📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Paid Search Specialist
🔹 Company: Grainger Businesses
🔹 Location: Lake Forest, Illinois, United States
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (3 days on-site)
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 27, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Intermediate (2-5 years)
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing high-volume Paid Search programs to drive customer and prospect revenue growth
- Leading campaign management and performance analysis efforts to maximize incremental revenue growth
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams and vendors to execute ROI deliverables
- Automating processes, reporting, and alerts to improve efficiency
- Working in a hybrid environment, on-site 3 days a week in Lake Forest or Chicago
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of Paid Search best practices and a proven ability to manage large-scale programs. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility while maintaining a collaborative office environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage Paid Search campaigns, focusing on performance analysis, program health checks, and optimization efforts
✅ Project manage rapid testing initiatives to support incremental ROAS goals
✅ Prepare and present performance reviews and opportunity area discussions with marketing leadership
✅ Collaborate with Google, Microsoft, and Search Ads 360 vendor teams to ensure PPC program objectives are met
✅ Grow and optimize keyword portfolio through rapid testing: data analysis, bid strategy, audience/product, ad copy, landing page, etc.
✅ Automate processes, reporting, and alerts to improve efficiency
✅ Work with internal business partners and vendors to coordinate and communicate project initiatives, define strategy, make budget recommendations, and execute ROI deliverables
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on campaign management, and cross-functional collaboration. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are essential for success.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 3+ years of experience managing large-scale Paid Search programs for well-established online retailers
Required Skills:
- Proven expertise in Paid Search channel and best practices
- Strong understanding of campaign structure, geo/rapid testing, and bid strategy management
- Proficient in quantitative analysis and data-driven decision-making
- Experience with product listing ads (PLA) and product feed optimization (preferred)
- Ability to navigate and generate reports from Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, and Power BI
- Strong project management skills
- Proven ability to build and influence cross-functional external and internal partnerships
Preferred Skills:
- Experience collaborating with organic/SEO teams and Testing & Analytics Teams
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in Paid Search management, a data-driven approach, and experience working in a collaborative environment will excel in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $79,000 - $131,600 (anticipated base pay compensation range)
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment
- 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support emotional wellbeing
- 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year
- 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required
- Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing, and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools
- Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The provided salary range is subject to change and the compensation ultimately paid may be higher or lower than the range described. The anticipated compensation range reflects the potential base pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual base pay compensation will depend, in part, on factors such as geographic work location and relevant experience and skills.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Retail Office Equipment
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (large enterprise)
Founded: 1927 (over 95 years ago)
Company Description:
- As a leading business-to-business organization, more than 4.5 million customers worldwide rely on Grainger for products in categories such as safety, material handling and metalworking, along with services like inventory management and technical support.
- Grainger provides value for customers by offering more than a million industrial-quality products, a consultative sales approach, technical and product expertise, a premium digital experience, and the ability to get the right products to customers when they need them.
- Grainger's welcoming workplace enables team members to learn, grow, and make a difference by keeping businesses running and their people safe.
Company Specialties:
- Supply Chain Management
- Facilities Management
- MRO
- Light and Heavy Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Inventory Management Solutions
- Safety Services
- Hospitality
- Transportation
- and Keepstock
Company Website: www.grainger.com
ASSUMPTION: Grainger's extensive experience and broad product offerings make it a stable and well-established company with a strong focus on customer satisfaction and employee development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Experienced (2-5 years of relevant experience)
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Paid Search Channel Lead
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site in Lake Forest or Chicago, 2 days remote)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a Paid Search Manager or similar role with proven success and demonstrated leadership skills
- Opportunities to expand responsibilities based on the company's growth and evolving needs
ASSUMPTION: This role offers clear career progression and growth opportunities for the right candidate, with a focus on developing leadership skills and expanding responsibilities over time.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (onsite 3 days a week)
Office Location(s): Lake Forest, Illinois, United States (primary) and Chicago, Illinois, United States (secondary)
Geographic Context:
- Lake Forest: A suburb of Chicago, located approximately 30 miles north of the city, offering a mix of urban and suburban living
- Chicago: A major city with a diverse cultural scene, extensive public transportation, and numerous job opportunities
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with a one-hour lunch break) with flexible start and end times
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility while maintaining a collaborative office environment, allowing employees to balance work and personal responsibilities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- In-depth behavioral and technical interviews with the Paid Search Channel Lead and other team members
- Final round interview with the Director of Paid Search
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Paid Search expertise and campaign management skills
- Data analysis and quantitative reasoning abilities
- Project management and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Adaptability and problem-solving skills
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant Paid Search experience and achievements in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and company
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability
- Brush up on your knowledge of Paid Search best practices and industry trends
ATS Keywords: Paid Search, PPC, SEM, Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Campaign Management, Performance Analysis, Project Management, Quantitative Analysis, Bid Strategy, Rapid Testing, PLA, Product Feed Optimization, Cross-Functional Collaboration
ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with the team. Being prepared with specific examples of your Paid Search experience and achievements will be crucial for success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Google Ads
- Microsoft Ads
- Search Ads 360
- Google Analytics
- Adobe Analytics
- Power BI
- Excel (for data analysis and reporting)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or JIRA)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and platforms is essential for success in this role. Candidates should be comfortable working with data and using various software applications to manage campaigns and analyze performance.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer Focus
- Integrity
- Inclusion
- Accountability
- Continuous Learning
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and analytical
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Results-focused and accountable
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you ensure that your Paid Search campaigns align with the company's values and customer needs?
- Describe a time when you had to adapt your campaign strategy due to changing market conditions or customer behavior.
- How do you approach working with cross-functional teams and vendors to execute project initiatives and define strategy?
ASSUMPTION: Grainger values candidates who demonstrate strong alignment with their core values, a data-driven approach to work, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a high-volume Paid Search program may require long hours and tight deadlines during peak periods
- Working in a hybrid environment may present challenges in maintaining consistent communication and collaboration with remote team members
- The role may require occasional travel to attend industry events or meet with vendors and clients
- Keeping up with the latest Paid Search trends and best practices may necessitate ongoing learning and certification
ASSUMPTION: While this role offers numerous opportunities for growth and development, candidates should be prepared to manage a high-volume workload, adapt to a hybrid work environment, and commit to continuous learning to stay current in the Paid Search landscape.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other Paid Search Specialist roles, this position focuses on managing a high-volume program for an established online retailer, requiring a strong understanding of both strategic planning and hands-on campaign management
- Grainger's size and extensive product offerings provide a unique opportunity to work on a large-scale Paid Search program with a broad range of products and services
- This role offers clear career progression and growth opportunities, with a focus on developing leadership skills and expanding responsibilities over time
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider this role's unique focus on strategic planning and hands-on campaign management, as well as its clear career progression and growth opportunities, when evaluating their fit for the position.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive Paid Search strategy to drive revenue growth for a specific product category
- Optimizing keyword portfolio through rapid testing to improve ROAS and reduce wasteful spending
- Collaborating with the organic/SEO team to ensure consistent messaging and improve overall search visibility
- Partnering with the Testing & Analytics team to analyze campaign performance data and identify optimization opportunities
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and collaborative nature of the role, highlighting the importance of strong analytical skills, cross-functional collaboration, and a data-driven approach to decision-making.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does the Paid Search team collaborate with other marketing channels to ensure consistent messaging and maximize overall performance?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its Paid Search team members?
- What are the most challenging aspects of managing a high-volume Paid Search program, and how can the team support each other in overcoming these obstacles?
- How does the company measure the success of its Paid Search campaigns, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) are most important to track?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help you better understand the role's expectations, the team's dynamics, and the company's approach to supporting its Paid Search team members' growth and success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Grainger Careers website
- Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant Paid Search experience and achievements
- Write a cover letter demonstrating your understanding of the role and company
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability
- 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.
