Director, Shopping & Paid Search

Overview:

The Director, Shopping & Paid Search is responsible for leading a portfolio of Paid Search (all Google Ads campaign types) Accounts towards stated client and company objectives and is responsible for the growth, management, retention, and satisfaction of these Accounts. The Director, Shopping & Paid Search will be accountable to partner with client stakeholders across multiple search disciplines. The Director, Shopping & Paid Search will be accountable for maintaining accurate program forecasts and hitting stated revenue and sales goals. Proven account management and team leadership experience is essential, along with deep experience in online marketing and digital media. The Director, Shopping & Paid Search will be responsible for the development of junior staff and, at times, the management of external vendors.

Responsibilities:

Account Management

• Implement holistic Paid Search planning as part of the overall Media Strategy
• Introduce process development input, Quality Assurance, and best practices input
• Interface with other department leads to share ideas, communicate service offerings, and to identify and deliver new solutions for clients
• Keep direct management apprised of key client opportunities, potential risks and other key nuances which affect the health of the business
• Understand and explain the features and benefits of all Search products and services
• Cross-sell products and services to grow share of SEM spend
• Responsible for working with the overall planning teams to align the strategy and execution for quarterly or annual account plans and budgets (in regard to Search) to compliment the overall media plan, including creative execution and media placement and client presentation development

Search Campaign Management

• Develop and foster account relationships with a goal of 100% account retention within a defined portfolio of accounts
• Develop a complete understanding of client goals, markets, needs and expectations
• Work within client relationships to champion initiatives that drive marketing decisions across SEM channels
• Attend client meetings on ongoing basis, interface as needed with executive and middle management level on client side during meetings and presentations
• Independently lead performance and strategy presentations
• Translate data-findings to insights via our team of strategists
• Solve client problems and use conflict management skills within a professional environment
• Leverage syndicated digital research (e.g. ComScore, Nielsen, Hitwise) along with licensed search tools (SEMRush, Optmyzer, etc.) to benchmark to forecast trends
• Provide best practices and on-going evolutions in the SEM/SEO space to team members and Media Planners to ensure training is continuous

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or advertising preferred
• 6+ years of hands-on Paid Search experience, preferably within an Ad Agency
• Experience with Google Ads, GDN, Google Analytics, Bing Ads, Google Tag Manager, as well as Shopping and YouTube.
• Deep knowledge of Paid Search best practices and technical savviness including advanced knowledge of SQL, and strong Microsoft Excel skills; pivot table, VLOOKUPs, and chart building
• Knowledge of feed-based ad units like PMax and Smart Shipping, as well as feed management and optimization. Digital Experience in Display, Video, Social etc. is ideal
• Understanding of scientific method and testing, along with analytics knowledge (statistical significance, confidence intervals, etc.)
• Possess comprehensive data analysis and problem-solving skills; able to draw conclusions and devise strategic recommendations based on findings
• Thought leadership skills, with ability to lead, pitch, have POV
• Strong sense of urgency and commitment to move quickly with high quality
• Ability to work independently and effectively multitask across multiple priorities
• Articulate and effective communication skills, tailoring message to the audience; developing and delivering presentations with actionable insights and the ability to influence the decision-making process