Head of Search
R-E-D is a Google and Facebook Partner servicing approximately 500 active clients. We have experienced substantial growth over the past few years and market conditions indicate continued growth in the forthcoming years. We are a proudly South African home-grown company with aspirations of exporting our services and products on a global scale. With the future growth and expansion we foresee, we have no doubt that there be plenty opportunity for individual growth.
The Role
We are looking for a data-driven, performance-focused Head of Search to lead our agency's paid search and Google ecosystem strategy. This role will oversee all aspects of PPC (Google & Bing Ads), Google Business Profiles, Map Listings, and web analytics, ensuring our clients' digital presence is optimized for visibility, efficiency, and ROI.
The ideal candidate combines technical expertise with strategic thinking and leadership capability, able to manage a high-performing team while developing and executing campaigns that deliver measurable results across platforms.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Performance Leadership
- Lead and optimize performance marketing strategies across Google Ads, Bing Ads, and other paid search platforms.
- Develop and implement best-in-class approaches for local SEO, map listings, and Google Business Profile optimization.
- Oversee account structures, bidding strategies, audience targeting, and creative testing for maximum ROI.
- Manage and mentor a team of paid search specialists and analysts.
- Oversee the setup, tracking, and optimization of campaigns across search, display, YouTube, and shopping formats.
- Implement systems for campaign reviews, performance tracking, and improvement cycles.
- Lead the setup, configuration, and optimization of Google Analytics (GA4) and Google Search Console for client sites.
- Define and monitor KPIs, building dashboards and custom reports to track performance.
- Translate complex data into actionable insights for clients and internal teams.
- Ensure proper tagging, tracking, and integration between websites and Google platforms.
- Stay current on Google Ads updates, platform changes, and industry best practices.
- Manage API connections, data feeds (e.g., product feeds for Shopping), and UTM frameworks for consistency and accuracy.
- Act as the senior point of contact for paid search strategy and analytics conversations with clients.
- Present performance reviews, insights, and recommendations clearly and confidently.
- Collaborate closely with SEO, content, design, and dev teams to ensure full-funnel marketing integration.
Required Skills
- Expert knowledge of Google Ads, Bing Ads, GA4, Google Business Profiles, and Search Console.
- Skilled in campaign management, audience targeting, remarketing, and A/B testing.
- Proficient with campaign and web analytics tools (e.g., Google Tag Manager, Looker Studio, SEMrush, etc.).
- Strong command of data interpretation and performance optimization techniques.
- Highly organized, analytical, and detail-oriented.
- Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to simplify complex data.
Required Qualifications / Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Digital Marketing, Business, Data Analytics, or a related field.
- 6+ years of hands-on experience in paid search marketing, with 3+ years in a leadership or client-facing role.
- Google Ads and Google Analytics certifications.
Key Perfromance Indicators
- Campaign ROI, CPA, CTR, and conversion rate improvements
- Client satisfaction and retention on paid search accounts
- Accuracy and insightfulness of reporting and analytics
- Quality and completeness of tagging, tracking, and platform setup
- Local SEO visibility (e.g., map pack presence, GBP completeness)
- Team efficiency, knowledge development, and performanceClient satisfaction and retention
Remuneration
Negotiable based on qualifications and expereince
How to Apply
Please submit your application (current resume or CV and application / motivational letter) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.