Remote Advanced Search Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

About Blue Wheel Blue Wheel is a digital performance marketing agency that helps brands connect the people, platforms, and insights that drive growth across modern commerce. With more than 100 team members and four offices across the U.S., we've built a culture where curiosity is encouraged, ownership is expected, collaboration is valued, and trust is earned through action. These principles guide how we work with clients and how we support one another as a team. If this sounds like a team you want to build with, we'd love to meet you. About the RoleAs a Paid Search Strategist, you will be responsible for developing strategy, implementing, tracking, and managing PPC campaigns across various digital channels for our clients on behalf of Blue Wheel. Using your expertise and up-to-date grasp of marketing strategies and best practices, you will manage campaigns from concept to execution to analysis. You will work collaboratively with internal Client Services account stakeholders to craft and execute powerful marketing strategies. You will also be an external voice for Blue Wheel, working directly with clients to articulate strategic and performance insights, provide recommendations, and deliver forward-thinking solutions Responsibilities Client Strategy & Growth AlignmentCollaborate with Client Service teams to understand each client's brand, goals, and key performance metrics in the DTC spaceDevelop and execute paid search strategies that align with client objectives, including customer acquisition, revenue growth, and return on ad spend (ROAS).Proactively identify growth opportunities, such as new audience segments, emerging platforms, and advanced bidding strategiesAlign campaign strategies with broader omnichannel marketing initiatives, ensuring a seamless customer journey across paid search, social, email, and organic channelsCampaign Execution & OptimizationDevelop, launch, and manage paid search campaigns across platforms like Google Ads and Microsoft AdsImplement data-driven optimizations, adjusting keyword bids, audience targeting, creative assets, and budget allocations to maximize performanceUtilize automation tools (e.g., Smart Bidding, Performance Max, SA360) and manual bid strategies to enhance efficiency and effectivenessPerform ongoing A/B testing on ad creatives, landing pages, and targeting to drive incremental performance improvementsLeverage first-party data (CDPs, CRM platforms) and third-party audience segments to refine targeting strategies for retention and acquisitionData Analysis & Performance ReportingPrepare, compile, and present internal and external performance reports with actionable insights tailored to DTC client KPIs, such as CAC, LTV, and ROASMonitor and interpret campaign data, identifying trends, performance gaps, and new opportunities for scaling campaignsUtilize analytics tools such as Google Analytics (GA4), Looker Studio, and attribution platforms to measure and communicate performanceProvide insights on budget pacing, forecasting, and investment strategies to maximize efficiency and profitability for clientsClient Communication & Thought LeadershipAttend all internal and external calls related to your client accounts, serving as the subject matter expert on paid search and programmatic strategiesLead discussions on campaign performance, optimizations, and strategic shifts to ensure alignment with client goalsEducate clients and internal teams on evolving trends in search, programmatic, and digital advertisingDevelop case studies and insights from successful campaigns to inform future strategies and support new business pitchesCreative Development & ExecutionWrite, test, and iterate ad copy tailored for DTC consumer behavior, optimizing for engagement, conversions, and brand voice consistencyCoordinate with creative teams to develop and deploy compelling ad assets, including image, video, and interactive ad formatsEnsure that ad creatives align with DTC brand messaging, landing page experiences, and consumer psychologyExperiment with new creative approaches, such as DSAs, RSAs, and interactive ad units, to enhance engagement and performanceCross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with paid social, email, and lifecycle marketing teams to ensure cohesive messaging and customer journey alignmentPartner with CRO teams to refine landing pages and improve conversion ratesCollaborate with developers and analytics teams to implement tracking solutions, pixel integrations, and audience segmentation strategiesShare insights and performance data with media buyers, strategists, and content teams to refine holistic DTC growth strategiesBudget Management & ForecastingManage and optimize ad spend across multiple DTC brands, ensuring cost efficiency and performance scalabilityContinuously track pacing and profitability, making strategic recommendations to reallocate budget where neededForecast monthly and quarterly media spend based on historical performance, seasonal trends, and client goalsInnovation & TestingStay ahead of industry trends, platform updates, and algorithm changes to keep client strategies competitiveExperiment with emerging ad formats (e.g., Performance Max, AI-driven bidding strategies, video discovery ads) to drive incremental gainsConduct rigorous A/B testing across audience targeting, bidding strategies, and creative messaging to refine best practicesDocument test results and performance insights to continuously enhance agency-wide media buying strategies What to Expect (First 30 Days)Learn Blue Wheel's culture, systems, reporting tools, and paid search best practices.Build strong working relationships with Client Services teams, fellow channel strategists, and account stakeholdersComplete onboarding and familiarize yourself with Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, GA4, Looker Studio, and internal reporting processesConduct account audits and review campaign structures, historical performance, budgets, and client objectivesGain a deep understanding of your assigned clients' businesses, target audiences, and growth goalsAttend internal and client meetings to learn communication expectations and account strategiesBegin monitoring campaign pacing, performance trends, and budget allocations across assigned accountsContribute to campaign optimizations, keyword strategy, bidding recommendations, and testing initiativesSupport performance reporting by identifying insights, opportunities, and recommendations tied to client KPIsStart taking ownership of strategic discussions and serving as a paid search subject matter expert for assigned accountsBy the end of your first 30 days, you'll have a strong understanding of your clients, actively contribute to campaign strategy and execution, and begin taking ownership of performance-driven initiatives that support client growth Preferred QualificationsGoogle Ads and Microsoft Ads certificationsProven experience managing paid search campaigns in an agency environmentHands-on experience with SA360, Performance Max, and other advanced search toolsStrong proficiency with analytics tools, including Google Analytics (GA4) and Looker StuioDemonstrated ability to manage budgets across multiple accounts while driving measurable RIO. Employee BenefitsEmployees at Blue Wheel are offered the following benefits and perks while employed:Healthcare: Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, Life & Disability, FSA/HSA OptionsRetirement: Company-sponsored 401(k) option with Company matchPTO: Generous Paid Time, Sick Time, Floating Holidays, Volunteer Day, and BereavementPaternal Leave: Paid 12-week leave for primary parent and 2-week for secondary parentHoliday: 10 paid holidays, along with light week between Christmas and New YearsFringe: Mental Health Days, Health and Wellness Reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program, Employer-paid Coaching SessionsBlue Wheel operates and hires in the following states: CT, CO, FL, ID, IL, KS, MI, MN, NJ, NY, OR, PA, TN, TX, and WA