About The Role
We’re looking for an experienced Website & SEO Manager to take ownership of the development, performance and continuous improvement of our websites across the Access Creative Group.
This is a technical, hands-on web leadership role with responsibility for ensuring our websites are fast, secure, accessible, responsive, technically robust and provide an engaging, effective experience for our audiences.
You’ll lead website development and improvement projects from initial scoping and planning through to delivery, evaluation and ongoing optimisation. You’ll manage multiple projects and priorities, working closely with designers, developers, IT, Marketing, Admissions, Outreach, senior stakeholders and external partners to turn business objectives into high-quality digital experiences.
You’ll have real ownership of our web estate, including website performance, technical development, analytics, tracking, user experience, functionality, security and continuous improvement. You’ll use data and insight to understand how our websites are performing, identify opportunities and make evidence-based decisions about where improvements should be made.
You’ll also oversee SEO activity, working closely with and providing leadership to our SEO Lead. You’ll ensure SEO is integrated into our wider website, content and digital strategy, covering technical SEO, on-page optimisation, site structure, search visibility and organic performance.
A key part of the role will be connecting technology, user experience, data, content and marketing to ensure our websites support organisational and commercial objectives. You’ll work across multiple brands and websites, balancing strategic thinking with the technical detail required to deliver effective solutions.
You’ll also be responsible for managing the web budget, maintaining strong relationships with external developers and partners, and ensuring appropriate standards around website security, tracking, GDPR and technical performance are maintained.
This is a Hybrid role working two days per week in the Manchester Office.
About You
You’re an experienced web professional with a strong technical understanding and a genuine interest in making websites better.
You’ll have a proven track record of managing and developing websites and will be comfortable working across CMS platforms, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, analytics, tracking, website performance and technical development.
You’ll be able to understand technical challenges and work confidently with developers and IT teams, while also considering the user experience, commercial objectives and wider organisational context.
You’ll be highly organised and comfortable managing multiple web projects simultaneously, bringing structure to complex work, managing priorities, identifying risks and ensuring projects are delivered effectively and on time.
You’ll also have strong stakeholder management and communication skills. You’ll be comfortable working with technical and non-technical colleagues, explaining complex issues clearly, challenging constructively and bringing different teams together around practical solutions.
You’ll be someone who wants to take ownership of a web estate and continually improve it — not simply maintain it. You’ll be curious about technology, willing to experiment with new approaches and motivated by finding better ways to improve website performance, user experience and digital outcomes.
It would be great if you have:
- Experience with SEO, including technical SEO, on-page optimisation, site structure, keyword research and organic search performance.
- Experience using Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Google Search Console and SEO tools such as SEMrush and Screaming Frog.
- Experience working with WordPress, Webflow or other CMS platforms.
- Experience working with developers, designers and IT teams on website development and technical projects.
- Experience with website analytics, conversion tracking and using data to inform website improvements.
- Experience managing website security, performance, accessibility and GDPR requirements.
- An understanding of PPC and how paid and organic search can work together.
- An understanding of AI-driven web and SEO tools and automation, and how these can improve efficiency without compromising quality, creativity or authenticity.
- A broad understanding of how websites connect with wider marketing and digital activity to achieve organisational objectives.
Why Join Us?
This is your opportunity to shape the digital future of the Access Creative Group.
You’ll have genuine ownership of our web platforms and the opportunity to influence how they develop across our group of brands. You’ll lead projects, shape digital experiences, introduce new ideas and use technology and data to make a visible difference.
You’ll work at the intersection of technology, creativity, user experience, data and marketing, with the freedom to challenge how things are done and identify better ways of working.
You’ll also lead and develop our SEO function, giving you the opportunity to build a strong digital team around you while working alongside talented creative, marketing, IT and operational teams.
If you’re excited by the idea of taking ownership, building better digital experiences, leading people and turning ambitious ideas into reality, we’d love to hear from you.
Who are we?
We are Access Creative College, formerly known as Access to Music, and we were founded in 1992. We're an Ofsted-inspected provider that reaches every corner of the country, with 7 campuses and over 2,500 students nationwide. We're proud to have achieved the national benchmark for education quality, recognised across the vast majority of our provision - Ofsted's 'Expected Standard' under the new inspection framework. We are part of Access Education Group, which boasts 32 campuses nationwide with over 5,000 students & apprentices across Access Creative College, dBs Institute (Higher Education) & Access Sport College.
What we offer?
- Generous Holiday Allocation
- Wellbeing Benefits: Health Cash Plan, Doctorline GP Service, Employee Assistance Programme, Access to Counselling and Cycle to Work
- Staff Discounts & Benefits: access to Accolade, our benefits platform which offers discounts at over 800 retailers!
- Paid Leave: Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Sick pay.
A full job description and person specification is available for download alongside our full benefits booklet.
Diversity and open expression are fundamental to creativity. We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and inclusivity for all our employees and potential employees.
DBS Checks: Enhanced DBS clearance will be required.
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Website & SEO Manager in Manchester employer: Access Creative College
Access Creative College is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises creativity and inclusivity in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and collaboration with industry leaders, ensuring that our staff are not only educators but also innovators in the Games and Media sector. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the next generation of creative talent while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a dynamic urban environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Website & SEO Manager in Manchester
✨Get to Know Your E-commerce Community
Dive into specific e-commerce forums and groups on platforms like Reddit or Facebook. Engaging with these communities can open up opportunities and give you insights into what companies like Access Creative College are looking for when hiring for a Website & SEO Manager.
✨Showcase Your Skills with an Online Portfolio
In e-commerce, a strong online presence can set you apart. Create a portfolio that highlights any projects, case studies, or even personal ventures related to e-commerce. When you apply to Access Creative College for the Website & SEO Manager, a tangible demonstration of your skills could make a huge difference.
✨Attend E-commerce Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on e-commerce conferences and workshops in your area. Not only will you gain valuable knowledge, but networking with industry professionals could lead to job leads. Plus, if you're keen to work at Access Creative College as a Website & SEO Manager, rub shoulders with their representatives when possible!
✨Utilise Company Resources
Don’t forget to check out Access Creative College’s career page for any unique application processes or opportunities that might not be listed on job boards. Applying directly through their website might give your application a bit more visibility, especially for a Website & SEO Manager.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your E-Commerce Savviness:When you're applying for an e-commerce role at Access Creative College, make sure your CV reflects your familiarity with online retail platforms, digital marketing, and user experience. Highlight any relevant tools and technologies you've used, like Shopify or Google Analytics, to demonstrate that you’re well-versed in the industry.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not just reiterate your CV; it’s your chance to showcase your passion for e-commerce and how it aligns with Access Creative College's goals. Mention specific projects or achievements that relate to the role, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where you can make a tangible impact.
Metrics Matter:In the world of e-commerce, numbers speak volumes. When detailing your past experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible—like the percentage of sales growth you contributed to or successful conversion rates from marketing campaigns. This will make your application stand out and show that you're results-driven.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t forget to customise your CV and cover letter for the specific position at Access Creative College. Use keywords from the job description, and address the unique challenges the company may face in the e-commerce space. A personalised application helps us see that you're not just applying everywhere but are genuinely interested in being part of our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Access Creative College
✨Show Off Your E-commerce Know-How
In a sector like e-commerce, having a strong grasp of current trends and technologies is crucial. Let’s make sure you’ve brushed up on key platforms that Access Creative College uses—think about popular e-commerce software, digital marketing strategies, and how these affect consumer behaviour. Being able to discuss these intelligently can really set you apart.
✨Portfolio Power: Showcase Your Results
For a full-time e-commerce role, it’s key for us to present a portfolio that highlights your results rather than just your tasks. If you’ve worked on campaigns or projects, bring examples that showcase your contribution and the impact they made—use metrics if you can! This helps to illustrate your value in a real-world context.
✨Technical Questions: Prep for the Specifics
Get ready to tackle some technical questions related to e-commerce analytics, SEO tools, or website optimisation. Think about any past experiences where you utilised data to inform decisions or improve sales. Being prepared with specific examples will showcase not just your knowledge, but also your practical application of it, which we all know is crucial!
✨Engage in a Conversational Style
Full-time interviews can feel quite formal, but try to keep it conversational, especially if you click with your interviewers at Access Creative College. Share your thoughts and ideas about the future of e-commerce, and don’t shy away from engaging with their questions openly. The more genuine and relatable you are, the better connection you’ll create!
