Senior Associate, Paid Search

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Associate, Paid Search

🔹 Company: GroupM

🔹 Location: New York, NY or Los Angeles, CA

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 30, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (New York or Los Angeles offices only)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing campaign execution process for clients
• Providing tactical recommendations to senior team members and clients
• Mentoring junior teammates and overseeing their deliverables
• Staying updated on the latest tools and industry trends

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of technical skills in paid search management and strong communication skills for client interaction and team mentoring.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Manage the day-to-day operations of the search plan, including bid recommendations, execution details, and budgets/accounting

✅ Develop initial keyword lists using identified brand territory and proprietary tools

✅ Run search reports to mine for new keywords, creative text ads, pacing, and overall spend

✅ Write initial drafts of ad creative text ads based on briefing materials, website content, and client direction

✅ Traffic, upload, and QA keywords using the Bid Management Tool process

✅ Stay updated on the latest updates regarding tools and user interfaces

✅ Train Associates and oversee their deliverables

ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of tactical tasks and strategic planning, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Analytics, Marketing, Communications, Advertising, or equivalent professional work experience

Experience: 1+ year of practical experience running paid search campaigns

Required Skills:

• Hands-on experience planning/buying across Google and Bing using tools such as Google Analytics, Google AdWords, and BingAds
• In-depth understanding of Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaign management and optimization practices
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel
• Excellent verbal and written skills; exceptional organizational skills, multi-tasking capabilities, and attention to detail

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of third-party platforms such as Kenshoo, Marin, DoubleClick, or analytics tools like Adobe Omniture

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in the English language is assumed for effective communication and client interaction.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45,000 - $100,000 (USD) per year

Benefits:

• Medical
• Group Retirement Plans
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Partner Discounts
• Mental Health Awareness Days

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with a hybrid approach of being in the office around four days a week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the job title and experience level. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications and business needs.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services

Company Size: 10,001+ employees

Founded: EssenceMediacom was founded in 2022 as a result of the merger between Essence and MediaCom

Company Description:

• GroupM’s newest and largest agency, committed to delivering marketing breakthroughs for brands
• Fuses Essence’s performance, data, analytics, and creative technology DNA with MediaCom’s scaled multichannel audience planning and strategic media expertise
• One of the world’s leading communications specialists with billings of more than US$22 billion

Company Specialties:

• Media Planning & Buying
• Data & Analytics
• Creative Technology
• Innovation

Company Website: essencemediacom.com

ASSUMPTION: GroupM is a global media investment group with a strong focus on data-driven advertising solutions.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level, with increased responsibility and accountability for campaign execution

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Search Manager, with opportunities for client-facing interactions and mentoring junior teammates

Work Arrangement: On-site, with a hybrid approach of being in the office around four days a week

Growth Opportunities:

• Exposure to client-facing opportunities
• Mentoring and training junior teammates
• Potential career progression to Search Manager or other senior roles within the agency

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth through increased responsibility, client interaction, and mentoring junior teammates.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a hybrid approach of being in the office around four days a week

Office Location(s): New York, NY or Los Angeles, CA

Geographic Context:

• New York, NY: A major global city with a vibrant advertising industry and numerous cultural attractions
• Los Angeles, CA: A major global city with a strong entertainment industry and numerous cultural attractions

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with a hybrid approach of being in the office around four days a week

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility while maintaining a strong office presence for collaboration and learning opportunities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or video interview with the Search Manager and/or other team members
• Final interview with the agency’s HR representative

Key Assessment Areas:

• Technical skills in paid search management
• Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Organizational skills and attention to detail
• Cultural fit and alignment with GroupM’s values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of paid search management and optimization practices
• Showcase your ability to work collaboratively and mentor junior teammates

ATS Keywords: Paid Search, Campaign Management, Keyword Research, Ad Creative Writing, Bid Management, Google Analytics, Google AdWords, Bing Ads, PPC Management, Organizational Skills, Attention to Detail, Training, Client Interaction, Data Analysis, Multi-tasking

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should tailor their resumes and cover letters to emphasize their relevant skills and experiences, focusing on paid search management and optimization practices.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Google Analytics
• Google AdWords
• Bing Ads
• Bid Management Platforms (e.g., Kenshoo, Marin, DoubleClick)
• SEMrush
• AdCenter
• AdGooroo

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard tools and platforms is essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Continuous Learning
• Breakthrough Ambition
• Integrity

Work Style:

• Collaborative
• Data-driven
• Innovative

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a passion for learning and staying updated on the latest trends in paid search management?
• Are you comfortable working in a collaborative, data-driven environment?
• Do you have strong communication skills and the ability to mentor junior teammates?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with GroupM’s values and work style to ensure a successful and fulfilling career.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple client campaigns simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Keeping up with the latest trends and updates in paid search management and optimization practices
• Balancing tactical tasks with strategic planning and mentoring junior teammates
• Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement, with a strong office presence required for collaboration and learning opportunities

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to manage multiple priorities and adapt to a hybrid work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from related positions in its increased responsibility and accountability for campaign execution, as well as opportunities for client-facing interactions and mentoring junior teammates
• Industry-specific context: The advertising industry is dynamic and ever-evolving, requiring continuous learning and adaptation
• Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities for professional growth through increased responsibility, client interaction, and mentoring junior teammates

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of this role and how it aligns with their career goals and interests.

📝 Sample Projects

• Managing a large-scale paid search campaign for a major retail client, optimizing bids and ad creative to maximize ROI
• Conducting keyword research and analysis for a B2B tech company, identifying high-volume, low-competition keywords to improve campaign performance
• Mentoring a junior teammate in the development and execution of a paid search campaign for a non-profit organization, focusing on best practices and optimization strategies

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with paid search campaign management and optimization, as well as their ability to mentor and train junior teammates.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does this role fit into the agency’s overall structure and strategy?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the agency?
• How does the agency support work-life balance for its employees?
• What is the team’s dynamic, and how does this role contribute to its success?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and the agency’s culture.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Jobvite link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare for the interview by researching GroupM’s values and culture, as well as industry trends in paid search management
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of 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.