SEM Senior Analyst, Paid Search Activation

Citi is looking for a Senior SEM Analyst to join its Paid Search Activation team within the U.S. Consumer Cards Paid Media function — one of the most strategically important and high-volume paid search operations in financial services. In this role, you will own the end-to-end build, quality assurance, and daily monitoring of paid search campaigns across Google Ads and Microsoft Ads, ensuring every campaign launches accurately, performs to target, and meets compliance standards. You will work at the centre of a performance-driven team focused on digital acquisition growth, marketing innovation, and measurable business impact. Responsibilities Build and structure paid search campaigns across Google Ads and Microsoft Ads, including ad groups, keyword lists, match types, and bid strategies that align to acquisition goals. Traffic ad copy variations and implement ad extensions — including sitelinks, callouts, and structured snippets — in line with brand standards and compliance requirements. Apply audience targeting, geotargeting, device bid adjustments, and scheduling parameters to ensure campaigns reach the right customers at the right time. Implement UTMs, click trackers, and Floodlight conversion tags, and partner with tagging and analytics teams to validate tracking accuracy before and after launch. Perform structured pre-launch quality assurance checks covering ad approvals, destination URLs, negative keyword coverage, budget settings, and overall account structure. Monitor daily campaign performance across pacing, CTR, CPC, and conversion trends, flagging anomalies and escalation risks to managers and strategists in a timely manner. Set up and monitor A/B and multivariate tests for ad copy and landing pages, document results, and share learnings to inform ongoing campaign optimisation. Maintain build trackers, QA logs, and pacing records to ensure full transparency across the team, and contribute to the continuous improvement of execution workflows and best practices. Required qualifications & skills 2–4 years of hands-on experience in SEM campaign execution or ad operations, with direct accountability for campaign builds and quality assurance. Proficiency in Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, SA360, and GA4, with the ability to navigate and execute across platforms independently. Competence in campaign trafficking, QA processes, and account structure best practices within a high-volume environment. Working knowledge of tagging, tracking, and attribution concepts, including UTMs, click trackers, and conversion tag implementation. Meticulous attention to detail and disciplined process management, with the ability to identify and resolve issues quickly under time pressure. Analytical approach to campaign performance, with the ability to interpret data in Excel or Google Sheets and surface meaningful insights. Bachelor's degree or equivalent university qualification. What we offer Joining Citi's U.S. Consumer Cards Paid Media team means working on one of the largest and most complex paid search programmes in the financial services industry. You will gain direct exposure to high-impact digital acquisition campaigns, work alongside experienced channel and product marketers, and develop your career in a team that is actively transforming how Citi reaches and acquires customers digitally. A hybrid working arrangement with 3 days in the office and 2 days working remotely, giving you flexibility alongside meaningful in-person collaboration. Direct involvement in large-scale paid search campaigns that drive measurable customer acquisition outcomes across one of Citi's most strategically important business lines. Exposure to a broad range of digital marketing disciplines — including campaign strategy, analytics, tagging, and testing — that accelerates your professional development. Access to learning and development resources that support your growth in paid media, performance marketing, and digital analytics. A collaborative team environment where your work has clear visibility and your contributions directly influence campaign performance and business results. Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including financial wellbeing and employee support programmes. Apply now to bring your paid search expertise to a team where precision, performance, and innovation shape the future of digital acquisition at Citi. ------------------------------------------------------ Job Family Group: Marketing ------------------------------------------------------ Job Family: Advertising, Branding and Media ------------------------------------------------------ Time Type: Full time ------------------------------------------------------ Primary Location: New York New York United States ------------------------------------------------------ Primary Location Full Time Salary Range: $78,320.00 - $109,280.00 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 programs. 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. ------------------------------------------------------ Most Relevant Skills Please see the requirements listed above. ------------------------------------------------------ Other Relevant Skills For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter. ------------------------------------------------------ Anticipated Posting Close Date: Jul 07, 2026 ------------------------------------------------------ Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to use our search tools and/or apply for a career opportunity review Accessibility at Citi. View Citi’s EEO Policy Statement and the Know Your Rights poster.