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Sem Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

TheOvativeGroup Manager, Paid Search (SEM) position is an opportunity for an experienced candidate to take the next step in a leadership role at a fast-growing company that has the highest standards ...

Marketing Manager

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Manage SEO/SEM, Google Ads, and paid social campaigns to increase visibility and drive traffic. * Email Marketing: Build and manage email campaigns and automation workflows to nurture prospects and ...

ABOUT YOU * 10+ years in performance / growth marketing with deep, hands-on paid search expertise and a proven track record managing 8-9 figure annual SEM budgets tied to acquisition, revenue, ROI ...

SEO/GEO Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

... marketing concepts. The SEO/GEO Director leads a team of SEO Strategists and Specialists. Responsibilities * Planning and Management of Client Programs - Provide strategic leadership to the SEO ...

New

SEO/GEO Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$135 - $150/hr

... engine marketing concepts. The SEO/GEO Director will also lead a team of SEO Strategists and ... Planning and Management of Client Programs*** + Provide strategic leadership to the SEO subject ...

... engine marketing concepts. The SEO/GEO Director will also lead a team of SEO Strategists and ... Create and manage strategies for clients while working with client teams, account management and SE ...

... engine marketing concepts. The SEO/GEO Director will also lead a team of SEO Strategists and ... Create and manage strategies for clients while working with client teams, account management and SE ...

SEO Strategist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $84K/yr

... marketing are headed next-this is the place to do it. Join us at razorfish.com. Overview The Razorfish team is seeking an SEO Strategist to join our team. Responsibilities * Create, execute & manage ...

Powered by Enterprise Marketing Return (EMR), our differentiated approach to holistic media buying ... The Ovative Group Manager, SEO position is an opportunity for a passionate, experienced candidate ...

About Us iCrossing is a Hearst-backed marketing and technology partner built for how brands grow ... Your Impact As a Sr. Manager, SEO, you will provide day-to-day SEO & GEO leadership for advanced ...

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Showing results 1-20

Sem Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$43.3K

$76K

$108.8K

How much do sem manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for sem manager in Chicago, IL is $75,977.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,900.00 and $86,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a SEM manager?

A SEM Manager, or Search Engine Marketing Manager, is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing a company's paid search advertising campaigns. Their main goal is to maximize the return on investment (ROI) from ads on search engines like Google and Bing. SEM Managers analyze keyword trends, optimize ad copy, manage bidding strategies, and track campaign performance to increase website traffic and conversions. They often collaborate with other marketing teams and stay updated on changes in the digital advertising landscape.

What does a SEM manager do?

A SEM manager oversees paid search advertising campaigns, primarily on platforms like Google Ads and Bing Ads. They develop strategies, optimize ad performance, analyze data, and manage budgets to increase online visibility and drive targeted traffic to websites.

How does a SEM manager typically collaborate with other departments to achieve campaign goals?

A SEM Manager regularly works with teams such as marketing, content, design, and analytics to create and optimize paid search campaigns. Collaboration involves aligning on campaign messaging, ensuring landing pages are conversion-friendly, and sharing performance data to refine strategies. Open communication and regular meetings help the SEM Manager coordinate efforts, address challenges, and leverage expertise from different departments to maximize ROI and meet business objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a SEM manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a SEM Manager, you need expertise in search engine marketing strategies, data analysis, and a strong understanding of PPC platforms, often supported by a degree in marketing or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Google Ads, Bing Ads, Google Analytics, and relevant certifications (such as Google Ads Certification) is typically required. Outstanding analytical thinking, attention to detail, and communication skills help SEM Managers optimize campaigns and collaborate with stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for driving measurable online traffic, maximizing ROI, and achieving business goals in a competitive digital landscape.
What are the most commonly searched types of Sem jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Sem jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Sem Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Sem Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sem Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Sem Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Sem Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,977 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Manager, Paid Search (SEM)

Ovative group

Chicago, IL • Remote

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

About Ovative Group:

Ovative Group is an independent, full-funnel media, measurement, and creative firm. Leveraging our deep industry expertise, we help brands like Best Buy, Domino's, American Eagle, The Home Depot, Post, Disney, Tumi, Michael Kors, Boost Mobile, and UnitedHealth Group transform their media and measurement programs. The result? Profitable growth that speaks for itself.

At Ovative, we don't just track data, we redefine success. How do we do it? Our proprietary MarTech platform, EMRge helps businesses transform marketing into a driver of sustainable growth. Powered by Enterprise Marketing Return (EMR), our differentiated approach to holistic media buying, planning, and measurement, EMRge is the first MarTech platform to measure businesses holistically. We're all about raising the bar every day, and it shows. Our work has been recognized by organizations like Digiday, Google, Inc. 5000, USA Today, and Search Engine Land.

About the Role:

Digital Marketing is a critical part of everyconsumerjourney, but many companies only measure its impact on their digital outcomes. Our approach to paid search optimization atOvativeGroupcan'tbe found anywhere else. We measure andoptimizesearch marketing campaigns at the enterprise level, both online and offline. Our clients are household names that span multiple industries, including retail, healthcare, education, CPG, and hospitality.

TheOvativeGroup Manager, Paid Search (SEM) position is an opportunity for an experienced candidate to take the next step in a leadership role at a fast-growing company that has the highest standards for talent, fun, and client success. The ideal candidatedemonstrates,phenomenal client management, inspiring team leadership, great critical thinking, and sophisticated understanding of the digital media landscape. Their role will play a pivotal role in helpingOvativebuild and drive new capabilities toward measuring andoptimizingpaid media to the true enterprise impact, not solely ecommerce impacts.

Responsibilities of a Paid Search Manager:

  • Client relationship management:

  • Own, manage and grow the overall relationship and performance of some ofOvativeGroup's largest clients

  • Lead day-to-day management of client paid search programs including:

  • Clearly defining programobjectives, tactics and KPIs

  • Developing and delivering client communication

  • Effectively manage client relationship andestablishtrust and credibility

  • Effectively influence client stakeholders to evolve strategies and measurement approach to drive enterprise impact through paid search channel

  • Team leadership and employee development:

  • Recruit,trainand manage newOvativeteam members

  • Foster a culture of open communication and 360-degree feedback

  • Inspire your team and direct reports to reach their quarterly, annual, and long-term goalswith strong coaching and development aligned to their interests and goals

  • Cross-functional strategy & thought leadership:

  • Act as a subject matter expert for Paid Search strategies by continually evolvingOvative'sapproach to best practices; vetting and partnering withnew technologycompanies; managing planning and execution tools, and staying on top of emerging trends

  • Partner with SEO, retail media, and upper- funnel teams to drive holistic searchstrategiesand impact

  • Develop and drive forward multi-channel digital media strategies and roadmaps aligned with client program growth goals

  • Support higher level, cross-functional marketing strategy projects by providing deep mediaexpertise

  • Performance media management & execution:

  • Guide, manage, and QA optimization and management of client paid searchprograms including:

  • Strategy and campaign planning, integrated with allOvativeservices

  • Campaign tactics and segmentation strategy, with a customer first mindset

  • Algorithmic bid platform and manual bidding strategy and optimization tooptimizeto enterpriseresults

  • Strategic partner management (Google,Microsoft, SA360, etc.)

  • Activelyidentifynew test and learn opportunities within paid search to build onexpertiseand unlock new capabilities

  • Custom analysis,reportingand insights that can scale across the channel

  • Plan and activate as a true AI and Holistic search expert

  • Partner with internal and external SEOpartnersto drive holistic program growth across platforms

  • Adopt and scale internal best practices that best align to client goals

  • Test andadoptionof AI-driven search capabilities (AI Max, emerging AI platforms, etc.) thatimprove business outcomes for our clients

Requirements:

  • 5-6+ years of experiencedirectly responsiblefor enterprise-level paid search marketing (SEM) programs

  • Proventrack recordof success driving strong positive results through paid search marketing programs

  • Proven mastery of the following:

  • Performance-based, direct-response search marketing programs

  • Execution with paid search technologies tools (Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Search Ads 360, etc.)

  • External partner management (Google, Microsoft, technology partners, etc.)

  • Previousexperience in performance marketing, retail, eCommerce, etc. preferred

  • Experience managing direct reports

Pay Transparency

AtOvative, we offer a transparent view into three core components of your total compensation package: Base Salary, Annual Bonus, and Benefits. The salary range for this position below is inclusive of an annual bonus.Actualoffers are made with consideration for relevant experience andanticipatedimpact.Additionalbenefits information is provided below.

For ourManagerpositions, our compensation ranges from $90,000to $132,000, which is inclusive of a 20% bonus.

Benefits of Working at Ovative Group:

We provide strong, competitive, holistic benefits that understand the importance of your life inside and out of work.

Culture:

Culture matters and we've been recognized as a Top Workplace for tenyears running because of it. We demand trust and transparency from each other. We believe in doing the hard and complicated work others put off. We're open in communication and floor plan. We're flat - our interns sit next to VPs, our analysts work closely with senior leaders, and our CEO interacts with every single person daily. Put together, these elements help foster an environment where smart people can support each other in performing to their highest potential.

Ovative is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can participate and thrive. We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind, including on the basis of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Our policies reflect this commitment-for example, our medical leave benefits are inclusive of same-sex partners, ensuring equitable care and support for all families.

Compensation and Insurance:

We strive to hire and retain the best talent. Paying fair, competitive compensation, with a large bonus incentive, and phenomenal health insurance is an important part of this mix.

We're rewarded fairly and when the company performs well, we all benefit.

Tangible amenities we enjoy:

  • Access to all office spaces in MSP, NYC, and CHI

  • Frequent, paid travel to our Minneapolis headquarters for company events, team events, and in-person collaboration with teams

  • Generous paid vacation policy

  • 401k match program

  • Top-notch health insurance options, inclusive of same sex partners

  • Family formation benefits including reimbursement options for fertility, pregnancy, and parenting needs

  • Monthly stipend for your mobile phone and data plan

  • Sabbatical program

  • Charitable giving via our time and a financial match program

  • Shenanigan's Day

Working at Ovative won't be easy, but if you like getting your hands dirty, driving results, and being surrounded by the best talent, it'll be the most rewarding job you'll ever have. If you think you can make us better, we want to hear from you!