Digital Buying Director - Search / Social / Programmatic

The Digital Buying Director will serve as team manager for our biddable media team including, search, paid social and programmatic specialists. This person will also serve as the lead manager of our HLK Desk, guiding buyers throughout campaigns. In addition, they will lead execution for our largest clients/campaigns from planning, executing, optimizing and supporting reporting across platforms. Responsibilities Lead the biddable functions within the media department, ensuring the team is executing plans flawlessly and driving optimizations regularly for campaign successCollaborate with media strategists, supporting the creation of budget and strategic recommendations for the the overall media planEnsure the success of the billing process for biddable parts of the media planResearch, recommend and implement tools we need to be successfulOwn a book of work, actively managing larger, more complex accounts across search, social and programmaticEstablish new processes to efficiently set up and improve quality control of campaign activationImplement a daily/weekly/monthly optimization process with documentation that improves overall campaign performance and reportingResearch and push clients to test new offerings on multiple biddable platformsManage assigned team, including hiring staff and establishing a performance-driven culture based on curiosity that results in action Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising or a related fieldMinimum of seven years of paid search, social and ideally programmatic experienceExperience managing an in-house programmatic trading deskExperience managing staff including hiring, training, establishing expectations and managing performanceUpdated certifications in Google Ads Certifications and social platform certifications where necessaryExpert on all aspects of the Google Ads offering (Search Ads, Google Display Network, YouTube, Campaign Manager 360, etc.)Ability to strategically assess opportunities and make data-driven decisions resulting in tangible improvements in performanceFlexibility and ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environmentA strong communicator with a can-do, positive attitude and a strong desire to get things done Additional Information About HLK:HLK is an independent agency with offices in St. Louis & Chicago. Wehave a hybrid in-office schedule and are looking for local St. Louis or Chicago candidates only.We believein the power of people to drive brands. Together, we shape a brand's identity and inspire its next move.We believe that brands have the power to influence people.We create brands in constant motion — on a mission to connect, surprise and change behavior.Our missionis to provide an environment where passionate problem solvers can thrive. Every day, we encourage our people to do three things:Be Curious.Seek out the right problems to solve. Embrace criticism. Dig deeper and dream bigger.Be Thoughtful.Empathy transforms information into insight. We remove roadblocks to solutions, helping and supporting each other to solve client problems.Be Brave.Take calculated risks, push the work and move forward fearlessly.

There are many benefits to working at HLK, including the following:
A flexible work environment
A casual and creative atmosphere
Unlimited time off
Paid sabbatical
Parental leave
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401(k) plan with a company match
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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