Search engine optimization manager

SEO Leader – AI-First Search & Discovery (Agency Experience Mandatory)
Role Summary:
We are hiring an SEO Leader from a digital agency background who has built, scaled, and owned SEO as a commercial growth function across multiple brands. This role goes far beyond traditional keyword-led SEO or reporting-driven execution.
You will lead AI-first search and discovery, where brand visibility extends beyond Google into LLMs and AI platforms such as Chat GPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and emerging generative search interfaces—while maintaining strong SEO fundamentals.
This is a hands-on leadership role with direct accountability for growth, delivery, and revenue impact.
Mandatory Background Requirement
This role requires prior experience in a digital marketing / growth agency.
Candidates with only in-house SEO experience will not be considered.
Key Responsibilities
AI-First SEO Strategy & Growth
- Define and own an AI-first SEO strategy aligned with client and business revenue goals
- Drive organic growth across:
- Traditional search engines
- AI-powered discovery and generative search platforms
- Identify and execute scalable opportunities across:
- Technical SEO
- Content systems and frameworks
- Authority building and digital PR
- AI / LLM visibility and brand discoverability
Execution Ownership (No Hand-offs)
- Lead SEO from strategy to implementation to results
- Work closely with content, tech, product, and revenue teams to ensure execution speed
- Convert insights into action—not decks, audits, or theoretical recommendations
- Thrive in a fast-paced, multi-account agency environment
Client & Commercial Accountability
- Own KPIs tied to growth, leads, pipeline, or revenue (traffic alone is insufficient)
- Present outcomes with clear commercial context to internal stakeholders and clients
- Balance long-term SEO strategy with short-term performance delivery
- Manage priorities across multiple brands, verticals, and stakeholders
Team Leadership & Scale
- Lead, mentor, and performance-manage SEO team members
- Build scalable agency-ready SEO processes, playbooks, and operating models
- Ensure consistency, quality, and measurable impact across accounts
Innovation & Continuous Learning
Stay ahead of:
- AI search evolution and LLM behaviour
- Algorithmic and platform changes
- Run structured experiments, capture learnings, and systemise what works
- Continuously improve SEO performance through data-led iteration
Who This Role Is For
- You have 4+ years of SEO experience in a digital agency
- You are comfortable owning outcomes, not just activity
- You understand AI / LLM optimisation and modern search discovery
- You have managed teams and handled client-facing accountability
- You operate as a Builder, Owner, and Operator
What Will Disqualify You
- No prior agency experience
- Experience limited to on-page SEO or monthly reporting
- No ownership of commercial or revenue-linked metrics
- Dependence on others for implementation
Experience & Profile
- Minimum 4+ years of SEO experience in a digital/growth agency
- Demonstrated success driving organic growth tied to business impact
- Experience managing multiple accounts and cross-functional teams
- Strong grounding in SEO fundamentals combined with AI-first thinking
Mindset We Are Looking For
Builder | Owner | Operator: You take responsibility, execute decisively, and measure success by results.