Overview
I'm hiring an SEO Manager to join a major UK retail group and take ownership of SEO performance for a flagship brand. This is a hands‑on, high‑impact role working across one of the UK's highest‑traffic retail sites – where SEO directly influences traffic, revenue, and commercial performance. Salary up to £45,000, office in London (Oxford Circus) or Shirebrook – 4 days/week.
About the company
A leading UK retail group with multiple well‑known brands across sports, premium, and luxury retail. They operate at scale, with huge product ranges, high transaction volumes, and significant organic traffic across multiple sites.
Role
You'll take ownership of SEO for a major retail website, responsible for driving organic traffic, rankings, and revenue; owning and delivering the SEO strategy; working closely with internal teams and external agencies; and leading while remaining hands‑on.
What you'll be doing
- Own SEO performance end‑to‑end – traffic, rankings, and revenue
- Develop and execute the SEO strategy and roadmap
- Conduct keyword research and identify opportunities for growth
- Analyse performance and report on key KPIs and ROI
- Work closely with internal stakeholders across trading, commercial, and product teams
- Manage and collaborate with external SEO agencies
- Oversee technical SEO, content optimisation, and site improvements
- Identify opportunities to improve site architecture and user experience
- Mentor or support junior team members where needed
Must‑haves
- Strong hands‑on SEO experience (technical + content)
- Experience working on high‑traffic or large eCommerce websites
- Confidence owning SEO performance for a full site
- Strong understanding of SEO tools and platforms (e.g., Screaming Frog, GSC, GA4)
- Experience working with stakeholders and influencing decisions
- Data‑driven mindset – able to analyse performance and act on it
Nice to have
- Experience in retail or eCommerce (preferred)
- Exposure to managing or mentoring junior team members
- Experience working in fast‑paced, performance‑driven environments
What they're looking for
- Around 3‑5 years' experience
- Ready to take ownership and step up from Senior Exec level
- Comfortable being hands‑on while leading delivery
- Someone who thrives in a fast‑moving, high‑expectation environment
Why this role
- Own SEO for a major retail brand from day one
- Huge scale and exposure across multiple brands and platforms
- Work in a high‑performance, commercially driven team
- Strong collaboration with senior stakeholders and agencies
- Clear opportunity to grow within a large retail group
Working pattern
- London (Oxford Circus) or Shirebrook office
- 4 days onsite (Mon & Fri fixed office days)
- Fast‑paced, collaborative environment
Interview process
- Initial screening
- Technical SEO interview with hiring manager
- Final onsite interview
If you're a hands‑on SEO specialist ready to step into a role with real ownership and scale, this is a great opportunity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEO Manager (eCommerce / High-Traffic Retail) in Shirebrook
✨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 Harnham are looking for when hiring for a SEO Manager (eCommerce / High-Traffic Retail).
✨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 Harnham for the SEO Manager (eCommerce / High-Traffic Retail), 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 Harnham as a SEO Manager (eCommerce / High-Traffic Retail), rub shoulders with their representatives when possible!
✨Utilise Company Resources
Don’t forget to check out Harnham’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 SEO Manager (eCommerce / High-Traffic Retail).
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your E-Commerce Savviness:When you're applying for an e-commerce role at Harnham, 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 Harnham'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 Harnham. 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 Harnham
✨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 Harnham 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 Harnham. 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!
