Careers

Senior Paid Search Manager

In 2026, the role of a Paid Search Manager has shifted from managing keyword bids to managing intent-driven ecosystems. For a US retail automotive agency, this person must not only understand existing Tier 3 (dealership) marketing performance dynamics but also how AI “answer engines” are changing how consumers research vehicles.

Job Description: Senior Paid Search & AI Strategy Manager

Position Summary

The Senior Paid Search Manager will lead the strategy, implementation, and evolution of our paid search department. You will be responsible for driving high-intent traffic (VDP views, lead forms, and store visits) for our dealership clients. Beyond traditional PPC, you will spearhead our transition into AI-native search environments, ensuring our clients’ inventory, offers, and brand are surfaced in conversational AI results and “answer engine” platforms.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Campaign Management
   • Omni-Channel Search: Design and execute complex search strategies across Google Ads (AI Overviews), Microsoft Advertising, and emerging platforms like Perplexity and ChatGPT Search.
   • Automotive Precision: Manage “VIN-specific” ad strategies, utilizing dynamic inventory feeds to ensure real-time accuracy of price and availability.
2. AI & Future-Search Evolution
   1. Answer Engine Optimization (AEO): Adapt paid strategies to ensure brand presence within AI-generated summaries and conversational interfaces.
   2. Agentic AI Management: Monitor and mitigate the impact of AI “shopping agents,” ensuring our landing pages and data feeds are “agent-readable” for automated vehicle comparisons.
   3. Predictive Bidding: Leverage machine learning models to predict vehicle sales cycles and adjust budgets based on dealership inventory aging.
3. Measurement, Attribution & ROI
   • Full-Funnel Tracking:
   • Move beyond the “lead form” to track engagement KPIs, inventory views, and offline conversions (store visits and sales matches) and align with CRM metrics.
   • Privacy-First Attribution: Manage data collection in a cookieless environment, utilizing First-Party data and Server-Side tagging to maintain attribution accuracy.
   • VDP Analysis: Optimize campaigns specifically for Vehicle Detail Page (VDP) engagement quality, rather than just raw traffic.
4. Leadership & Client Communication
   • Consultative Reporting: Translate complex AI search dynamics into simplified language for dealership GMs and owners.
   • Innovation Roadmap: Regularly present “What’s Next” to the executive team, identifying new pilot opportunities in the AI search space.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 5–7 years in Paid Search, with at least 2 years specifically in the US Retail Automotive niche.
• Technical Stack: Expertise in Google Ads (Search, PMax, Vehicle Ads, etc), Microsoft Advertising, GA4, Google Merchant Center, Google Tag Manager, Shape (Budget Mgmt) and inventory feed tools (e.g., vAuto, Homenet).
• AI Literacy: Proven experience managing campaigns within AI-heavy environments (e.g., Search Labs, Gemini, or ChatGPT ad integrations).
• Certifications: Google Ads Search/Measurement, and ideally a certification in AI Strategy or Data Science is a big plus.

Career Opportunity