Performance Search Specialist at Publicis Groupe

The Opportunity

• We are seeking a best-in-class Performance Campaign Manager to drive the strategic execution and innovation of our search operational model. In this role, you will move beyond basic campaign maintenance to master the art of search engine marketing. You will leverage enterprise technology (SA360) and sophisticated data strategies to deliver scalable business growth for our top-tier clients.
• You are not just a "keyword buyer"; you are a strategic partner who understands how intent, data, and automation converge to drive ROI. You will champion the shift from manual bidding to value-based bidding, from keywords to audiences, and from reporting data to extracting business intelligence.

Overview

Why this role?

• This is not a "maintenance" role. It is a role for a performance marketer who wants to work with the best technology stack in the industry, manage significant budgets, and drive genuine innovation in the South African digital landscape. If you are ready to define the future of search, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

Strategic Campaign Management & Innovation

• Architect Advanced Search Strategies: Design and execute complex search structures across Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising (Bing), and Search Ads 360, moving beyond "always-on" to dynamic, intent-based strategies.
• Modern Search Excellence: Lead the adoption of modern search capabilities, including broad match with smart bidding, Value-Based Bidding (tROAS/tCPA), and Performance Max integration, ensuring the agency remains at the cutting edge of the algorithm.
• Enterprise Platform Mastery: Utilize SA360 for high-volume inventory management, using inventory templates, budget bid strategies, and auction-time bidding to maximize efficiency at scale.
• Testing & Alpha Adoption: Own the innovation roadmap. Proactively identify and deploy beta features, conduct rigorous A/B testing (ad copy, landing pages, bidding strategies), and challenge the status quo to unlock incremental gains.

Data-Driven Performance & Optimization

• Analytical Storytelling: Move beyond descriptive reporting. Analyze complex datasets to diagnose performance issues and identify opportunities. Translate technical metrics (CTR, CPC, IS) into commercial insights (ROI, CLV, Profitability) for client stakeholders.
• Commercial Accountability: Take full ownership of campaign pacing and budget fluidity. Ensure every Rand/Dollar spent contributes to the client's bottom line, actively shifting investment to high-yield areas.
• Conversion Architecture: collaborate with the data team to ensure robust measurement frameworks are in place (GA4, SA360 Floodlights, Offline Conversion Import), ensuring the algorithms are fed high-quality data.

Operational Excellence & QA

• Rigorous QA Protocols: Uphold a "zero-error" culture. Implement strict pre-launch QA processes for assets, tracking pixels, and url parameters to ensure flawless execution from day one.
• Agile Implementation: maintain the ability to execute high-priority briefs with speed and precision, balancing rapid speed-to-market with operational safety.
• Tech Stack Integration: Act as the bridge between media and tech, ensuring seamless integration between search platforms, analytics (GA4), and creative feeds.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentorship: Act as a technical lead for junior team members and interns, fostering a culture of continuous learning and "test and learn" thinking.
• Cross-Channel Synergy: Collaborate with SEO, Social, and Brand teams to ensure a holistic "One Search" approach, ensuring paid activity complements organic visibility and wider brand objectives

Qualifications

Experience & Qualifications

• 5+ years of specialized experience in Paid Search (SEM), ideally within a fast-paced agency environment handling enterprise clients. (Note: Previous social experience is a plus, but deep Search expertise is the requirement).
• Enterprise Tooling: demonstrable proficiency in Search Ads 360 (SA360) is non-negotiable. Experience with inventory management and bid strategies within SA360 is highly preferred.

Certifications:

• Google Ads Search Professional (Current)
• Search Ads 360 Certification
• Google Analytics 4 (GA4) Certification
• Microsoft Advertising Certified Professional

Technical Skills

• Deep understanding of Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and how to analyze user journeys and attribution models.
• Proficiency in data visualization tools (Looker Studio, PowerBI) to automate reporting and visualize trends.
• Familiarity with Google Tag Manager (GTM) for troubleshooting tracking implementation.
• Advanced Excel/Sheets skills (Pivot tables, VLOOKUPs) are essential; SQL knowledge is a distinct advantage.