Search Engine Marketing Manager

SEM Manager

**ONSITE - 5 days in Glendale, CA**

We are seeking a highly technical, hands-on SEM Manager to lead paid search strategy and execution across a diverse portfolio of client accounts. This is an opportunity for an experienced performance marketer who understands the mechanics behind campaign performance—not just platform recommendations and dashboards.

You will manage significant media budgets, troubleshoot complex account issues, and translate technical findings into clear business outcomes. Strong background in Google Ads, conversion tracking, Performance Max, and advanced reporting is essential.

What You’ll Do

• Build and manage campaigns across Google Ads, including Search, Performance Max, Display, and YouTube, as well as Microsoft Ads and emerging paid media channels.
• Lead keyword, search-term, and negative keyword audits across large-scale account structures.
• Identify low-quality placements, MFA sites, bot traffic, and other sources of inefficient spend; build and maintain exclusion strategies.
• Evaluate Performance Max impact on branded and non-branded search performance, including channel overlap and incremental lift.
• Own conversion tracking and attribution diagnostics across GA4, GTM, imported goals, server-side tagging, and cross-platform reporting.
• Optimize tCPA and tROAS strategies with a strong understanding of bidding mechanics and signal quality.
• Use Google Ads Editor, Microsoft Ads Editor, scripts, or APIs to make and audit bulk account changes.
• Analyze campaign, lead, and pipeline data using advanced Excel or Google Sheets; Python, SQL, or pandas experience is a strong plus.
• Lead client-facing performance reviews and QBRs, connecting technical decisions to CPL, CPA, ROAS, and pipeline results.
• Design and evaluate structured tests across landing pages, creative, and bidding strategies.
• Mentor junior team members and help elevate technical paid media expertise across the team.

What We’re Looking For

• 5 years of hands-on paid media experience, ideally within an agency environment managing multiple client accounts.
• Deep expertise in Google Ads, including Search, Performance Max, Display, YouTube, and Smart Bidding.
• Demonstrated experience with Google Ads Editor, scripts, or APIs for bulk campaign management.
• Strong experience troubleshooting conversion tracking, GA4, GTM, and attribution issues.
• Experience identifying and excluding fraudulent or low-quality traffic sources.
• Advanced Excel or Google Sheets skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and complex formulas.
• Strong client communication skills and the ability to explain technical recommendations to non-technical stakeholders.
• Google Ads experience of 7 years preferred; Microsoft Ads and Meta experience are a plus.