SEM Specialist in Halifax, NS

SEM Specialist Job Description

An SEM Specialist (Search Engine Marketing) in Canada is a highly analytical and results-driven professional responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and optimization of paid search advertising campaigns. This role focuses on driving qualified website traffic, generating leads, and achieving key conversion goals across platforms like Google Ads and Microsoft Ads. The SEM Specialist leverages in-depth keyword research, compelling ad creation, sophisticated bidding strategies, and meticulous performance analysis to maximize campaign ROI and enhance overall digital marketing efforts. Candidates must possess a strong analytical mindset, expert proficiency with SEM tools, and the ability to adapt strategies to evolving market trends. A bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related quantitative field is preferred, alongside relevant certifications (e.g., Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising). A deep understanding of Canadian search consumer behaviour, regional targeting, and local market nuances is essential.

Typical SEM specialist duties:

Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive paid search strategies and campaigns across Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and other relevant platforms.

Conduct in-depth keyword research, audience segmentation, and competitive analysis to identify growth opportunities in the Canadian market.

Create, test, and optimize compelling ad copy, ad extensions, and landing page experiences to improve quality scores and conversion rates.

Manage daily bid optimizations and campaign budgets to achieve target KPIs such as ROI, CPA, and ROAS.

Monitor campaign performance closely using analytics tools, identifying trends, anomalies, and opportunities for continuous improvement.

Generate detailed performance reports and present actionable insights to stakeholders, explaining campaign results and strategic recommendations.

Stay current with the latest SEM trends, platform updates, and competitive landscape, particularly within the Canadian digital advertising space.

Collaborate with marketing, content, and web development teams to ensure a cohesive and effective digital marketing strategy.

Looking for a SEM specialist or a SEM specialist job?

Request candidates now and a specialized recruiter will typically contact you within one business day to discuss your staffing needs and help you hire a sem specialist.

Search sem specialist openings and apply now or submit your resume to be considered for opportunities that match your experience.

Salary for SEM Specialist in Halifax, NS

59139 - 73631

Low

59139

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is still developing core skills.

Mid

67320

The candidate has moderate experience in the role or one similar, meets most requirements and may hold transferable skills or relevant certifications.

High

73631

The candidate has extensive experience in the role, demonstrates advanced skills and often brings specialized certifications or industry experience.

Projected salaries for related positions

Job title

Low

Mid

High

Marketing Automation Manager

79241

100513

114070

Marketing Automation Specialist

57035

73865

87890

Email Marketing Automation Specialist

74099

87189

94903

Growth Marketing Manager

78774

98175

110330

Digital Marketing Manager

78306

96773

111031

Digital Marketing Specialist

55165

62411

73631

Digital Project Manager

69891

89994

104019

Email Marketing Manager

70359

84384

93266

Email Marketing Specialist

55399

64749

72229

Digital Strategist

72229

88124

107058

SEO Content Manager

67086

83215

100279

SEO Specialist

56801

67320

76904

Web Analytics Specialist

61476

73631

86488

Community Manager

51425

60308

69891

Explore more salaries

Looking to hire? Start here.

Access the skilled permanent and contract talent you need—from support roles to C-suite—with precision matching powered by Robert Half recruiters leveraging their experience combined together with our industry-leading AI technology.

Hire talent

More to explore

2027 Canada Salary Guide Explore the latest data for roles in 6 professional fields and know what you should pay or earn in local and national markets.

Demand for Skilled Talent Check out our Demand for Skilled Talent report to learn about employers’ hiring plans and needs.

Labour Market Overview Stay on top of Robert Half and Statistics Canada job posting data to learn about today’s hiring market.

Pay and Compensation Highlights Dive deeper into salary and total compensation trends across a range of professional roles and industries.

The salary benchmarks in the Canada Salary Guide From Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process designed to reflect projected market trends for 2027. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has placed nationwide, along with third-party job posting data from Textkernel that we use for independent validation. Learn more about our methodology.