Associate Director, Paid Search

WPP Media•Chicago, IL

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

About WPP Media WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth. WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working. For more information, visit wppmedia.com . Role Summary & Impact We are seeking an ambitious, data-driven Associate Director, Paid Search to serve as the most senior search resource on our high-priority performance marketing team. In this role, you will be responsible for defining the long-term strategic vision and overseeing day-to-day execution for Paid Search on a major QSR Restaurant brand. As search media continues to evolve beyond traditional keywords into Performance Max (PMAX), YouTube, and automated multi-format channels, you will lead the charge in modernizing our search practice and bridging the gap between Paid Search and Programmatic media execution. This is a 100% dedicated, high-impact role requiring strong team leadership, deep technical mastery in Google Ads, and exceptional data analytics capabilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Analytics, Marketing, Communications, Advertising; OR equivalent professional work experience.
5+ Years experience in Analytical Tools (Google Analytics, Web trends, Omniture), Search Engine Desktop Tools (Google AdWords Editor, Bing Ads Editor).
Hands-on experience directly managing Google Ads campaigns is mandatory.
Google Ads Certification (Required)
Significant client-facing and relationship management experience.
Advanced Excel skills. Utilizing advanced functions for reporting and analysis
Exhibit passion through appropriate participation in team, agency, and industry initiatives.
Excellent verbal and written skills; exceptional organizational skills, multi-tasking capabilities, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Own the long-term vision, roadmap, and RACI framework for Paid Search across traditional Google/Microsoft search, Performance Max (PMAX), YouTube, and emerging formats.
Lead and own the day-to-day management of search team workflow and oversight of search recommendations, execution details, budgets/accounting and performance.
Serve as the senior search subject matter expert (SME) in client-facing interactions and cross-channel internal discussions
Maintain a heavily performance-driven management approach, diving deep into campaign data to extract actionable insights, optimize media spend, and deliver measurable ROI.
Interface and present to senior clients on a regular basis.
Maintain a heavily performance-driven management approach, diving deep into campaign data to extract actionable insights, optimize media spend, and deliver measurable ROI.