Paid Media / Performance Marketing Expert

Location :  In-House Only – Missoula, Montana

Company :  Montana Knife Company

About Us

Montana Knife Company is a premium American-made knife brand known for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovation in the outdoor industry. We have a thriving direct-to-consumer (DTC) business and a passionate customer community. As we continue to scale our digital presence and reach new audiences, we are seeking a skilled Paid Media / Performance Marketing Expert to drive our next phase of growth. If you are excited about a fast-paced, high-performing environment and share our passion for the outdoors, this is an opportunity to help take a beloved brand to new heights.

Position Overview

The Paid Media / Performance Marketing Expert will own our performance marketing strategy and execution across a wide range of channels, with the goal of driving new customer acquisition and revenue growth. In this pivotal senior role, you will develop and manage campaigns on digital platforms (Meta, Google, TikTok, etc.) as well as explore offline avenues (podcasts, streaming TV, etc.) to expand our reach. You’ll work closely with our in-house marketing and e-commerce teams and coordinate with our external growth agency to deliver exceptional omni-channel performance. This position requires a data-driven marketer with a proven track record of scaling DTC campaigns profitably, optimizing for key metrics like ROAS, CAC, LTV, and CPM. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, creative with campaign ideas, and passionate about the outdoor lifestyle we represent.

Key Responsibilities

Paid Media Strategy & Execution :  Develop and implement comprehensive paid media strategies that align with Montana Knife Company’s growth objectives. Plan and execute campaigns across digital and traditional channels – including Meta (Facebook / Instagram), Google (Search, Display, YouTube), TikTok, podcasts, streaming TV, affiliate networks, and more – to drive traffic and new customer acquisition.

Cross-Channel Campaign Management :  Oversee end-to-end campaign management, from initial planning and ad creative development to launch and optimization, ensuring consistent brand messaging across all platforms. Manage relationships with external partners (e.g., podcast hosts, media outlets, affiliate partners) to expand our reach and maintain a strong presence in each channel. Continuously test new channels and innovative campaign ideas to scale what works and reach new audiences.

Data Analysis & Optimization :  Monitor and analyze performance data on a daily / weekly basis to optimize campaigns for efficiency and ROI. Use a data-driven approach to adjust targeting, bidding, and creatives in real time, aiming to maximize Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) and minimize Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC). Conduct A / B tests on ads and landing pages to improve click-through rates and conversion rates, and implement findings to continually improve key metrics.

Budget Management :  Take ownership of the paid media budget, allocating spend effectively across channels to meet growth targets while staying within budget. Manage substantial ad budgets (including multi-million dollar annual spend) efficiently, ensuring resources are allocated for the highest impact. Track and report on spend and performance against targets, keeping a vigilant eye on metrics such as ROAS, CAC, customer lifetime value (LTV), and CPM to ensure campaigns are profitable.

Collaboration & Leadership :  Work closely with the internal marketing, creative, and e-commerce teams to align paid campaigns with product launches, promotions, and overall brand strategy. Partner with our external paid media / growth agency to coordinate campaign execution and leverage their expertise, while providing guidance and insight to ensure agency efforts meet our brand’s goals. Collaborate with designers and content creators to produce high-performing ad creatives that resonate with the outdoor / hunting audience.

Reporting & Insights :  Maintain a robust reporting cadence for all paid media activities. Prepare clear and concise performance reports for internal stakeholders, translating data into actionable insights. Communicate the “story” behind the numbers – how our campaigns are driving growth and where opportunities lie – ensuring leadership is informed about progress toward customer acquisition and revenue targets. Present recommendations for scaling campaigns, reallocating budget, and improving overall marketing ROI based on your analyses.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation :  Stay up-to-date on the latest trends, platform updates, and best practices in DTC performance marketing . Act as a champion for new ideas and emerging channels – whether it’s a new social platform, an up-and-coming podcast network, or a novel ad tech tool – to keep Montana Knife Company at the cutting edge of marketing. Continuously research our industry and competitors, and be ready to experiment with new strategies that can give us an edge in a competitive market.

Qualifications

Experience :  5+ years of hands-on experience in performance marketing, paid media, or growth marketing, with a track record of success in driving customer acquisition and revenue growth (experience with DTC e-commerce brands is highly preferred). Senior-level expertise in planning and executing multi-channel campaigns is required.

Platform Expertise :  Deep knowledge of major digital advertising platforms – including Facebook / Instagram Ads, Google Ads (Search, Display, YouTube), and TikTok – and proven ability to optimize within each. Experience with additional channels like podcasts, streaming / CTV, radio, or affiliate marketing is a strong plus.

Budget & ROI Management :  Demonstrated ability to manage and scale large advertising budgets (including 7-figure annual spend) while hitting performance targets. Highly analytical mindset with expertise in key marketing metrics (ROAS, CAC, LTV, CPM, etc.) and the tools needed to track them.

Analytical Skills :  Proficiency in data analysis and attribution modeling to understand the full customer journey. Comfortable using analytics platforms and dashboards (e.g., Google Analytics, Shopify analytics) to evaluate campaign performance and identify insights. Advanced Excel or Google Sheets skills for reporting and analysis are desirable.

Collaboration & Communication :  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Experience working cross-functionally and / or with agencies, with the ability to clearly brief creative teams and coordinate with external partners to achieve campaign goals. Able to present data and marketing concepts in an understandable way to stakeholders at all levels.

Organizational Skills :  Exceptional project and time management abilities. Capable of juggling multiple campaigns, deadlines, and initiatives in a fast-paced environment without sacrificing attention to detail. Proactive and self-driven, with a solution-oriented approach to overcoming challenges.

Industry Passion :  A genuine passion for the outdoor and hunting industry. Familiarity with the outdoor community and our product use cases is a plus, as it helps in crafting authentic marketing messages. Enthusiasm for our mission of delivering high-quality, American-made knives to our customers.

Education & Certifications :  Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications or related field preferred. Relevant certifications (Google Ads, Facebook Blueprint, etc.) are a bonus and indicate a commitment to staying current in the field .

What We Offer

Compensation :  Competitive salary (DOE – Dependent on Experience) commensurate with the seniority of this role and your experience.

Benefits :  Comprehensive benefits package including paid vacation time, a 401(k) matching program, and partial health insurance coverage. We value our employees’ well-being and work-life balance, and we offer the support to prove it.

Growth Opportunity :  The chance to make a significant impact in a rapidly growing company. You’ll have the autonomy to shape our paid media strategy and the support of a dedicated team, in an environment that rewards initiative and innovation.

Culture :  Work in a tight-knit team that is passionate about our products and the outdoors. Enjoy an entrepreneurial culture where new ideas are encouraged, and every team member’s contribution truly matters.

How To Apply

If you’re excited to leverage your paid media expertise to fuel the growth of an authentic Made-in-USA brand, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are the ideal candidate for the Paid Media / Performance Marketing Expert position to .

Include “Paid Media / Performance Marketing Expert” in the subject line of your email.

We will review applications on a rolling basis and contact qualified candidates for next steps.

Montana Knife Company is an equal opportunity employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.