Manager, Paid Search

Paid Search Manager

The Paid Search Manager is responsible for building and maintaining strong, productive relationships with assigned clients while overseeing the execution and optimization of paid search campaigns. This role manages and develops a dedicated team, ensuring high-quality delivery across campaign activation, performance management, and reporting.

This position requires a hands-on manager with strong attention to detail, process discipline, and the ability to translate performance data into actionable insights and recommendations. The Paid Search Manager partners closely with Associate Media Directors and Directors to support strategic direction while helping the team effectively leverage modern paid search capabilities, including AI-driven platform features and automation.

• Direct and manage the daily workflow of paid search campaigns, including proposal development, campaign activation, ongoing optimization, and post-buy analysis.
• Supervise and support a team of paid search practitioners, providing guidance on execution, prioritization, and performance management.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with peers and partners across the organization to ensure integrated and effective delivery.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, serving as a trusted partner and ensuring expectations are consistently met or exceeded.
• Apply paid search expertise to identify client needs, performance opportunities, and solutions, adapting approaches as business realities evolve.
• Lead optimization and performance recommendations based on reporting, analysis, and platform insights.
• Utilize AI-powered platform features, such as smart bidding, audience signals, and performance forecasting, to drive efficiency and improve campaign outcomes.
• Support testing strategies informed by machine-learning insights while applying human judgment to interpret results and guide next steps.
• Develop budget and performance projections for testing new search partners, tactics, or technologies.
• Provide recommendations for leveraging paid search in support of new client objectives, campaigns, or initiatives.
• Conduct and oversee monthly client billing audits to ensure accuracy and alignment with campaign delivery.
• Partner with Associate Directors to refine processes and workflows that improve efficiency within Starcom and across agency and vendor partners.
• Maintain strong relationships with platform and vendor partners to stay current on evolving AI capabilities, betas, and best practices.
• Deliver formal and informal training to team members on paid search fundamentals, optimization approaches, and platform updates.
• Stay informed on trends in paid search, AI-enabled media capabilities, automation, and client industries, sharing relevant learnings with the broader team.

• 3+ years of biddable media experience with a focus on paid search.
• 1+ year of hands-on experience managing and optimizing paid search campaigns across major platforms.
• Experience applying paid search across both brand-building and direct response objectives.
• Understanding of traditional and digital media planning principles.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Prior people management or leadership experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with intermediate to advanced Excel skills.
• Resourceful, curious, and motivated, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong problem-solving skills and comfort operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Bachelor's degree or higher preferred

Starcom is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our employment decisions are made without regard to actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, medical condition as defined by applicable state law, genetic information, marital status, military service and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.

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