Head of Search Strategy and Activation

Description
This role is based remotely but if you live within a 50-mile radius of [Warren, MI, Austin, TX, or Mountain View, CA facilities], you are expected to report to that location three times a week, at minimum.
This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.
Overview
The Head of Search Strategy and Activation will develop the future vision and strategy for General Motors' Paid and Organic Search (SEO) approach. This role will be responsible for managing a team of search experts across core GM vehicle brands (Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac) as well as non-vehicle brands (e.g., OnStar). The selected candidate will lead this team in the development of paid search strategy, budgeting, reporting, optimization, ad copy build, linking strategies, vendor selection, platform operations, definition of consistent processes, and identification of innovation opportunities. They will also be expected to drive thought leadership and vision for GM's SEO strategy. This will be a highly collaborative role, working closely with GM's martech team and agency partners to level up GM's SEO approach across the enterprise. The candidate will for the ongoing management and performance of the search team including presentations of results, recommended coordination across brands and tiers (i.e., national, regional, local), and recommended structure of team. This candidate will have deep experience with the major media players in this space and a passion for continuous innovation and improvement. This is a great opportunity for a strong leader with deep experience in all forms of search to help build iconic brands while getting more consumers interested in our products!
Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive paid search strategies aligned with business objectives and reach targets

• Own strategy and vision to accelerate internal SEO capabilities, working closely with martech, data/analytics, and IT teams to enable

• Lead a team of search professionals, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to drive upskilled performance and career development

• Build and maintain excellent relationships and ways of working with cross-functional teams, including other media channels, (e.g. social, programmatic, direct buying) to align search initiatives with overall business goals

• Monitor trends in search tools, applications, formats, design, and strategy to ensure the company remains at the forefront of industry advancements (particularly with the influence of generative AI)

• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, best practices, search platform capabilities and policies

• Oversee the day-to-day planning, management, and implementation of all search platforms, including emerging platforms

• Channel budget management to ensure efficient use of spend and allocation of resources

• Accountable for the delivery of key performance indicators (KPIs)

• Develop and deliver regular reports and presentations to brand teams and leadership, providing insights into campaign performance, trends, and opportunities for improvement

• Manage publisher and vendor relationships with an eye to identifying innovation opportunities

• Work with other channel leads and Media Services to develop search best practices and learning agendas to improve effectiveness

• Stay apprised of new technologies and trends and a have keen understanding of search landscape to incorporate into media driven solutions

• Develop strategies that ensure seamless coordination and collaboration of national, regional, and local search media

• Provide search leadership and guidance for global markets

Additional Description
Skills and Abilities

• 10+ years' experience in digital media, with demonstrated hands-on development and leadership of paid and/or organic search teams

• Solid understanding of all areas of media with particular familiarity of search vendors and tactics

• Demonstrated ability to own and effectively manage a large media budget

• Ability to offer a clear POV and a strong rationale to defend position as GM's paid search SME

• Ability to prioritize and tie all paid search plans to broader enable success of corporate and brand business plans & core priorities

• Ability to communicate strategy and plans effectively

• Ability to form strong relationships with key paid search media partners to ensure strong plan development and best pricing

• A self-starter with the ability to think strategically

• Experience working with or for media agencies, in-house team experience preferred

• Excellence in PowerPoint and Excel

• Excellent communication, presentation, co-ordination and project management skills

• Analytical skills

• Ability to multi-task across many initiatives at one time

• Bachelor's degree in business or marketing

Compensation: The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paid in accordance with applicable state laws. The compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of New York, Colorado, California, or Washington.

• The salary range for this role is ($165,100-$252,900). The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
• Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.
• Benefits: GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more

GM DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMIGRATION-RELATED SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE. DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU WILL NEED GM IMMIGRATION SPONSORSHIP (e.g., H-1B, TN, STEM OPT, etc.) NOW OR IN THE FUTURE.
About GM
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Diversity Information
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that workforce diversity creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers. We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement (U.S.)
General Motors is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
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