VP of Paid Search

About the Role

Clever Digital Marketing (CDM) is seeking a Vice President of Paid Search to lead the overall operations, strategy, and future direction of one of the most strategically important divisions in the company. This role is built for a leader with a passion for Paid Search, who understands the complexity of performance ecosystems and excels at navigating the constantly evolving landscape of search marketing.

Responsibilities

• Department Leadership & Vision: Own the full vision, roadmap, and operational direction of the Paid Search division. Build, scale, and evolve the organizational structure, roles, processes, and standards. Architect a high-performance culture rooted in clarity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Performance Strategy & SEM Excellence: Oversee the strategy, execution, and optimization of high-volume paid search programs across Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and emerging platforms. Set the strategic direction for PPC tactics, testing frameworks, funnel structure, and cross-channel alignment.
• Client Impact & Revenue Growth: Oversee the SEM strategy that drives client retention, scale, and profitability across large accounts. Partner with Client Services on audit development, pipeline support, and onboarding enhancements.
• Operational Excellence & Systems Building: Design and optimize departmental workflows, SOPs, reporting frameworks, QA processes, and operational systems. Develop training programs and centralized knowledge assets for SEM functions.
• Team Development & Leadership Pipeline Building: Lead, develop, and mentor senior managers. Recruit, hire, and onboard top-tier SEM talent. Create personalized growth plans and ensure performance management rhythms are upheld.
• Cross-Functional Leadership & Executive Partnership: Work closely with other department heads to unify CDM’s strategy. Collaborate with the executive team on annual planning, forecasting, and long-term strategic investments.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of comprehensive Paid Search / SEM experience.
• 5+ years in a senior leadership role overseeing paid search teams.
• 5+ years directly managing $1M+ in monthly performance advertising spend within lead generation environments.
• Proven experience scaling a department through systems, people, and strategy.
• Direct experience hiring, training, and managing senior SEM leaders and multi-layered teams.
• Strong track record leading cross-functional strategic initiatives.
• Experience partnering with executive leadership on forecasting and P&L impact.

Preferred Qualifications

• 6+ years Director-level leadership in agency environments.
• Experience with CRO, landing page development oversight, or multidisciplinary performance functions.
• Experience overseeing 6+ direct reports and departments of 15+.
• Exposure to home improvement, home services, or lead generation industries.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary + performance-based bonuses.
• Flexible remote work environment with option for in-person collaboration (Vaughan, ON).
• Group Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, RRSP/401k Plan w/matching, and more.
• Company-provided MacBook computer.
• Home office budget and Clever merch delivery.
• Work Abroad Policy for a change of working environment.
• Opportunity to shape and grow a high-performing Enterprise Client Success team.
• A culture of performance and respect, balancing extreme ownership with collaboration.

Clever Digital Marketing values the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the team. We are happy to provide reasonable accommodations to candidates in need of support during the recruitment and selection process. Please note that artificial intelligence (AI) may be utilized during the interview or candidate evaluation process to support fair and efficient screening.