Senior Manager, Paid Search; Google Ads

Position: Senior Manager, Paid Search (Google Ads) NDG Communications | Fully Remote (U.S.) Own Performance. Lead Accounts. Shape the Future of Paid Media. 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 YOUR CORE 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. 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 • 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 • Ensure proper attribution across campaigns and channels • Build and interpret reporting dashboards (Looker Studio or similar) • 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 Google Ads . Other channels are collaborative, not primary ownership. QUALIFICATIONS Must Have Experience: • 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: • Paid Search • 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 • 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 Have (Not Required) • Familiarity with Meta Ads (Facebook/Instagram) • Exposure to programmatic platforms • Understanding of SEO fundamentals WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE • You consistently hit or exceed…