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Paid Search Associate Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

SALT XC

Retail Media Search Manager

Toronto, ON · Hybrid

Lead and mentor a team of 1-3 Retail Media Search Associates, providing day-to-day direction ... REQUIREMENTS * 5+ years of hands-on paid search experience, with at least 2 years managing retail ...

Omnicom

Performance Associate Director

Toronto, ON · On-site

The Associate Director will drive performance strategy across teams and clients, ensuring all ... Optimize bidding strategies across paid search, social, and display channels * A/B test creative ...

New

Northern

Associate Director, Paid Media

Toronto, ON · On-site

... Awards, Search Engine Land Awards, and the Canadian Search Awards. Since our founding in 2015 ... The Opportunity - Associate Director, Paid Media Northern is growing, and we're looking to add an ...

WPP Media

Associate Manager, Activation

Toronto, ON · Hybrid

Associate Manager, Activation About WPP Media: WPP is the creative transformation company. We use ... Experience: 1 to 2 years of hands-on experience activating programmatic and paid search campaigns.

Ci

Digital Marketing Lead

Toronto, ON · On-site

CA$55K - CA$95K/yr

In this role, the successful candidate will report into the Associate Director, Digital Marketing ... paid search, digital campaigns, and other digital initiatives. WHAT YOU WILL DO * Receive and ...

DAC Group

Associate Vice President, Media

Toronto, ON · On-site

With expertise spanning SEO, paid media, creative production, analytics, and local optimization, we ... Position Summary The Associate Vice President, Media is responsible for leadership decisions ...

DAC Group

Associate Vice President, Media

Toronto, ON · On-site

With expertise spanning SEO, paid media, creative production, analytics, and local optimization, we ... Position Summary The Associate Vice President, Media is responsible for leadership decisions ...

Touché!

Associate Director, Digital

Toronto, ON

About the Role Touché is looking for a collaborative and strategically minded Associate Director ... Paid Social, Search/SEM, video, audience strategy, and evolving digital buying models.

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Paid Search Associate information

See Ontario salary details

$23K

$65.8K

$116.5K

How much do paid search associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for paid search associate in Ontario is $65,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a paid search associate?

Paid Search Associates are marketing professionals who manage and optimize online advertising campaigns, primarily on platforms like Google Ads and Bing Ads. Their main responsibility is to increase a company's visibility through paid search results, drive targeted traffic to websites, and maximize return on investment for ad spend. They conduct keyword research, write ad copy, analyze campaign performance, and implement strategies to improve results. Paid Search Associates often work closely with marketing teams to align campaigns with overall business goals and ensure effective use of advertising budgets.

What are some common challenges a paid search associate faces when managing multiple campaigns simultaneously?

A Paid Search Associate often juggles several campaigns across different clients or products, which can make it challenging to maintain optimal performance for each. Common issues include prioritizing tasks, ensuring consistent keyword optimization, and effectively allocating budgets to maximize ROI. Time management and attention to detail are critical, as even minor oversights can impact campaign performance. Collaborating closely with account managers and creative teams is crucial to keep messaging consistent and quickly implement strategy adjustments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a paid search associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Paid Search Associate, you need strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of digital marketing concepts, and experience with platforms like Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools such as Google Analytics, bid management systems, and certifications like Google Ads Certification are highly valuable. Attention to detail, adaptability, and strong communication skills help you optimize campaigns and collaborate effectively with team members or clients. These skills ensure effective campaign management, maximize ROI, and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced digital environment.

What is the difference between Paid Search Associate vs PPC Specialist?

AspectPaid Search AssociatePPC Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, or related field; certifications like Google Ads are commonSimilar credentials; often holds Google Ads certification and relevant marketing degrees
Work EnvironmentEntry-level role in digital marketing teams, often in agencies or in-house marketing departmentsMore specialized, may involve managing larger campaigns, often in digital marketing agencies or corporate teams
Industry UsageCommonly used in marketing and advertising industries for entry-level rolesUsed across digital marketing sectors, focusing on paid advertising campaigns
Comparison Search IntentHigh overlap; both focus on paid search campaigns and digital advertising

The Paid Search Associate and PPC Specialist roles share many similarities, including required certifications and work environments. The main difference lies in experience level and campaign complexity, with PPC Specialists typically handling more advanced campaigns. Both roles are essential in digital marketing teams focused on paid search advertising.

How to get a job in paid search?

To get a job as a Paid Search Associate, candidates should develop skills in digital marketing, data analysis, and familiarity with platforms like Google Ads and Bing Ads. Gaining relevant certifications such as Google Ads Certification and building experience through internships or entry-level roles can improve prospects. Strong analytical abilities and understanding of keyword research, ad copywriting, and campaign optimization are essential for success in this role.

Is paid search a good career?

Paid search is a viable career option for those interested in digital marketing, as it involves managing online advertising campaigns using platforms like Google Ads and Bing Ads. The role requires analytical skills, familiarity with tools, and often benefits from certifications, with job growth driven by increasing online advertising budgets.

What are the most commonly searched types of Paid Search jobs in Ontario?

The most popular types of Paid Search jobs in Ontario are:

What cities in Ontario are hiring for Paid Search Associate jobs?

Cities in Ontario with the most Paid Search Associate job openings:

Paid Search Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paid Search Associate job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,794 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Retail Media Search Manager

Toronto, ON • Hybrid

SALT XC
See more jobs at SALT XCexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

ROLE: RETAIL MEDIA SEARCH MANAGER
TEAM: MEDIA
LOCATION: TORONTO (HYBRID ONSITE)COMPANY OVERVIEW

At Salt Media, we're on a mission to earn the world's attention. As the media division of Salt XC, we're building a different kind of agency where media, commerce, creative, data and technology work as a single connected team. Our people combine strategic thinking with AI-powered tools, automation and advanced analytics to help some of North America's most recognized brands solve complex business challenges and drive measurable growth. We move quickly, challenge convention, and believe the best ideas come from curious people who are empowered to experiment. If you're looking to do career-defining work alongside smart, ambitious teammates in an environment that's shaping the future of media, we'd love to meet you.
ROLE OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced Retail Media Search Manager to lead strategy, execution, and team development across retail media platforms. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Walmart Connect, Target Roundel, and Amazon Ads - combined with the ability to lead a small team, own senior client relationships, and build the scalable playbooks that elevate how we work. A Skai Certification is required. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Team Leadership & Development 

  • Lead and mentor a team of 1-3 Retail Media Search Associates, providing day-to-day direction, performance feedback, and career development support. 
  • Set quality standards and review processes to ensure consistent, accurate campaign execution across all team accounts. 
  • Build onboarding materials, training guides, and optimization playbooks to scale team capabilities and reduce reliance on institutional knowledge. 
  • Identify skill gaps on the team and partner with leadership to address them through coaching, training, or resource development. 

Strategic Planning & Client Ownership 

  • Develop retail media strategies grounded in client business goals, category dynamics, and competitive landscape - across Walmart Connect, Target Roundel, and Amazon Ads. 
  • Own senior client relationships independently: present strategy, performance insights, and growth recommendations with confidence and authority. 
  • Proactively surface growth opportunities and bring forward-looking POVs on emerging platforms, tools, and retail media trends. 

Campaign Execution & Optimization 

  • Personally manage a portfolio of retail media search campaigns - handling daily budget pacing, keyword bidding, placement adjustments, and bid-strategy refinements with hands-on precision. 
  • Oversee and quality-check campaign execution across the broader team portfolio, ensuring consistent accuracy and on-time delivery. 
  • Identify cross-portfolio patterns and apply learnings systematically to raise performance across all accounts. 
  • Serve as the escalation point for complex campaign issues; troubleshoot and resolve with minimal disruption to client delivery. 
  • Use consumer behavioUr data, top-of-search tactics, and platform capabilities to drive continuous improvement in paid search outcomes. 

Reporting & Insights 

  • Ensure high-quality performance reporting across all team accounts - monthly, quarterly, and mid-year - highlighting key trends, category influences, and actionable recommendations. 
  • Synthesize patterns across the portfolio and translate findings into strategic guidance for both clients and internal stakeholders. 
  • Monitor marketplace events (e.g., seasonal trends, category promotions, platform updates) and develop proactive response frameworks for the team. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

  • Partner with Media Strategy, Analytics, and Account Management to align retail search execution with broader media planning and client objectives. 
  • Contribute to Salt Media's Retail Media practice by sharing POVs on platform developments, test-and-learn results, and emerging best practices. 
  • Collaborate with cross-functional partners to ensure all deliverables are coordinated, on-brand, and delivered on time. 

REQUIREMENTS

  • 5+ years of hands-on paid search experience, with at least 2 years managing retail media campaigns across Walmart Connect, Target Roundel, and Amazon Ads (Sponsored Products + Sponsored Brands). 
  • Skai Certification required; proven ability to guide and train others on platform mechanics and optimization strategy. 
  • Experience managing or mentoring junior team members; comfortable providing direct feedback and supporting professional growth. 
  • Strong strategic thinking - able to connect campaign-level performance to broader client business goals and translate data into clear recommendations. 
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills; comfortable leading client conversations with senior stakeholders. 
  • Proficient in Excel/Google Sheets for data analysis, trend identification, and client-facing performance reporting. 
  • Highly organized, with the ability to oversee multiple accounts and manage competing priorities across a team. 
  • Agency background strongly preferred. 
  • Open to Canadian candidates. This role is fully remote. 
  • Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Advertising, or related field preferred. 

PERKS & BENEFITS THAT SET US APART  

We don't just talk about balance, growth, and culture, we build for it:  

  • Work-Life Flexibility: Hybrid setup, up to 28 paid days off and winter holiday shutdowns 
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Health, dental, and vision plans, plus Salt Bucks to spend on what matters to you-wellness, RRSPs, or extra time off.  
  • Growth-Driven Culture: Dedicated Salt Days, top-tier learning access, and formal leadership development.  
  • Celebration-First Mentality: Legendary team trips, seasonal socials, and Salt Swag that reps your squad.  
  • Real Rewards: Referral and new business bonuses, exclusive lifestyle perks, and personalized wellness options.  
  • Culture of Belonging: DEI programs, active ERGs, and a workplace where every voice counts.  

WHAT WE STAND FOR  

  • Salt of the Earth: We lead with humility, honesty, and heart-always.  
  • Do What's Right: No shortcuts. We choose integrity over ease, every time.  
  • Earn Your Salt: We roll up our sleeves, chase results, and celebrate the journey.  
  • Make Things Better: We're solution-seekers, always pushing for smarter ways forward.  
  • Seek Different Perspectives: Diversity fuels our thinking. Inclusion drives our impact. 

The anticipated annual base salary range for this position is $70,000-$85,000. Individual compensation within this range is determined based on job-related factors such as experience, skills, level of responsibility, internal equity, and business needs. This range represents the expected base salary for this role and does not include other elements of SALT's total rewards program. 
Salt XC is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting and retaining the most qualified employees regardless of race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age or disability.

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