Director, SEM
Who We Are
Marketbridge partners with leading B2B brands to create unified Go-to-Market® systems that connect strategy, AI, creativity, activation and measurement. With a team of 350+ across North America and Europe, Marketbridge supports clients worldwide, ranging from Fortune 1000 enterprises to venture-backed, high-growth companies across technology, financial services, healthcare, industrial and consumer sectors. For more information, please visit www.marketbridge.com and follow www.linkedin.com/company/marketbridge/.
Who We're Looking For
The Director, Search Engine Marketing (SEM) leads paid search strategy, performance, and team development across complex client programs. This role is responsible for setting the strategic direction for SEM initiatives, translating business and revenue goals into scalable search programs, and ensuring paid search delivers measurable impact across the customer journey. The Director partners closely with clients, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to drive performance, improve measurement, and develop SEM talent.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and evolution of SEM strategy across Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and other search platforms
- Own overall paid search performance, ensuring strategies align with client business objectives, revenue goals, and media efficiency targets
- Oversee campaign architecture, account structure, scaling strategies, and optimization frameworks across multiple accounts or lines of business
- Manage SEM budgets, forecasts, pacing, and performance against KPIs including CPA, ROAS, revenue, pipeline, conversion volume, and efficiency metrics
- Translate business and client objectives into measurable paid search strategies, testing plans, and execution roadmaps
- Analyze performance trends and synthesize insights into clear strategic recommendations for clients, stakeholders, and internal leadership
- Partner with analytics, strategy, creative, CRM, and marketing automation teams to improve measurement, attribution, audience strategy, and campaign effectiveness
- Ensure tracking, attribution, tagging, and data integrity are accurate, scalable, and aligned with reporting needs
- Provide strategic guidance to internal teams and clients on SEM best practices, platform changes, market trends, and growth opportunities
- Lead, mentor, and develop SEM team members, providing coaching, quality assurance, and performance feedback
- Establish processes, standards, and operating models that improve campaign execution, reporting, optimization, and team efficiency
- Support new business, account growth, and client planning by contributing SEM strategy, audits, forecasts, and recommendations
Qualifications
- 7+ years of SEM / paid search experience, with demonstrated experience leading strategy across complex or high-budget accounts
- Proven ability to manage, scale, and optimize high-performing paid search programs tied to business outcomes
- Deep expertise in Google Ads and Microsoft Ads, including bidding strategies, automation, campaign structure, keyword strategy, audience targeting, and optimization techniques
- Strong understanding of SEM measurement, attribution, conversion tracking, and performance reporting
- Experience managing large budgets, forecasting performance, and making data-driven investment recommendations
- Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret performance data, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable strategy
- Strong client-facing and stakeholder communication skills, including the ability to present complex performance insights clearly and confidently
- Proven experience managing, mentoring, and developing team members
- Ability to collaborate effectively across strategy, analytics, creative, CRM, marketing automation, and account teams
- Familiarity with CRM platforms, marketing automation systems, and downstream lead or revenue measurement
- Experience supporting account planning, growth strategy, or new business efforts preferred
Culture & Core Values
Marketbridge supports Fortune 50 companies and global brands in redefining how they go to market. How we work together matters just as much as the work itself. Our values shape how we operate day to day. Be Kind means treating teammates with respect and showing up for one another. Be Open reflects how we collaborate, share perspectives, and give clear, honest feedback. Be Real speaks to a culture of authenticity, where people can speak up and be themselves. Be Brave pushes us to challenge assumptions, think critically, and pursue ideas that lead to real results.
Benefits & Perks
- Time Off & Flexibility – Flexible PTO, summer Fridays, and paid parental leave (up to 16 weeks for birthing parents). Plus, we’re closed from Christmas to New Year’s so you can fully unplug
- Health & Wellness – Comprehensive medical benefits and free premium access to the Calm app for relaxation and mindfulness
- Financial Security – 401(k) with a 3% company contribution* (US Only), life insurance, long-term disability, and AD&D coverage for extra peace of mind
- Learning & Growth – A professional development fund ($500) and continuous learning programs to invest in your career
- Tech & Perks – Company-provided laptop & accessories, monthly Wi-Fi & cell stipend, ChatGPT Enterprise Access and exclusive discounts through Perkopolis.