Senior Manager, Paid Search (Google Ads)
La Plata, MO - USA
Job Summary
NDG Communications Fully Remote (U.S.)
Own Performance. Lead Accounts. Shape the Future of Paid Media.
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.
Youll work with some of the nations leading homebuilders-driving measurable impact across high-value campaigns where performance matters.
What This Role Is (and Isnt)
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
YOUR CORE 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.
QUALIFICATIONS
Must Have Experience:
- 58 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 Have (Not Required)
- Familiarity with Meta Ads (Facebook/Instagram)
- Exposure to programmatic platforms
- Understanding of SEO fundamentals
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
- You consistently hit or exceed client KPIs
- You proactively identify and execute performance improvements
- Clients trust you as a strategic partner-not just an executor
- You elevate the performance and thinking of the team around you
- You grow into a key leader within the department
GROWTH OPPORTUNITY
This role is intentionally designed as a leadership track position.
High performers will have the opportunity to:
- Take on expanded team leadership responsibilities
- Mentor and develop junior team members
- Influence agency-wide paid media strategy
- Grow into a Director-level role over time
WHY NDG
- Fully remote environment with a high-performing collaborative team
- Work on meaningful campaigns with leading homebuilders nationwide
- Performance-driven culture focused on results not vanity metrics
- Clear investment in professional growth and leadership development
COMPENSATION & 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)
FINAL NOTE
We are looking for someone who:
- Fully remote environment with a high-performing collaborative team
- Loves the craft of paid search
- Takes ownership of results
- Wants to grow into leadership role
If that sounds like you we should talk
Required Experience:
Senior Manager
About Company
NDG is a nationally recognized, full-service performance marketing firm specializing in lead generation, brand strategy, and PropTech innovation for builders and developers.