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The SEM Manager is a core member of Backbone’s paid media team, responsible for the strategy, execution, and optimization of paid search campaigns on behalf of our clients. This role partners closely with client strategists and internal channel teams to develop cohesive, full-funnel search strategies across Google and Microsoft Ads. As Backbone’s search expert, this person brings both platform mastery and strategic thinking to every account — connecting keyword intent, audience signals, and creative messaging to drive real business outcomes for active lifestyle and outdoor brands. The position requires the ability to translate detailed data into actionable insights and client-ready recommendations. The ideal candidate has managed mid-to-large SEM accounts in an agency or in-house environment, thrives in a collaborative team culture, and brings genuine curiosity and enthusiasm to a fast-moving channel.
Job Responsibility:
Establish and evolve SEM strategies across the Google ecosystem, building full-funnel approaches that connect brand awareness to conversion
Architect campaign and ad group structures across Search, AI Max, Shopping, Performance Max, Demand Gen, and YouTube campaigns tailored to each client’s goals
Deliver integrated paid search and YouTube campaigns that complement Social, Programmatic, and SEO to drive incrementality
Develop branded and non-branded keyword strategies and audience targeting that maximize efficiency and performance
Analyze campaign data and identify trends to generate actionable optimizations
Present strategy, recommendations, and performance reports to clients on a bi-weekly, monthly, and quarterly cadence
Pace and manage SEM budgets to reach allocated monthly spend while maximizing performance
Ensure financial and operational accuracy by monitoring pacing, campaign QA, and maintaining clean account hygiene
Support the growth and development of the broader SEM team and contribute to a culture of continuous learning across the agency
Maintain and build upon Backbone’s relationship with Google’s Premier Partner support team
Stay current on platform roadmaps, AI-powered features, and emerging campaign types
Requirements:
2–4+ years of experience managing SEM campaigns, with hands-on expertise in Google Ads across Search, Performance Max, Demand Gen, and YouTube campaign types
Proven ability to build and optimize full-funnel SEM strategies — including campaign architecture, keyword strategy, and audience targeting
Strong analytical approach to data with a desire for quantitative analysis and testing to identify optimization opportunities and meet client KPIs
Experience managing mid-to-large budgets with close attention to pacing, financial accuracy, and performance optimization
Comfortable in a client-facing role — presenting strategy, translating complex data into clear insights, and building trusted relationships
Proficiency in GA4, Looker Studio, and Excel
competency in PowerPoint for client reporting and presentations
Google Ads certification required
additional platform certifications a plus
Collaborative by nature, with strong communication and project management skills and the ability to work effectively across teams
Curious, adaptable, and self-motivated, with a genuine enthusiasm for search marketing and the outdoor and active lifestyle industry
Nice to have:
A background working with ecommerce, emerging, and growth-stage brands
Hands-on experience of Google Merchant Center, Feedonomics, or other product feed management platforms
Familiarity with incrementality measurement, MMM, and MTA tools
A holistic view of how SEM integrates with Paid Social, Programmatic, and other digital channels
Knowledge of SEO principles and how paid and organic search work together
A genuine passion for the outdoors, with an interest in hunting and fishing and the brands that serve that community