Search Buying Specialist

Channel Factory•Chicago, IL

4d•$75,000 - $80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Channel Factory is looking for a Search Buying Specialist with deep paid search expertise and working knowledge of paid social. This role sits within the Media Solutions team and will be instrumental in developing search strategies, supporting clients, and collaborating cross-functionally to drive performance across search and social channels. The ideal candidate leads with search — Google, Microsoft/Bing, and shopping — and brings enough social fluency to contribute meaningfully to integrated campaigns. This role is perfect for someone who is analytical, client-ready, and comfortable moving between performance data and strategic storytelling.

Requirements

3–5 years of hands-on paid search experience; social experience a plus.
Proven track record managing search campaigns with meaningful budget responsibility.
Proficiency in Google Ads and the Google Suite.
Familiarity with paid social platforms (Meta Ads Manager, LinkedIn Campaign Manager, TikTok Ads).
Strong command of search KPIs: Quality Score, CTR, CPC, CPA, ROAS, impression share.
Experience with Google Analytics, Looker Studio, or similar reporting tools.
Ability to analyze performance data, identify trends, and make strategic recommendations.
Strong attention to detail with a bias toward optimization and testing.
Confident presenting to clients and internal stakeholders.
Ability to translate technical performance data into clear, compelling narratives.
Experience building polished decks and campaign reports.
Ability to manage multiple campaigns and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize effectively.
Google Ads certification required; Microsoft Advertising certification a plus.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in an agency, ad tech, or media solutions environment preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage paid search campaigns primarily across Google Ads and Performance Max.
Build keyword strategies, ad copy frameworks, and bidding structures that align with client KPIs.
Continuously optimize campaigns for efficiency and performance- improving Quality Scores, CTR, CPA, and ROAS.
Contribute to paid social campaigns across Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and other platforms as needed.
Collaborate with the Social Solutions team to develop integrated search + social strategies for clients.
Partner with the social and sales team to position search and integrated media solutions to prospective and existing clients.
Participate in internal and client meetings to position search as a performance driver within the marketing mix.
Develop and present reporting insights and decks that communicate strategy, performance results, and recommendations.
Track and analyze performance metrics using Google Ads, along with internal reporting tools.
Deliver regular performance reports with clear insights and actionable optimization recommendations.
Identify trends and translate data into strategic decisions.
Work closely with internal teams to ensure search strategies align with cross channel initiatives.
Stay current on search platform updates, algorithm changes, and industry trends- and proactively apply new features to client campaigns.
All other duties as assigned