Group Director, Search

OverviewGroup Director, Search (Remote) at Monks. We are looking for a strong, passionate, and energetic Search leader to drive growth and strategic oversight across the paid search department with a focus on our largest accounts and serving as an SME on LLM optimization for organic and paid synergy.This role emphasizes search-driven performance marketing, with expertise in both organic search and paid search. It requires a people-focused leader who enjoys hands-on, cross-functional collaboration in a fast-growing, innovative digital agency that prioritizes client performance and ROI.ResponsibilitiesReporting to our SVP, Head of Search, lead a team including SEM channel specialists (Paid search, YouTube, Demand Gen, PMax, Shopping, and App) and Account Leads managing direct client partnerships, contract negotiations/renewals, client onboards, etc., in addition to SEO specialists.Serve as a Search thought leader and respond to the changing landscape.Bring recent experience in SEO/GEO or AEO/AIO and direct experience optimizing for LLMs across paid and organic search.Operationalize a GTM approach for LLM optimization with a strong point of view.Conduct content and tech audits for organic search; comfortable with SEO reporting and visibility monitoring.Responsible for revenue driven from new business, client relationships, and client growth.Act as an escalation point across top clients; participate actively in pitches, scoping, and collaboration with the growth team.Present Paid Search and organic strategy, performance, and tactical priorities to clients and internal stakeholders.Partner with cross-channel leads on media plans including forecasting, testing, tactical plans, and reporting.Drive Search strategy, innovation, and testing; develop quarterly/annual roadmaps to advance accounts with latest trends and opportunities.Lead QBRs, planning presentations, and testing plans; manage client calls from a paid search perspective.Forecasting, budgeting, and diminishing return analysis.Manage a team from Account Managers to Directors; responsible for team growth, training, mentorship, and retention; involved in hiring and onboarding new employees.Lead a team with advanced SEM skills, multi-channel digital marketing strategy, and client management; provide analytics reporting and projections.Provide feedback and performance reviews; support career pathing and coaching; sponsor senior client relationships and guide holistic digital strategy.Train the team, department, and agency; contribute to team morale, culture, and mentorship; contribute to training, POVs, award submissions, and case studies.Collaborate with Google, Bing, and other vendors on alpha/beta opportunities, expansion opportunities, client strategy, planning, and best practices.Operationalize processes and gain adoption across team focus areas; assist in creating a team culture in a hybrid working model.About You12+ years Paid Search experienceExperience communicating with senior client contacts from VPs to C-SuiteExperience managing Paid Search budgets of at least $1MM+ monthly ad spendRecent experience optimizing to LLMs across paid and organic search; strong organic and paid search backgroundExperience directing strategy in D2C or Retail, B2B, and B2C across multiple verticals is a plusExperience with YouTube, Performance Max, Demand Gen, Value-Based Bidding; knowledge of Offline Conversion Data and CRM integrations with Google Ads is a plusAdvanced slide presentation and Excel/Google Sheets skillsExperience presenting paid search strategy to marketing executives and large teams5+ years of management experience with at least 3 direct reports at Associate Director level or higherExperience with bid management platforms (e.g., SA360, Skai, Marin) preferred4-year college degree or equivalent work experienceAt Monks, we celebrate diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are excited to contribute to our mission.BenefitsExcellent, full coverage medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer-paid HRAGenerous PTO and 15 company-wide holidays401k with company contributionPaid parental leaveWork-life balance and emphasis on personal well-beingCareer growth in a disruptor space and entrepreneurial opportunities within the Monks networkDiverse and inclusive culture with employee resource groupsCommitment to DEI and sustainable growthSalary Range: $160,000—$180,000 USD. About Monks: Monks is the global, digital brand of S4Capital plc, delivering marketing and technology services powered by AI. We are an equal-opportunity employer and committed to a respectful, empowering work environment.We are not including other job postings or extraneous listings in this description. #J-18808-Ljbffr