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)