Senior Manager, Paid Search (Google Ads)

NDG Communications | Fully Remote (U.S.)

Own Performance. Lead Accounts. Shape the Future of Paid Media.

NDG Communications is seeking a highly experienced Google Ads specialist who thrives in performance-driven environments and wants to play a key role in both client success and team leadership.

This is not a passive management role.

You will personally own and execute paid search strategy across a portfolio of client accounts while also serving as a second-in-command to the Director of Digital Marketing, contributing to team development, process improvement, and the evolution of our paid media practice.

You'll work with some of the nation's leading homebuilders-driving measurable impact across high-value campaigns where performance matters.

What This Role Is (and Isn't)

This role IS:

• A hands-on Google Ads leadership role
• A client-facing strategist and operator
• A #2 leader within the paid media team
• A growth path to senior leadership

This role is NOT:

• A purely strategic or oversight role
• A generalist "do everything" marketing position
• A role removed from in-platform execution

YOUR CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Paid Search Leadership & Execution (Primary Focus):

You will own the performance of Google Ads campaigns from strategy through execution.

• Build, manage, and optimize campaigns across:
• Search
• Performance Max
• Display & You Tube (as applicable)
• Own keyword strategy, bidding strategies, audience targeting, and budget allocation
• Drive performance against KPIs including CPL, CPA, and conversion volume
• Execute ongoing optimization, including:
• Search term mining
• Bid adjustments and automation strategies
• Ad copy and creative testing
• Landing page performance feedback
• Develop and lead structured testing roadmaps (A/B and multivariate)

Expectation: You are in-platform regularly. You do the work-not just review it.

Client Ownership & Strategy Leadership

You will serve as the primary digital marketing lead for assigned client accounts.

• Own end-to-end performance for your client portfolio
• Translate business goals into actionable paid media strategies
• Lead monthly client calls and performance reviews
• Deliver clear, data-driven insights and recommendations
• Identify opportunities to scale budgets and improve efficiency

Departmental Leadership (Second-in-Command Role)

As the right hand to the Director of Digital Marketing, you will help shape the direction of the team.

• Contribute to paid media strategy, process development, and innovation
• Support internal training and mentorship of team members
• Help elevate execution standards across accounts
• Provide strategic input on tools, workflows, and testing frameworks
• Act as a senior voice in problem-solving and performance troubleshooting

Measurement, Tracking & Attribution

You will play a key role in ensuring performance is measured accurately and meaningfully.

• Oversee conversion tracking strategy using:
• Google Analytics 4
• Google Tag Manager
• Ensure proper attribution across campaigns and channels
• Analyze performance data to drive actionable insights
• Build and interpret reporting dashboards (Looker Studio or similar)

Cross-Channel Collaboration (Support, Not Ownership)

• Partner with paid social, SEO, and creative teams to align campaign strategy
• Provide input on full-funnel performance and messaging
• Contribute to integrated campaign planning

Note: This role is focused on paid search. Other channels are collaborative, not primary ownership.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must Have Experience:

• 5–8 years of hands-on Google Ads experience
• Proven success managing and optimizing campaigns with meaningful monthly ad spend ($50K /month preferred)
• Deep expertise in:

• Search campaigns
• Performance Max
• Conversion tracking and attribution
• Smart bidding strategies

• Demonstrated ability to improve performance metrics (CPL, CPA, ROAS)
• Strong experience in lead generation campaigns (highly preferred)

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in:
• Google Ads
• Google Analytics 4
• Google Tag Manager
• Looker Studio (or similar reporting tools)
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into strategy

Client & Communication Skills

• Experience in client-facing roles, leading strategy discussions
• Ability to clearly explain performance, insights, and recommendations
• Confident, concise communicator

Nice to Have (Not Required)

• Familiarity with Meta Ads (Facebook/Instagram)
• Exposure to programmatic platforms
• Understanding of SEO fundamentals

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• You consistently hit or exceed client KPIs
• You proactively identify and execute performance improvements
• Clients trust you as a strategic partner-not just an executor
• You elevate the performance and thinking of the team around you
• You grow into a key leader within the department

GROWTH OPPORTUNITY

This role is intentionally designed as a leadership track position.

High performers will have the opportunity to:

• Take on expanded team leadership responsibilities
• Mentor and develop junior team members
• Influence agency-wide paid media strategy
• Grow into a Director-level role over time

WHY NDG

• Fully remote environment with a high-performing, collaborative team
• Work on meaningful campaigns with leading homebuilders nationwide
• Performance-driven culture focused on results, not vanity metrics
• Clear investment in professional growth and leadership development

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary based on experience
• 401(k) with company match
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous PTO (5 weeks total, inclusive of holidays and sick leave)

FINAL NOTE

We are looking for someone who:

• Fully remote environment with a high-performing, collaborative team
• Loves the craft of paid search
• Takes ownership of results
• Wants to grow into leadership role

If that sounds like you, we should talk

Salary : $70,000 - $90,000