Manager, Paid Search

MERGE

Chicago, IL; Denver, CO; Kansas City, MO; Boston, MAHybrid$78,000 - $114,000

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At MERGE, we are Built Different . We are a marketing and technology agency purpose-built for the intersection of health and wellness—where human impact matters most. By weaving storytelling through technology, we move beyond traditional engagement to Whole Human Marketing. This approach recognizes that humans are multidimensional and complex, and uses AI to ensure every brand interaction feels natural, contextual, and relevant. This commitment to human-first innovation is what brings us together and propels us forward. We are united by our North Star: to unite people and brands to empower healthier, happier lives. Emerge to the Top of Your Career At MERGE, we strive to create a superior work experience where talented and ambitious people grow. An experience that encourages people to think higher and feel deeper. An experience where people engage their minds and hearts to do the best work of their careers. What You’ll Do, as our Manager, Paid Search Support MERGE's practice in creating, optimizing, and executing best-in-class client paid search campaigns. As a hands-on Paid Search Media Manager, you will provide the strategic direction for keyword research, campaign building, and testing roadmaps. We are looking for a curious, data-driven marketer who understands the evolving AI landscape and can proactively identify opportunities to improve performance and goals delivery. You will bring passion and strong interpersonal skills to drive success, ensuring every dollar spent contributes to client growth. Campaign Creation & Launch Campaign Ownership: You will act as a Paid Search subject matter expert, fostering accounts growth while ensuring that output meets agency standards. Structure & Creation: Build and launch (or guide executional-focused team members on what is needed) comprehensive campaigns across search, Performance Max, Demand Gen and more, ensuring best-practice account structure, compelling ad copy, tailored keyword lists, and client-specific targeting strategies. QA & Oversight: Lead the Quality Assurance (QA) process for all trafficked plans (keywords, ad copy, extensions) and launch components (dayparting, bids, budgets, targeting). Collaboration: Act as the primary Paid Search liaison for the broader media strategy teams, ensuring search is integrated seamlessly into the holistic media mix. Strategy, Execution & AI Strategy & Discovery : Lead the client discovery process to establish PPC objectives and develop the strategy for tactic, budget, goals, etc. Provide thoughtful leadership to ensure these goals are met. Campaign Architecture : Develop and recommend keyword lists, targeting strategies, and testing plans (e.g., ad copy A/B testing, landing page reviews). AI Landscape : Apply a working knowledge of the current AI landscape (e.g., Performance Max, Broad Match/Smart Bidding, Generative AI) to keep client accounts modernized and efficient. Platform Mastery : Work closely with media partners (Google, Microsoft) to implement best practices across Search, PMax, Demand Gen, Video, and Call campaigns. Analytics, Reporting & Financials Budgeting: Accurately forecast and pace monthly budgets to ensure spending aligns with client targets and is the most optimal use of funds aligning with goals. Performance Analysis: Monitor daily and analyze program KPIs (ROAS, CTR, CPA, CVR) to drive continuous improvement. Optimization Roadmap & AB Testing: Develop a comprehensive, long-term optimization roadmap for the account, utilizing a data driven, test-and-learn approach. Client Reporting : Provide in-depth reporting on program performance. You will lead client status calls, presenting insights and strategic recommendations. Tracking & Tech: Ensure analytics tracking implementation is accurate, robust, and easy to manage. Auditing: Conduct deep-dive PPC audits to identify structural weaknesses in legacy accounts and uncover new opportunities. What You’ll Bring Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Advertising, and/or equivalent work experience. Experience : 3 to 5 years of professional paid search campaign management experience. Industry Focus: Healthcare, Health Insurance or pharma lead generation experience is a strong plus. Platform Depth : Deep knowledge of all Google and Microsoft advertising products (Search, PMax, AI Max, Demand Gen, Video, etc.). Data-driven decision-maker who relies on evidence and performance metrics to guide strategy. Learning Mentality : A desire to keep learning and being informed on everything search, digital & AI Communication : Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills. You must be able to explain complex search data to clients clearly. Critical Thinking: A problem-solving orientation with the ability to think critically about business goals. At MERGE, we’re committed to fostering an environment where our team members can thrive in both their careers and personal lives, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to succeed. MERGE believes in transparency and equity. In accordance with state regulations, we’re proud to include salary ranges in our job postings to ensure fair compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $78,000 - $114,000 , based on the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, location, and other relevant factors. The salary pay range is subject to change and may be modified at any time. MERGE is proud to invest in benefits that include meaningful Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401K, Lifestyle Spending Account, Employer Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Flexible Time off & Holidays plus many other benefits and rewards. Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States. #LI-DP1 #LI-HYBRID And here’s how we live our values at MERGE Ability. Mastering our craft Agility. Delivering with a growth mindset Humility. Collaborating for shared success MERGE is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer MERGE welcomes and celebrates diversity regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status or people with abilities. We believe that the more diverse we are, the more creative our work will be!

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