SEM Risk & Controls Manager, Paid Search Activation

Citi is looking for a Paid Search Risk & Controls Manager to own the controls framework for paid search within one of the largest card businesses in the United States. Sitting within the U.S. Consumer Cards Paid Media team, this role is the primary line of defense ensuring every search engine marketing campaign is executed with governance, operational accuracy, and full regulatory compliance. You will work at the intersection of digital marketing and risk management, partnering with teams across Ad Operations, Technology, Legal, Compliance, and Information Security to protect the integrity of paid search at scale. Responsibilities Own the paid search controls framework end-to-end, governing campaign approvals, quality assurance standards, change management, data handling, and vendor oversight across all search engine marketing activity. Oversee the full campaign lifecycle from build and trafficking through quality assurance, launch, and ongoing monitoring to ensure every campaign meets operational and compliance standards before and after it goes live. Lead controls governance and assurance activities including quarterly testing, evidence management, audit readiness, and issue remediation to maintain a continuously audit-ready environment. Manage cross-functional escalations, resolving control breaches, audit findings, and operational risks in coordination with Ad Operations, Technology, Legal, Compliance, and Risk teams. Ensure all paid search campaigns align with enterprise marketing and regulatory requirements, covering creative approvals, disclosures, targeting rules, and third-party vendor usage. Establish and maintain proactive control monitoring mechanisms, including self-checks, exception tracking, and remediation planning, to detect and address risk before it escalates. Define governance guardrails and approval processes for AI-driven search capabilities, including automated bidding, targeting, budget allocation, and creative optimization, partnering with Technology and Compliance to set clear monitoring and escalation standards. Track and report control performance, risk indicators, audit outcomes, and operational incidents to senior leadership, using data to inform continuous improvement across the channel. Required qualifications & skills 5-8 years of experience in marketing controls, risk management, compliance, or digital marketing operations within a regulated industry. Demonstrated ability to interpret regulatory requirements and translate them into practical, operational controls within a marketing environment. Experience working directly with Legal, Compliance, Risk, Information Security, and Technology teams to align marketing activity with enterprise governance standards. Familiarity with paid search platforms including Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and SA360, with enough working knowledge of campaign execution workflows to identify control gaps and assess operational risk. Analytical and documentation skills that enable you to maintain SOPs, process maps, data flows, and architecture diagrams to a high standard of accuracy and completeness. Ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities and coordinate alignment across complex, multi-stakeholder environments without losing pace or precision. Bachelor's degree or equivalent university qualification. Beneficial skills & qualifications Master's degree in a relevant field such as marketing, business, risk management, or a related discipline. Hands-on experience managing third-party and platform risk processes, including vendor risk assessments and onboarding governance. Exposure to AI-driven or automated marketing capabilities and an understanding of the governance considerations they introduce. What we offer A hybrid working arrangement with 3 days in the office and 2 days working remotely, giving you structure and flexibility in equal measure. Direct influence over governance decisions that affect one of Citi's largest and most strategically important business lines. Exposure to cross-functional collaboration at senior levels, working alongside Technology, Legal, Compliance, and Risk leadership on high-visibility initiatives. Access to learning and development resources that support your growth in both risk management and digital marketing disciplines. A performance-driven environment where your work has measurable impact on campaign integrity, regulatory standing, and business outcomes. Competitive financial wellbeing benefits and support programmes aligned to Citi's global employee offering. Primary Location: New York, NY, United States. Full-time salary range: $98,960.00 – $148,440.00. In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programmes. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire. Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. 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