specialist roles, this position may offer more exposure to cross-functional teams and external partners, providing opportunities for learning and growth
- Working in the luxury retail sector may present unique challenges and opportunities compared to other industries, such as a focus on high-end products and exclusive branding
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into senior SEM Specialist or Paid Search Manager positions, or exploring other digital marketing or e-commerce roles within the company
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other SEM Specialist positions, the unique aspects of working in the luxury retail sector and for Saks Fifth Avenue may offer distinct opportunities and challenges.
📝 Sample Projects
- Analyzing campaign performance data to identify trends and optimize tactics
- Collaborating with the search agency to launch a new campaign and ensure alignment with brand priorities
- Assisting in the preparation of promotional strategies that support broader marketing objectives
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects assigned may vary depending on the company's current priorities and the candidate's skills and experience.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe a typical day or week in this role?
- How does this role collaborate with other teams, such as Ecommerce and Site Merchandising?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the paid search team currently, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Saks Fifth Avenue support the growth and development of its employees in this role?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how are they measured and tracked?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, relevant questions demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the work environment and company culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills, emphasizing any experience with paid search, Google Ads, or other relevant platforms
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills
- Research Saks Fifth Avenue's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit with the organization
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR department 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.
