Senior Paid Search Specialist

About KHM

Karsh Hagan Madden (KHM) is an independent marketing agency formed through the merger of Karsh Hagan and Madden Media with 5 decades of creative and strategic legacy with 1 unified shop!

We blend bold storytelling with precision media, PR, geospatial targeting, and observation-led strategy to help brands close the gap between how they are seen and how they are felt. Madden built our reputation in destination marketing and tourism. Karsh has spent years building brands in healthcare, banking, higher education, and retail alongside it. Together, we believe the strongest brands build communities, and our goal is to differentiate them in a world where consumers want something that means something to them.

Find out more at https://khm.agency/

About You

You're a Google Ads power user with 3+ years of hands-on experience under your belt. You know paid search inside and out-from keyword match types, smart bidding algorithms, and negative keyword architecture to Performance Max optimizations, Demand Gen, and Google Analytics (GA4).

Curiosity fuels you. You're always looking for better ways to drive conversions, lower CPL/CPA, and squeeze maximum ROI out of every campaign dollar. You thrive in a fast-moving, agency environment and love turning raw media data into clear, actionable stories for clients.

You're comfortable serving as a subject matter expert on paid search while remaining eager to collaborate across multi-channel media teams. Most importantly, you're ready to play a key role in a dynamic environment where every day brings new challenges and growth opportunities.

About the Job

Precision, technical agility, and a relentless focus on performance are the hallmarks of our media team. We are seeking a Senior Paid Search Specialist / Media Buyer with 3+ years of specialized experience to lead and scale our search engine marketing (SEM) and Google ecosystem portfolio.

In this role, you will own the end-to-end strategy, setup, execution, and optimization of Google Search, Performance Max, Demand Gen, YouTube, and Display campaigns across a diverse set of destination marketing accounts. While Google Ads is your primary domain, you will also support secondary self-serve platforms (Meta, Microsoft/Bing Ads, Pinterest, etc.) and collaborate on integrated performance media campaigns.

Beyond day-to-day management, you will bridge the gap between media strategy and technical tracking: managing conversion tracking, leveraging GA4/GCM, optimizing keyword/ad group structure, maintaining strict budget pacing, and delivering impactful performance narratives to clients.

Travel: This role may require occasional travel, approximately once per year, for company meetings, team collaboration, or other business-related events.

What You'll Be Doing

• Paid Search Leadership: Own the strategy, build, keyword research, ad copywriting, bid management, and ongoing optimization for Google Ads (Search, PMax, Demand Gen, YouTube) and Microsoft/Bing Ads.
• Optimization & Vigilance: Monitor Google Search and digital media accounts daily to optimize Quality Scores, search impression share, ad strength, negative keywords, and audience targeting to achieve client KPIs.
• Conversion & Tracking Management: Partner with AdOps to ensure flawless conversion tracking, pixel implementation, GA4 integration, and campaign alignment.
• Budget & Pacing Control: Manage and track monthly ad spend across accounts to guarantee accurate pacing and 100% budget utilization without over/underspending.
• Cross-Channel Execution: Execute secondary self-serve media buys across Meta, Pinterest, LinkedIn, or programmatic platforms as needed for integrated campaigns.
• Data & Client Reporting: Turn raw performance metrics into strategic narratives during monthly client reporting and quarterly strategy reviews.
• Mentorship & Testing: Guide digital and junior media buyers on paid search best practices and test emerging features within the Google Ads ecosystem (e.g., AI-driven assets, script automation, new campaign types).

What You Need to Succeed

• 3+ Years of Direct Hands-On Experience: Proven track record running large-scale, performance-driven Google Ads campaigns in an agency or high-growth environment.
• Google Ecosystem Mastery: Deep expertise in Google Ads Manager, Search, Performance Max, Demand Gen, YouTube, Google Tag Manager (GTM), and GA4. Google Ads Certifications preferred.
• Analytical & Spreadsheet Skills: Advanced proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets (pivots, formulas, formatting) and data visualization tools.
• Strategic Problem-Solving: Ability to quickly diagnose underperforming campaigns (low CTR, high CPA, low Quality Score) and implement immediate, effective fixes.
• Cross-Channel Knowledge: Familiarity with Microsoft Ads, Meta Ads Manager, or Programmatic/DSP platforms is a major plus.
• Detail & Communication: Uncompromising eye for detail, strong organizational skills under competing deadlines, and comfort presenting technical insights to non-technical stakeholders.

Don't Meet Every Requirement?

That's okay! At Karsh Hagan Madden, we believe diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences make us stronger. If this role excites you but your skillset doesn't line up perfectly with the qualifications above, we still want to hear from you. Who knows-you might bring something to the table we didn't even know we needed.

Perks & Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Medical, dental, vision, and additional benefits to support you and your family.
• 401(k) with Traditional and Roth options, plus a company match.
• Flexible PTO and paid holidays.
• The tools and technology you need to do your best work.

Come for the Work. Stay for the People

• At Karsh Hagan Madden, we're passionate about doing great work-and having fun while we do it. Here's what you can expect:
• A supportive team that's invested in your success.
• Opportunities to grow through mentorship, professional development, and meaningful new challenges.
• A collaborative culture where curiosity, creativity, and fresh ideas are always welcome.
• The chance to make an impact, contribute your unique perspective, and help shape great work.
• A workplace that values who you are, the ideas you share, and your potential to grow.

About the Interview Process

We like to keep it simple and transparent. Here's what the process may look like:

• Round 1: A friendly chat with our Recruiter to get to know you and share more about the role.
• Round 2: An interview with some of the awesome teammates you'll collaborate with.
• Round 3: A conversation with the Team Lead(s) to dive deeper into the role and team fit.

Note: Depending on the position, there might be a small assignment along the way to showcase your skills and creativity. Don't worry-we'll let you know in advance!

Heads up: At this time, we do not offer Visa sponsorship or relocation services.

KHM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #LI-REMOTE