[Hiring] Manager, Paid Search @MERGE

Role Description

Support MERGE's practice in creating, optimizing, and executing best-in-class client paid search campaigns. As a hands-on Paid Search Media Manager, you will provide the strategic direction for keyword research, campaign building, and testing roadmaps. We are looking for a curious, data-driven marketer who understands the evolving AI landscape and can proactively identify opportunities to improve performance and goals delivery. You will bring passion and strong interpersonal skills to drive success, ensuring every dollar spent contributes to client growth.

Campaign Creation & Launch

• Campaign Ownership: Act as a Paid Search subject matter expert, fostering accounts growth while ensuring that output meets agency standards.
• Structure & Creation: Build and launch comprehensive campaigns across search, Performance Max, Demand Gen and more, ensuring best-practice account structure, compelling ad copy, tailored keyword lists, and client-specific targeting strategies.
• QA & Oversight: Lead the Quality Assurance (QA) process for all trafficked plans (keywords, ad copy, extensions) and launch components (dayparting, bids, budgets, targeting).
• Collaboration: Act as the primary Paid Search liaison for the broader media strategy teams, ensuring search is integrated seamlessly into the holistic media mix.

Strategy, Execution & AI

• Strategy & Discovery: Lead the client discovery process to establish PPC objectives and develop the strategy for tactic, budget, goals, etc. Provide thoughtful leadership to ensure these goals are met.
• Campaign Architecture: Develop and recommend keyword lists, targeting strategies, and testing plans (e.g., ad copy A/B testing, landing page reviews).
• AI Landscape: Apply a working knowledge of the current AI landscape (e.g., Performance Max, Broad Match/Smart Bidding, Generative AI) to keep client accounts modernized and efficient.
• Platform Mastery: Work closely with media partners (Google, Microsoft) to implement best practices across Search, PMax, Demand Gen, Video, and Call campaigns.

Analytics, Reporting & Financials

• Budgeting: Accurately forecast and pace monthly budgets to ensure spending aligns with client targets and is the most optimal use of funds aligning with goals.
• Performance Analysis: Monitor daily and analyze program KPIs (ROAS, CTR, CPA, CVR) to drive continuous improvement.
• Optimization Roadmap & AB Testing: Develop a comprehensive, long-term optimization roadmap for the account, utilizing a data driven, test-and-learn approach.
• Client Reporting: Provide in-depth reporting on program performance. You will lead client status calls, presenting insights and strategic recommendations.
• Tracking & Tech: Ensure analytics tracking implementation is accurate, robust, and easy to manage.
• Auditing: Conduct deep-dive PPC audits to identify structural weaknesses in legacy accounts and uncover new opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Advertising, and/or equivalent work experience.
• 3 to 5 years of professional paid search campaign management experience.
• Healthcare, Health Insurance or pharma lead generation experience is a strong plus.
• Deep knowledge of all Google and Microsoft advertising products (Search, PMax, AI Max, Demand Gen, Video, etc.).
• Data-driven decision-maker who relies on evidence and performance metrics to guide strategy.
• A desire to keep learning and being informed on everything search, digital & AI.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• A problem-solving orientation with the ability to think critically about business goals.

Benefits

• Meaningful Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance.
• 401K.
• Lifestyle Spending Account.
• Employer Paid Life & Disability Insurance.
• Flexible Time off & Holidays.
• Many other benefits and rewards.

Company Description

At MERGE, we are a marketing and technology agency purpose-built for the intersection of health and wellness—where human impact matters most. By weaving storytelling through technology, we move beyond traditional engagement to Whole Human Marketing. This approach recognizes that humans are multidimensional and complex, and uses AI to ensure every brand interaction feels natural, contextual, and relevant.

MERGE believes in transparency and equity. In accordance with state regulations, we’re proud to include salary ranges in our job postings to ensure fair compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $78,000 - $114,000, based on the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, location, and other relevant factors.

MERGE is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes and celebrates diversity regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status or people with abilities.