2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicantsGet AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.Direct message the job poster from PaxusRecruitment Director | Trusted Recruitment Partner for the Marketing & Advertising Industry in MelbourneCompany Type: Digital Media AgencyJob Title: SEM DirectorWork Type: Full-time NO Visa Sponsorship or Visa Transfer is available for this role Why work with this Agency?Shape SEM strategies for some of Australia’s biggest and boldest brandsWork in a future-focused agency driven by innovation, data, and creativityHybrid setup: 2 days WFH + a vibrant office environment that fuels ideasTake the lead on enterprise-level campaigns with multi-million dollar budgetsHigh-visibility role with direct access to CMO-level clientsBe part of a collaborative leadership team with no red tape or silosGrow and mentor a best-in-class SEM team with room to scaleEnjoy quarterly team offsites, wellness benefits, and ongoing L&DStrong backing from global tech partners (Google, Microsoft, Adobe)Culture of experimentation—your bold ideas won’t just be heard, they’ll fly About the RoleWe're on the hunt for an experienced and commercially-minded SEM Director to lead the paid search offering and drive performance for a portfolio of high-value clients. This is a pivotal leadership role for someone who blends deep technical SEM know-how with sharp strategic thinking and a passion for business results.You’ll be responsible for leading the SEM function, mentoring a team of high-performing specialists, and setting the vision for best-practice campaign management. You’ll work directly with senior clients, media partners, and internal stakeholders to turn complex search challenges into smart, scalable solutions that drive real impact.1. Leadership & StrategyOwn the agency’s SEM strategy across Google Ads and Microsoft Ads platformsLead a team of SEM specialists—supporting growth, learning, and performanceGuide the creation of advanced campaign structures, bid strategies, and targetingDevelop holistic SEM roadmaps aligned with full-funnel media strategiesKeep the agency at the forefront of SEM innovation, automation, and platform changes2. Campaign Management & Technical ExpertiseOversee the execution and optimisation of high-budget paid search campaignsChampion best practices in tracking (GTM, GA4), attribution, and first-party data useUse tools like Performance Max, Search Ads 360, and SA360 to scale automationConduct account audits, budget forecasts, and advanced performance analysisCollaborate with creative, UX, and analytics teams to optimise performance touchpointsAct as the strategic lead for senior client relationships on all SEM mattersPresent quarterly business reviews, insights, and performance recommendationsIdentify new growth opportunities and upsell SEM solutions where relevantSimplify complex SEM data into client-friendly stories that inspire confidenceMastery of Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and Search Ads 360Deep knowledge of automation, bidding strategies, and dynamic ad techExperience with GA4, GTM, and advanced attribution and audience frameworksStrong analytical and strategic thinking, with fluency in Excel and Looker StudioOutstanding client communication, leadership, and people management skills Experience Requirements6+ years in paid search, including senior leadership in an agency environmentProven success in scaling campaigns, improving efficiency, and hitting KPIsExperience managing large paid search budgets ($100K–$1 M+ monthly)Track record of team leadership, client satisfaction, and SEM innovationFamiliarity with enterprise clients, multi-market strategies, and B2B/B2C models Bonus if you have:Google Ads Search & Measurement CertificationsSA360, DV360, or Campaign Manager 360 experienceExperience in verticals like retail, fintech, eCommerce, or travelWorking knowledge of CRO, feed management, and audience segmentation toolsYugal Bhatia ( Yoogle )ybhatia@paxus.com.au**********************************Not quite the right fit?If this role doesn’t feel like the perfect match, don’t worry — I’m hiring for other Marketing & Advertising positions too. Check out all current openings here - https://www.seek.com.au/yugal-jobsSeniority levelSeniority levelMid-Senior levelEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionJob functionAdvertisingIndustriesAdvertising ServicesReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Paxus by 2xGet notified about new Search Director jobs in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 2 weeks agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 2 weeks agoCremorne, Victoria, Australia $100,000.00-$120,000.00 2 days agoDirector of Product Marketing at Rome2Rio (Remote, Australia & US )Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3 days agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 10 hours agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 3 weeks agoAssociate Director/Director, Performance MarketingMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 6 days agoPerformance Director (Advertising Agency)Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 2 weeks agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 1 week agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 2 weeks agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 2 weeks agoImplementation and Activation Associate DirectorMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 3 days agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 3 days agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia $130,000.00-$135,000.00 3 weeks agoImplementation & Activation Associate Director - PerformanceMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 3 days agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia A$111,500.00-A$111,500.00 1 week agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 3 days agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 4 days agoLead Earned Thinker (Account Director - PR)Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 2 weeks agoQuantitative Research – Senior Account DirectorMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 1 week agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 3 days agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 2 weeks agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 2 weeks agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 1 week agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 3 days agoConstruction Project Director - Health InfrastructureMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 2 days agoConstruction Project Director - Health InfrastructureMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 2 days agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 2 weeks agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 1 week agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 3 weeks agoSenior Change Manager (Relocate to Tasmania)Senior Change Manager (Relocate to Tasmania)Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 1 week agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 1 week agoCaulfield South, Victoria, Australia 1 day agoWe’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. 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