Associate Director, Search

About the role

The Associate Director, Search is responsible for leading the dedicated paid search execution team for a premier global entertainment and audio streaming platform. Key responsibilities include managing and directing a team of Campaign Managers, providing holistic media plans, and interfacing with various stakeholders to drive marketing decisions.

Responsibilities

• Interfaces with Strategy, Investment, & Analytics teams to provide holistic media plans, share ideas, communicate service offerings, and identify and deliver innovative search solutions.
• Keeps VP/Director and Search Practice lead apprised of key client opportunities, potential risks, and other key nuances affecting the business.
• Develops and fosters account relationships to champion initiatives that drive smart marketing decisions across digital channels.
• Deeply understands the client's goals, diverse international markets, expectations of the agency, and fast-evolving business needs.
• Attends client meetings on an ongoing basis, interfaces as needed with executive and middle management levels during meetings and presentations.
• Independently leads performance and strategy presentations, interfacing confidently with both middle management and executive-level clients.
• Takes ownership of complex global market coordination, meticulously managing fast-changing promotional support with flawless execution and minimal oversight.
• Embraces and encourages a culture based on team work, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity.
• Motivates, leads, and manages internal teams, setting expectations for performance marketing thought leadership.
• Drives adoption of stated account management best practices through example setting, positive reinforcement, and behavioral correction.
• Assists in interviewing, hiring, training, mentoring, developing, and evaluating team members.
• Conducts performance reviews and career path plans for direct reports.
• Facilitates the development and documentation of best practices to improve operational efficiencies within the team and the group.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, concentration in business, marketing, or advertising preferred.
• 4+ years of account management experience in Search Engine Marketing; client side or agency side preferred.
• 2-4 years of demonstrated success in managing and leading a team of paid search specialists.
• Proven experience managing large-scale campaigns on Google Ads and Apple Search Ads.
• Deep knowledge of App campaigns and mobile acquisition is a plus.
• Hands-on experience with AI Max and Performance Max campaigns preferred.
• Experience with bid management tools like Search Ads 360.
• Ability to develop and implement comprehensive paid search strategies aligned with client goals.
• Exceptional data analysis skills; comfortable working with complex KPIs, interpreting data trends, and making quick, sound optimization decisions based on those insights.
• Ability to set, track, and achieve key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure campaign success.
• Top-tier organizational and project management skills.
• Historical experience with tools like Asana to keep fast-moving promotional campaigns on track.
• High proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint), paired with extensive, hands-on knowledge of Google Workspace (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.).
• A proactive self-starter with high attention to detail and the ability to move at an agile pace to match a fast-growing industry rhythm.
• Preferable but not required: experience managing app-install and app engagement campaigns on Google and Apple, knowledge of app-based measurement, and/or prior experience managing app-based direct buys.

Additional Information

Publicis Groupe provides robust and inclusive benefit programs and policies to support the evolving and diverse needs of our talent and enable every person to grow and thrive. Our benefits package includes medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401K, as well as parental and family care leave, family forming assistance, tuition reimbursement, and flexible time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 7/31/2026.