Head of Paid Search

Code3•Bradford, IN

16h•$134,500 - $185,000•Remote

About The Position

Code3 is seeking a Head of Paid Search to set the vision for its paid search practice and lead its growth. The role is accountable for the quality and performance of the agency’s work, team development, and the practice’s growth and profitability. It is a hands-on leadership position combining paid search strategy, client advising, team management, and direct platform work on select large or strategically important accounts. The Head of Paid Search will initially lead a team of five and strengthen and grow the team as the client portfolio expands. The role establishes Code3’s strategic point of view and operating standards, advises senior clients, leads the Google partnership, represents the practice in the market, and connects paid search with other agency disciplines. The position also manages staffing, utilization, revenue, and profitability in partnership with agency leadership. The role offers a bonus based on company and client success. The base salary range is $134,500–$185,000 USD, determined in part by experience and geographic location. Code3 is a remote-first workplace and offers medical, dental, and vision benefits, a retirement program, parental leave, flexible time off, sabbatical opportunities, paid holidays, quarterly company Recharge Days, a December holiday closure, and learning and development opportunities.

Requirements

At least 8 years of paid search experience, including substantial agency experience and deep expertise in Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising.
At least 3 years leading paid search professionals, including hiring, coaching, and performance management.
Track record of improving account performance, meeting client goals, retaining and expanding business, and addressing risks early.
Experience advising senior clients and leading new-business audits, pitches, and strategic presentations.
Strong measurement fluency, including conversion tracking, GA4, attribution, incrementality, and experimentation.
Strong business acumen across practice revenue, profitability, staffing, and capacity planning.
Experience building effective processes, quality standards, and team training.
Ability and willingness to work directly in advertising platforms on select accounts.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Relevant Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising certifications, or ability to complete them shortly after joining.

Nice To Haves

Experience with product feeds, Merchant Center, and Shopping optimization.
Experience serving both ecommerce and lead-generation clients.
Experience with GEO, AI search, or answer engines and their impact on consumer discovery.
Established relationships with Google, Microsoft, or relevant technology partners.

Responsibilities

Set the vision and roadmap for Code3’s paid search practice.
Establish paid search points of view, standard operating procedures, and quality standards across Google and Microsoft.
Improve account performance, meet client goals, and identify growth opportunities.
Track developments in AI, automation, and search behavior and translate them into practical guidance for clients and teams.
Connect paid search work with Creative, Commerce, Paid Social, Measurement, and Client Partnership.
Own paid search performance across Code3’s client portfolio.
Serve as a senior client advisor and escalation point, identifying performance concerns, growth opportunities, and risks early.
Provide strategic oversight and hands-on platform support for select large or complex accounts.
Ensure strong planning, execution, and measurement, and translate results into recommendations tied to client business objectives.
Partner with Client Partnership on account strategy, executive relationships, retention, and expansion.
Grow the paid search portfolio through retention, expansion, and new business.
Lead paid search strategy for audits, pitches, and prospect conversations.
Own Code3’s Google partnership and build relationships with Microsoft and other key partners.
Manage practice staffing, utilization, revenue, and profitability with agency leadership.
Build market presence through original content, case studies, and public speaking.
Lead and grow a high-performing team of five, setting expectations for strategy, execution, client leadership, and accountability.
Own hiring, coaching, performance management, and career development across the practice.
Build training and operating rhythms to improve technical expertise, strategic judgment, and client communication.
Plan staffing and capacity to balance client needs, profitability, employee growth, and sustainable workloads.
Foster curiosity, collaboration, ownership, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

Bonus based on company and client success; bonus eligibility and details are discussed during recruitment.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
Generous retirement program.
Parental leave and return-to-work program.
Flexible Time Off.
Sabbatical opportunities.
Paid holidays.
Quarterly company Recharge Days.
December holiday closure.
Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
Remote-first workplace designed to support flexibility and connection.