Director of Paid Search

Senior Director of Paid Search Job Title:Senior Director of Paid Search Location:Chicago / Remote Job Type:Full Time I am working with a growing aftermarket automotive group that is hiring a full-time Senior Director of Paid Marketing. Job Summary:The Senior Director of Paid Search will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive growth strategies and marketing channel strategies to drive market expansion and increase brand awareness. This role requires a visionary leader with a strong background in marketing, channel strategies, budget allocation, testing and innovation. The ideal candidate will motivate the marketing team to achieve ongoing professional development, while steering our marketing department towards increased profitability and greater market competitiveness. Key Responsibilities Strategic Paid Search Planning Develop and implement comprehensive, long-term paid search strategies aligned with overarching business goals. Define KPIs and monitor campaign performance to drive measurable outcomes. Data Analysis & Insight Generation Leverage advanced analytical skills to interpret performance data and derive actionable insights. Align findings with business objectives and inform optimization strategies. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication Present strategic roadmaps, performance results, and tactical plans to senior leadership and cross-functional teams. Foster collaboration across internal departments and maintain transparent communication. Campaign Financial Management Lead paid search budget planning, forecasting, and pacing. Ensure campaigns are optimized for maximum return on investment within budget constraints. Creative Strategy & Asset Development Guide the strategic vision for paid search creative assets. Promote a test-and-learn approach to asset development and performance scaling. Testing & Experimentation Oversight Oversee the development and execution of test plans in collaboration with internal partners. Champion innovation through structured experimentation and performance evaluation. Process Optimization Identify and implement process improvements to streamline operations and enhance team efficiency. Operational Leadership & Issue Resolution Act as the escalation point for daily challenges and ensure timely resolution. Provide support and guidance to ensure seamless campaign execution. Business Growth & Innovation Drive growth through thought leadership, introducing new ideas and strategies to improve performance, efficiency, and scale. Stay ahead of industry trends and continually evolve the search strategy. Platform & Vendor Management Maintain strong relationships with advertising platform partners. Leverage new tools, betas, and platform updates to enhance campaign effectiveness and improve account quality scores. Handling Complexity Confidently manage intricate paid search ecosystems, including multiple accounts and extensive keyword portfolios. Prioritize initiatives effectively in fast-paced, high-volume environments. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred) 10+ years of experience in marketing, including performance and/or brand marketing Minimum of 5 years in a strategic leadership role Proven ability to drive growth, exceed KPIs, and align marketing efforts with business goals Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills Deep understanding of digital marketing platforms, including paid search and emerging technologies Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in a related field Experience working with SAP Commerce Cloud (Hybris) Solid understanding of SEO principles and digital marketing best practices Preferred Certifications Google Ads Search Certification Google Analytics Certification Google Search Ads 360 Certification Microsoft Ads Certification AI-Powered Performance Ads Certification AI-Powered Shopping Ads Certification #LI-NS1 IND123