SVP, Performance Marketing

Open position in Portsmouth, NH, St Louis, MO, Kansas City, MO, Minneapolis, MN, Columbia MO; Hybrid work schedule; 2 days in the office, 3 days working from home Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, now or in the future. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requiring employer sponsorship. The Opportunity We are seeking a SVP of Performance Marketing to lead and scale a high-impact performance team within our agency, Swell Media, part of the broader integrated media holding companies True Independent Holdings, and Meet The People. This role is built for a challenger-minded performance digital leader, someone who thrives in fast-moving, high-accountability environments and knows how to turn media into a true revenue engine. You will own a portfolio of ecommerce and lead generation clients, driving measurable growth through full-funnel strategy, advanced platform execution, and a relentless focus on efficiency (ROAS, CPA, LTV). Internally, you will lead, mentor, and scale teams. Externally, you will serve as a trusted partner to senior client stakeholders, shaping both strategy and business outcomes. Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned) Client Leadership & Commercial Growth • Own performance outcomes across a portfolio of ecommerce and lead generation clients, with direct accountability to revenue, CAC/CPA, and ROAS targets • Build senior-level client relationships, positioning the agency as a strategic growth partner, not just an executional vendor • Lead new business pitches, RFP responses, and organic account growth, with a focus on expanding performance-driven services • Identify and unlock growth opportunities across the broader holding company's capabilities (brand, creative, analytics, CRM) Performance Strategy (Ecommerce & Lead Gen Focus) • Architect and oversee full-funnel, audience-led strategies tailored to: • Ecommerce (feed-driven media, conversion rate optimization, LTV optimization, retention signals) • Lead Generation (funnel optimization, lead quality, offline conversion tracking, sales alignment) • Ensure seamless integration between upper-funnel investment and lower-funnel efficiency, driving scalable, sustainable growth • Push beyond platform defaults, developing differentiated approaches to audience strategy, creative, and bidding • Serve as the ultimate technical escalation point for the agency, conducting rigorous audits on high-stakes accounts to identify and resolve performance plateaus • Develop proprietary testing frameworks that push beyond standard A/B testing into sophisticated incrementality and lift studies Channel & Platform Leadership • Oversee execution across all core performance channels: • Primary - paid search, paid social • Secondary - programmatic, affiliate, CTV, and emerging platforms • Maintain deep expertise across key platforms: • Google Ads (Search, YouTube, Performance Max, Shopping, Merchant Center) • Meta, TikTok, LinkedIn, and programmatic ecosystems • Lead advanced capabilities across: • Feed optimization and automation (critical for ecommerce scale) • Creative testing frameworks and iteration velocity • Signal development, audience modeling, and incrementality Data, Measurement & Martech • Own the measurement framework and marketing technology ecosystem, including: • GA4, Google Tag Manager, CRM integrations (e.g., HubSpot) • Attribution models, incrementality testing, and offline conversion tracking • Reporting and visualization (e.g., Looker Studio) • Build closed-loop measurement systems that connect media investment to revenue, pipeline, and customer value • Drive a culture of testing, experimentation, and continuous optimization Team Leadership & Challenger Culture • Build, lead, and mentor high-performing, performance-driven teams across levels • Instill a challenger mindset, pushing teams to question platform best practices, test aggressively, and innovate beyond standard approaches • Act as a player-coach, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on expertise where it matters • Develop scalable frameworks, playbooks, and training to elevate team performance and consistency Operational & Financial Leadership • Oversee portfolio-level performance, including budget allocation, pacing, and forecasting • Drive accountability to client KPIs, SLAs, and agency revenue/margin targets • Partner with executive leadership on resource planning, staffing, and operational efficiency • Build systems that enable scalable growth without sacrificing performance quality Holding Company Integration • Collaborate across the broader media organization to deliver fully integrated, cross-channel strategies • Act as a bridge between performance marketing and brand, creative, analytics, and investment teams • Ensure performance media is fully aligned with brand strategy, creative direction, and broader media planning • Help position the agency as a modern, performance-first leader within the holding company ecosystem Qualifications - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • 8+ years of experience in performance marketing, with leadership roles in an agency environment • Proven success scaling ecommerce and/or lead generation businesses through paid media and conversion optimization • Deep expertise across paid media platforms, analytics, and marketing technology • Mastery of advanced scripts, API integrations for automated bidding, and sophisticated CRM-to-platform data loops (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, and Offline Conversion Tracking at scale) • Proven ability to troubleshoot complex tracking and attribution discrepancies in a post-cookie landscape • Femonstrated ability to manage high-growth client portfolios and drive measurable business outcomes • Strong track record in new business, client growth, and senior stakeholder management • Experience operating within or alongside integrated media organizations or holding companies preferred • Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills Total Perks Package • The chance to be a part of a growing company and the next success story • Amazing opportunities for career development • Recognition programs • Employee referral bonus • Hybrid work schedule; 2 days in the office, 3 days working from home • Fun and collaborative work environment • Casual dress code • Insurance Coverage (medical, dental, vision, life, and disability) • 401(k) retirement plan, with employer 4% match • Work/life benefits, including mental health and wellbeing support • Flexible Time Off Policy • Paid holidays, including agency closing Christmas Eve-New Year's Day • Paid leave options, including sick leave, medical leave for self and family, and parental leave California Residents - Please review our Privacy Notice here.