Search Program Manager – Chicago

Company: SMG Search

Position: Search Program Manager - Chicago



As an independent operating unit of the $25.6 billion Starcom MediaVest Group, SMG Search specializes in the development of innovative, highly measurable, idea-intensive search marketing programs. SMG Search is a team of acutely focused marketers who partner with clients in order to successfully navigate the future of search-based communications and ecommerce.



Position Summary



We are looking for a Search Program Manager to supervise a small dedicated team in the creation, optimization and execution of client search initiatives. Will also assist the Search Director and Associate Director in developing innovative search strategies to meet and exceed our clients' business objectives. This position requires a "hands-on" manager with astute attention to process and detail, who also possesses the ability to apply this detailed knowledge to actionable insights and recommendations.



Specific Responsibilities



The Work:

- The Search Program Manager will be accountable for the day-to-day progress of their team's projects and responsibilities, and ensuring timely completion of projects. Additionally, this individual will ensure that projects are produced completely and correctly before being sent to the client and/or Associate Search Director. Ongoing projects will include:

- Performance reporting with insights and optimization recommendations

- Managing search campaign performance against client goals

- Budget and performance projections for testing new search partners or technology

- Recommendations for using search to support new client objectives or campaigns

- Monthly client billing audits

- He or she will be responsible for delegating projects across the team as needed

- He or she will work with Associate Search Director to develop processes for improved work flow within SMG Search, and between agency partners and vendors

- This individual will maintain stellar relationships with the vendor partners to further advance SMG Search as a preferred client partner



The People:

- This individual will be responsible for overseeing a team of dedicated Search Analysts who have 0-2 years experience. He or she will stimulate team productivity and growth by:

- Providing formal training to new team employees

- Educating new employees about SMG Search and client-specific processes

- Providing education on overall Search industry landscape and best practices

- Working with Associate Search Director to allocate assignments which combine to make productive and effective use of each person's skills, as well as motivating their interests and challenging their minds

- Developing their careers within SMG. As such, the Search Program Manager will provide ongoing feedback and conduct employee evaluations consistent with SMG's formal evaluation process

- The Search Program Manager will actively support and participate in agency recruitment activities, including agency hiring practices

- He or she will take an active role in developing and presenting Search best practices to internal agency partners

- This individual will report to an Associate Search Director, and will be responsible for keeping them abreast of team work, employee and client developments



The Client:

- The Search Program Manager will have daily contact with the client, including but not limited to:

- Selling in recommendations for new campaigns and strategies

- Optimization recommendations for existing campaigns based on reporting and analysis

- Working with Associate Search Director to master, identify, and communicate trends in search and in client industries



Required Skills, Experience and Education



- Bachelor's degree

- 2-3 years of Search experience

- Experience in both organic and paid search

- Experience in applying search marketing to brand-building & direct response initiatives

- Strong command of search engine research and reporting resources

- Knowledge of syndicated research tools such as ComScore, HitBox, AdGooroo and WordTracker

- Deep experience with at least one of the major bid management tools

- Familiarity with third-party ad serving companies

- Technical- Strong quantitative skills, including analytical abilities and math proficiency

- Demonstrated critical thinking and problem solving abilities

- Solid verbal and written communication skills

- Pres

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