Head of Paid Search

About Code3

Code3 is an integrated marketing agency, powering business growth for digital disruptors and Fortune 500 leaders alike. Our power is at the intersection of Connections, Creative and Commerce - that’s what is in our DNA. By harvesting insights and utilizing audience data, we work with our clients to develop scroll-stopping content and creative that performs and elevates the brands we work with across all digital media platforms.

Our people are energized by challenges and sprint to find unorthodox solutions. We plan, activate and measure as one team, and we’re not afraid to push boundaries and test our way to success. Coders are Relentless, Gritty, Nimble humans who are always striving to be better. 

With teams across the U.S., you’ll find more than a job at Code3. You’ll find a place to grow, make an impact, and do your best work alongside a team that’s invested in your success.

The Opportunity

We’re seeking a Head of Paid Search to set the vision for Code3’s paid search practice and lead its next phase of growth. This person will be accountable for the quality and performance of our work, the development of our team, and the growth and profitability of the practice. 

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can connect paid search strategy to broader business outcomes, while remaining close enough to the work to personally diagnose challenges and guide execution. You will initially lead a team of five, with a mandate to strengthen and grow the team as the client portfolio expands. You will establish Code3’s strategic point of view and operating standards, serve as a senior advisor to clients, lead our Google partnership, represent the practice in the market and be hands-on-keyboard for select large or strategically important accounts.

What you’ll do:

• Practice Strategy & Innovation
• Set the vision and roadmap for paid search at Code3.
• Establish the POVs, SOPs and quality standards needed to deliver excellent work across Google and Microsoft.
• Ensure the practice consistently improves account performance, meets client goals and identifies opportunities for growth.
• Stay ahead of AI, automation and changing search behavior, translating developments into practical guidance for clients and teams.
• Connect paid search with Creative, Commerce, Paid Social, Measurement and Client Partnership.
• Client Strategy & Activation
• Own paid search performance across Code3’s client portfolio.
• Serve as a senior client advisor and escalation point, identifying performance concerns, growth opportunities and risks early.
• Provide strategic oversight and hands-on-keyboard support for select large or complex accounts.
• Ensure teams deliver strong planning, execution and measurement, translating performance into clear recommendations tied to clients’ business objectives.
• Partner with Client Partnership on account strategy, executive relationships, retention and expansion.
• Growth, Partnerships & Market Presence
• Grow Code3’s paid search portfolio through strong retention, expansion and new business.
• Lead the paid search strategy for audits, pitches and prospect conversations.
• Own Code3’s Google partnership and build productive relationships with Microsoft and other key partners.
• Manage the practice’s staffing, utilization, revenue and profitability in partnership with agency leadership.
• Build Code3’s market presence through original content, compelling case studies and public speaking.
• Team Leadership & Development
• Lead and grow a high-performing team of five, setting clear expectations for strategy, execution, client leadership and accountability.
• Own hiring, coaching, performance management and career development across the practice.
• Build the training and operating rhythms needed to improve technical expertise, strategic judgment and client communication.
• Plan staffing and capacity to balance client needs, profitability, employee growth and sustainable workloads.
• Foster a culture of curiosity, collaboration, ownership and continuous improvement.

Who will love this role:

• A builder excited to overhaul and scale a paid search practice, not simply inherit and maintain one.
• A hands-on leader comfortable moving between executive strategy, team leadership and direct account work.
• A commercial thinker who connects client performance with retention, growth and profitability.
• A clear communicator who enjoys developing a point of view, building trust and representing their expertise publicly.
• A curious practitioner who is actively exploring how AI and changing search behavior are reshaping the discipline.

You should have:

• 8+ years of paid search experience, including substantial agency experience and deep expertise across Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising.
• 3+ years leading paid search professionals, including hiring, coaching and performance management.
• A track record of improving account performance, meeting client goals, retaining and expanding business, and addressing risks early.
• Experience advising senior clients and leading new-business audits, pitches and strategic presentations.
• Strong measurement fluency, including conversion tracking, GA4, attribution, incrementality and experimentation.
• Strong business acumen across practice revenue, profitability, staffing and capacity planning.
• Experience building effective processes, quality standards and team training.
• The ability and willingness to work directly in platform on select accounts.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Relevant Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising certifications, or the ability to complete them shortly after joining.

Strongly preferred:

• Experience with product feeds, Merchant Center and Shopping optimization.
• Experience across both ecommerce and lead-generation clients.
• Experience with GEO, AI search or answer engines and their impact on consumer discovery.
• Established relationships with Google, Microsoft or relevant technology partners.

The position also offers a bonus based on company and client success.

The base salary range will be determined based on the candidate’s experience and geographic location. Certain positions may also be eligible for a bonus, with eligibility and details discussed during the recruitment process. For candidates that are based in California, we encourage you to review this important information for California residents here. For best results, open the link in a new tab.

Salary Range

$134,500—$185,000 USD

Working at Code3

At Code3, we believe great work happens when people feel supported, trusted, and empowered to do their best. We’re proud to offer a competitive rewards package, meaningful opportunities for growth, and a culture that’s collaborative, inclusive, and-most importantly-human.

Here’s what you can expect as a Coder:

• Remote-first workplacedesigned to support flexibility and connection
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, plus a generous retirement program
• Thoughtful parental leave and return-to-work program
• Flexible Time Off, sabbatical opportunities, paid holidays, quarterly Company “Recharge” Days, and a holiday closure in December
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities to help you grow your skills and career
• A commitment to transparent DEIB practices and building a workplace where everyone can thrive

A Few Things to Know

All candidates who receive an offer will be required to successfully complete a background check.

Want to get to know us a little better? Check out Life at Code3  to learn more about our people, culture, and what it’s like to be a Coder.

Our Interview Process

During this first call, we’ll get to know you, learn more about your experience, and talk about what you’re looking for in your next opportunity. We’ll also explore alignment with our company and values, and depending on the role, we may ask a few technical or role-specific questions. From there, the process can look a little different depending on the role. You can expect to meet several members of the team and, for some positions, complete a skills assessment such as a Take-Home Assignment or Live Exercise. We’ll make sure you know what to expect every step of the way. Your Talent Acquisition partner will walk you through the full process during your initial conversation.

Inclusive Workforce

At Code3, we’re committed to creating a culture where people from all backgrounds feel welcome, supported, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We want every Coder to feel included and have the opportunity to contribute fully to our vision and goals. All applicants will receive fair consideration for employment. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic in the location where the candidate is applying.

If you have an accessibility need or would benefit from an accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know at [email protected]. We’re happy to work with you to make the process as comfortable and accessible as possible.

For more information about the data we collect and how we use it, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

We use AI technology to help streamline parts of our hiring workflow. People are at the heart of our hiring process, and all candidate decisions are made by our Talent Acquisition Team.

Please note that we do not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third-party recruitment firms.