Senior Manager, Paid Search (Google Ads)

About the position 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

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.

Requirements

• 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-haves

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

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)

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