Senior Manager, Paid Search (Google Ads)

NDG Communications•La Plata, MD

1d•Remote

About The Position

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. You'll work with some of the nation's leading homebuilders-driving measurable impact across high-value campaigns where performance matters. What This Role Is (and Isn't) 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

Requirements

5–8+ 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 Haves

Familiarity with Meta Ads (Facebook/Instagram)
Exposure to programmatic platforms
Understanding of SEO fundamentals

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.