Paid Search Manager Jobs in California
Paid Search Manager jobs in California are concentrated in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where companies like Google, Meta, and Salesforce maintain large marketing operations and hire at every level from coordinator to senior director. The most in-demand specialties are performance-driven paid search strategy, Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising campaign management, and e-commerce conversion optimization. California's tech and direct-to-consumer economy keeps this one of the most active paid search hiring markets in the country. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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About Hawke Media
Hawke Media is a top-tier, award-winning performance marketing agency. We believe in service, not a ‘smoke and mirrors’ approach to marketing. We’ve customized data-driven, performance solutions to help launch, scale, and invigorate businesses of all sizes and industries, and have successfully grown over 4,500 brands.
Job Summary
As a Media Manager, Paid Search at a client-centric agency, you'll play a crucial role in strengthening client relationships across various industries. Your responsibilities include strategically developing, implementing, and optimizing paid search campaigns, aligning them closely with client goals. This role involves detailed keyword research, crafting effective ads, managing budgets, and analyzing performance. Embodying our values of client-centric excellence, you'll maintain swift, clear communication and a personable approach. You'll also leverage innovative techniques, combining traditional and cutting-edge methods to craft world-class solutions. A commitment to continuous learning and curiosity will drive you to challenge both yourself and our clients, fostering a culture of curiosity and unparalleled success. Your success hinges on your ability to stay up to date on industry trends, manage expectations, and achieve measurable results through data-driven strategies.
Job Responsibilities
- Serve as the client-facing point of contact for Paid Search strategies.
- Develop, execute, and manage Google Ads & Microsoft Ads tactics for client portfolios day-to-day.
- Take responsibility for all client deliverables, campaign performance, and reporting.
- Regularly communicate with clients through weekly video calls and emails. Demonstrate knowledge of both ecommerce and lead generation strategies. Establish strong interpersonal relationships with clients.
- Effectively tell a story from the data in clients' accounts.
- Professionally overcome objections via email or calls.
- Be accountable for thought leadership activities with clients and internally, proposing new topics and championing creative strategic thinking.
- Own the client relationship, aiming for high satisfaction and retention.
- Work at all levels with an eye for detail to achieve quality & process goals, actively translating Hawkes' core values into everyday practices.
Job Skills
- 3-4+ years of experience in a Paid Search or Paid Media-related position managing accounts.
- Build, launch, and continuously monitor/optimize Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and other Paid Search platforms toward client-driven KPIs such as CPL, ROAS, etc.
- Advanced knowledge of Search, Shopping, Performance Max, Demand Gen, YouTube, and Google Merchant Center.
- High level of emotional intelligence.
- Ability to provide thought leadership within the search landscape. Perform A/B testing.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Highly experienced in retargeting strategies and tactics.
- Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
- Impeccable time management skills, including the ability to handle multiple direct reports, projects, and ongoing operational tasks, while effectively managing changing internal and client-facing priorities.
- Highly experienced with audience creation and segmentation, messaging, scaling, and budgeting.
- Can execute and teach manual bidding for conversions and standard events, ad fatigue and refresh, and general account/campaign optimization.
- Approaches all challenges as new learning and growth opportunities, with a solution-oriented mindset.
- Makes novel and innovative contributions to refine and improve channel on boarding & launch processes based on new platforms and media/market trends, executions, ideologies, etc.
- Possess solid knowledge of campaign structure, bidding strategies, feed optimization, offline conversion tracking, advanced remarketing, attribution, etc. Demonstrate a solid understanding of metrics such as MER, ROAS, CPA, etc.
Role Based Competencies & Behaviors
- Broad understanding of all Paid Search functions, fluency in at least 2 Hawke preferred systems. Knowledge of targeting strategies based on product SKUs, conditional logic & predictive analytics. Demonstrate automation building, segmentation, AB testing, data analysis, and creative strategic thinking skills.
- Understands best practices for campaign/full funnel setup, pixel implementation, testing methodologies, segmentation, deliverability, and reporting.
- Manage client expectations, assist in project management, research, audience and strategy definition, and other Amazon responsibilities. Track and analyze weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual KPI’s.
- Client relationship: Establishing and maintaining strong working connections. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a knack for problem-solving. Possess presentation skills both in person and on camera.
- Time & Project Management skills: High attention to detail and willingness to learn new skills and platforms. Ability to hit and exceed deadlines required.
- Team player: Always willing to do their fair share of work and take accountability. Receptive to feedback and coaching from teammates and supervisors. Able to thrive in fast-paced team environments; capable of working independently.
Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000
Location: Full-Time in-office Santa Monica HQ
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. The company cannot sponsor employment visas for this position at this time.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
- Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Financial Benefits
- Competitive Base Salary
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Life and Disability Insurance
Time Off
- Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Paternal/Maternal Leave
Growth and Development
- Ongoing Training and Learning Opportunities
- Career Path Progression
See All 14 Paid Search Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Paid Search Manager JobsPaid Search Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Paid Search Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Banking & Financial Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in paid search manager jobs across California.
- Google Ads certification and at least two years of hands-on paid search campaign management
- Demonstrated experience managing large monthly ad budgets across search and shopping campaigns
- Proficiency with analytics platforms including Google Analytics and third-party attribution tools
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, communications, or a closely related field
- Experience with A/B testing, bid strategy optimization, and keyword research methodologies
- Familiarity with CRM integrations, conversion tracking setup, and audience segmentation
Paid Search Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a paid search manager in California?
Becoming a paid search manager in California typically starts with a bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, or a related field, followed by earning Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising certifications. There is no state-issued license required for this role. Most California employers expect candidates to build hands-on experience through coordinator or analyst positions, and a portfolio showing campaign results strengthens any application considerably.
Which companies hire paid search managers in California?
Companies currently hiring paid search managers in California include Intuit, Integrated Specialty Coverages, and Rula, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of technology firms, direct-to-consumer brands, and large retail headquarters makes it one of the deepest markets for paid search talent in the country.
Which California cities have the most paid search manager jobs?
San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles have the most paid search manager openings in California. Los Angeles drives volume through its large base of entertainment, e-commerce, and consumer brands, San Francisco and the Bay Area draw demand from technology and SaaS companies, and San Diego sees consistent hiring through its growing biotech and defense marketing departments.
Are there remote paid search manager jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. Paid search management is an analytical, screen-based role that translates well to remote work. About 43% of paid search manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how broadly California employers have adopted flexible arrangements for digital marketing roles. Campaign strategy and reporting tasks are the most consistently offered as fully remote.
How can I get hired as a paid search manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a digital marketing coordinator or paid media associate role at a California-based agency or in-house marketing team. Large California employers in technology and retail frequently hire entry-level paid media coordinators and provide structured training. Earning Google Ads certification before applying gives candidates a clear edge. Agencies in Los Angeles and San Francisco are particularly active in developing junior talent, making them a practical first step toward a management track.
Where can I find and apply to paid search manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to paid search manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your experience and location preference, and apply directly to each one.
See All 14 Paid Search Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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