Manager, Precision Activation

MERGE•Kansas City, MO

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

At MERGE, we are Built Different. We are a marketing and technology agency purpose-built for the intersection of health and wellness—where human impact matters most. By weaving storytelling through technology, we move beyond traditional engagement to Whole Human Marketing. This approach recognizes that humans are multidimensional and complex, and uses AI to ensure every brand interaction feels natural, contextual, and relevant. This commitment to human-first innovation is what brings us together and propels us forward. We are united by our North Star: to unite people and brands to empower healthier, happier lives. Emerge to the Top of Your Career At MERGE, we strive to create a superior work experience where talented and ambitious people grow. An experience that encourages people to think higher and feel deeper. An experience where people engage their minds and hearts to do the best work of their careers. What You’ll Do, as our Paid Search Media Manager Support MERGE's practice in creating, optimizing, and executing best-in-class client paid search campaigns. As a hands-on Paid Search Media Manager, you will provide the strategic direction for keyword research, campaign building, and testing roadmaps. We are looking for a curious, data-driven marketer who understands the evolving AI landscape and can proactively identify opportunities to improve performance and goals delivery. You will bring passion and strong interpersonal skills to drive success, ensuring every dollar spent contributes to client growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Advertising, and/or equivalent work experience.
3 to 5 years of professional paid search campaign management experience.
Deep knowledge of all Google and Microsoft advertising products (Search, PMax, AI Max, Demand Gen, Video, etc.).
Data-driven decision-maker who relies on evidence and performance metrics to guide strategy.
A desire to keep learning and being informed on everything search, digital & AI
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills. You must be able to explain complex search data to clients clearly.
A problem-solving orientation with the ability to think critically about business goals.

Nice To Haves

Healthcare or Health Insurance lead generation experience is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

Build and launch (or guide executional-focused team members on what is needed) comprehensive campaigns across search, Performance Max, Demand Gen and more, ensuring best-practice account structure, compelling ad copy, tailored keyword lists, and client-specific targeting strategies.
Lead the Quality Assurance (QA) process for all trafficked plans (keywords, ad copy, extensions) and launch components (dayparting, bids, budgets, targeting).
Act as the primary Paid Search liaison for the broader media strategy teams, ensuring search is integrated seamlessly into the holistic media mix.
Lead the client discovery process to establish PPC objectives and develop the strategy for tactic, budget, goals, etc. Provide thoughtful leadership to ensure these goals are met.
Develop and recommend keyword lists, targeting strategies, and testing plans (e.g., ad copy A/B testing, landing page reviews).
Apply a working knowledge of the current AI landscape (e.g., Performance Max, Broad Match/Smart Bidding, Generative AI) to keep client accounts modernized and efficient.
Work closely with media partners (Google, Microsoft) to implement best practices across Search, PMax, Demand Gen, Video, and Call campaigns.
Accurately forecast and pace monthly budgets to ensure spending aligns with client targets and is the most optimal use of funds aligning with goals.
Monitor daily and analyze program KPIs (ROAS, CTR, CPA, CVR) to drive continuous improvement.
Develop a comprehensive, long-term optimization roadmap for the account, utilizing a data driven, test-and-learn approach.
Provide in-depth reporting on program performance. You will lead client status calls, presenting insights and strategic recommendations.
Ensure analytics tracking implementation is accurate, robust, and easy to manage.
Conduct deep-dive PPC audits to identify structural weaknesses in legacy accounts and uncover new opportunities.