Associate Director, Search

Company description Zenith is one of Publicis Groupe’s largest media agencies, spanning 95 markets globally with US offices in New York, Burbank, Chicago, Atlanta and Detroit. For more than 30 years, we have been at the forefront of media, helping to evolve and reshape the industry. We are highly regarded as a true agency partner by many high-profile brands for our expertise across numerous categories and wide range of capabilities that are unparalleled in the industry. Clients hire us for our track record of excellence in strategic planning, investment, and measurement. We also have specialist offerings, including content, commerce, multicultural and future-proofed data capabilities. Overview The Associate Director, Search is responsible for leading the dedicated paid search execution team for a premier global entertainment and audio streaming platform, driving growth, innovation, retention and satisfaction for this dynamic account. In this role, you will manage and direct a talented team of Campaign Managers (both onshore and offshore). Proven account management and team leadership experience are essential, along with a deep passion for digital culture, app marketing, and cutting-edge Paid Search strategies. Responsibilities Interfaces with Strategy, Investment, & Analytics teams to provide holistic media plans, share ideas, communicate service offerings, and to identify and deliver innovative search solutions. Keeps VP/Director and Search Practice lead apprised of key client opportunities, potential risks and other key nuances which affect the health of the business. Develops and fosters account relationships to champion initiatives that drive smart marketing decisions across digital channels. Deeply understands the client’s goals, diverse international markets, expectations of the agency, and fast-evolving business needs. Attends client meetings on ongoing basis, interface as needed with executive level and middle management level on client side during meetings and presentations. Independently leads performance and strategy presentations, interfacing confidently with both middle management and executive-level clients. Leads recommendations on improving performance, test & learn agendas, optimization opportunities, and prioritization needed to deliver upon goals. Takes ownership of complex global market coordination, meticulously managing fast-changing promotional support with flawless execution and minimal oversight. Embraces and encourages a culture based on team work, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity. Motivates, leads, and manages internal teams, setting expectations for performance marketing thought leadership. Drives adoption of stated account management best practices through example setting, positive reinforcement and behavioral correction. Assists in interviewing, hiring, training, mentoring, developing, and evaluating team members. Conducts performance reviews and career path plans for direct reports. Facilitates the development and documentation of best practices to improve operational efficiencies within the team and the group. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree, concentration in business, marketing, or advertising preferred. 4+ years of account management experience in Search Engine Marketing; client side or agency side preferred 2-4 years of demonstrated success in managing and leading a team of paid search specialists. Proven experience managing large-scale campaigns on Google Ads and Apple Search Ads. Deep knowledge of App campaigns and mobile acquisition is a plus. Hands-on experience with AI Max and Performance Max campaigns preferred. Experience with bid management tools like Search Ads 360. Ability to develop and implement comprehensive paid search strategies aligned with client goals. Exceptional data analysis skills; comfortable working with complex KPIs, interpreting data trends, and making quick, sound optimization decisions based on those insights. Ability to set, track, and achieve key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure campaign success. Top-tier organizational and project management skills. Historical experience with tools like Asana is highly preferred to keep fast-moving promotional campaigns on track. High proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint), paired with extensive, hands-on knowledge of Google Workspace (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.) A proactive self-starter with high attention to detail and the ability to move at an agile pace to match a fast-growing industry rhythm. Proficient in creating and presenting PowerPoint slides, ensuring that complex information is conveyed in an engaging and understandable manner. Additional information Our Publicis Groupe motto “Viva La Différence” means we’re better together, and we believe that our differences make us stronger. It means we honor and celebrate all identities, across all facets of intersectionality, and it underpins all that we do as an organization. We are focused on fostering belonging and creating equitable & inclusive experiences for all talent. Publicis Groupe provides robust and inclusive benefit programs and policies to support the evolving and diverse needs of our talent and enable every person to grow and thrive. Our benefits package includes medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401K, as well as parental and family care leave, family forming assistance, tuition reimbursement, and flexible time off. If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact [email protected]. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Veterans Encouraged to Apply. Compensation Range: USD $97,375.00 - USD $155,961.00/Annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. Temporary roles may also qualify for participation in our 401(k) plan after eligibility criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 7/31/2026.

Bachelor’s degree, concentration in business, marketing, or advertising preferred. 4+ years of account management experience in Search Engine Marketing; client side or agency side preferred 2-4 years of demonstrated success in managing and leading a team of paid search specialists. Proven experience managing large-scale campaigns on Google Ads and Apple Search Ads. Deep knowledge of App campaigns and mobile acquisition is a plus. Hands-on experience with AI Max and Performance Max campaigns preferred. Experience with bid management tools like Search Ads 360. Ability to develop and implement comprehensive paid search strategies aligned with client goals. Exceptional data analysis skills; comfortable working with complex KPIs, interpreting data trends, and making quick, sound optimization decisions based on those insights. Ability to set, track, and achieve key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure campaign success. Top-tier organizational and project management skills. Historical experience with tools like Asana is highly preferred to keep fast-moving promotional campaigns on track. High proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint), paired with extensive, hands-on knowledge of Google Workspace (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.) A proactive self-starter with high attention to detail and the ability to move at an agile pace to match a fast-growing industry rhythm. Proficient in creating and presenting PowerPoint slides, ensuring that complex information is conveyed in an engaging and understandable manner.

Interfaces with Strategy, Investment, & Analytics teams to provide holistic media plans, share ideas, communicate service offerings, and to identify and deliver innovative search solutions. Keeps VP/Director and Search Practice lead apprised of key client opportunities, potential risks and other key nuances which affect the health of the business. Develops and fosters account relationships to champion initiatives that drive smart marketing decisions across digital channels. Deeply understands the client’s goals, diverse international markets, expectations of the agency, and fast-evolving business needs. Attends client meetings on ongoing basis, interface as needed with executive level and middle management level on client side during meetings and presentations. Independently leads performance and strategy presentations, interfacing confidently with both middle management and executive-level clients. Leads recommendations on improving performance, test & learn agendas, optimization opportunities, and prioritization needed to deliver upon goals. Takes ownership of complex global market coordination, meticulously managing fast-changing promotional support with flawless execution and minimal oversight. Embraces and encourages a culture based on team work, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity. Motivates, leads, and manages internal teams, setting expectations for performance marketing thought leadership. Drives adoption of stated account management best practices through example setting, positive reinforcement and behavioral correction. Assists in interviewing, hiring, training, mentoring, developing, and evaluating team members. Conducts performance reviews and career path plans for direct reports. Facilitates the development and documentation of best practices to improve operational efficiencies within the team and the group.