At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate SEO strategies, focusing on link building and AI-led search.
- Company: Join a dynamic agency at the forefront of SEO and digital marketing.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, hybrid working, and a generous bonus scheme.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and thought leadership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of SEO while driving client success in exciting markets.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in SEO, particularly in iGaming and regulated industries.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Description
We require an accomplished and commercially minded SEO leader to set the direction, commercial strategy and future proposition for ICS's SEO service line.
At ICS, the service line encompasses technical and on-page SEO, content strategy, off page SEO (including Digital PR), visibility across AI-led search and development of our own link marketplace.
Working through the SEO Lead and Digital PR Lead, the
Head of SEO will establish priorities and standards, hold each discipline accountable for delivery and bring the service line together into effective client solutions.
Link building strategy and execution will be a core element of the role.
Strong experience of link building strategies for i Gaming and other regulated markets is essential.
Key objective
Set and deliver a clear strategy for the SEO service line, ensuring that SEO, Digital PR, managed link building, the marketplace and AI-led search capabilities support client and business growth.
The Head of SEO is accountable for the service line's commercial performance, proposition, standards and long-term development, while the SEO Lead and Digital PR Lead own discipline-specific delivery, people development and operational resource planning.
Key responsibilities
- SEO Service Line Strategy
- Define and communicate the strategy, proposition, roadmap and standards for the SEO service line, setting clear strategic priorities across technical and on-page SEO, content, Digital PR, managed link building, international search and AI-led search
- Set service-line measurement and reporting expectations across organic performance, earned media, authority, link acquisition, brand visibility, AI citations and commercial outcomes.
- Marketplace and Link Building Product Ownership
- Own the strategic direction and commercial development of ICS’s managed link-building and authority offering, including the marketplace vision, proposition, roadmap and performance.
- Set marketplace standards for publisher quality, supply, pricing, customer experience, fulfilment and governance, ensuring sufficient high-quality inventory across priority languages, markets and sectors, particularly i Gaming and other regulated industries.
- Clients and Business Growth
- Work closely with the Head of Client Strategy as a senior authority for key and prospective clients, leading conversations where service-line, commercial or complex cross-discipline expertise is required.
- Working with the Head of Client Strategy to lead or support strategically important pitches, audits and proposals, ensuring solutions are differentiated, commercially viable and appropriately resourced.
- Identify opportunities to grow client relationships through wider adoption of SEO, Digital PR, managed link building, the marketplace and emerging AI-led search services.
- Commercial and Operational Leadership
- Own the SEO service line's revenue, profitability, gross margin, conversion, efficiency and sustainable growth.
- Work with Finance and Business Performance to manage budgets, forecasts, pipeline performance and decisions concerning team, product, publisher and technology investment.
- Agency Contribution and Thought Leadership
- Set and lead the service line's research, SEO testing and experimentation agenda, aligned with ICS’ positioning and marketing strategy, using results to improve client solutions and create credible case studies, whitepapers, roundtables, speaking opportunities and thought leadership across i Gaming, regulated markets, Digital PR, authority growth, link building and AI-led search.
What we're looking for
Strong, demonstrable i Gaming and regulated industries experience is an essential requirement for this role.
- Significant experience leading an SEO or organic-growth service line within an agency, consultancy or complex client-service environment.
- Deep strategic knowledge of SEO, authority development and link building, with sufficient breadth across technical SEO, content, international search, analytics and reporting to challenge and guide senior specialists.
- A strong strategic understanding of Digital PR, including its contribution to earned media, brand and topical authority, reputation, relevant links and search and AI visibility.
- Proven experience leading through senior specialists or functional Leads, setting direction while maintaining clear accountability for delivery and people management.
- Strong commercial leadership, including revenue, profitability, margin, pricing, packaging, budgeting, forecasting and investment decisions.
- Experience developing propositions, leading senior client relationships and contributing to significant new-business opportunities.
- The ability to own the direction and commercial performance of a digital proposition, product or marketplace.
- A practical understanding of AI-led search and responsible AI adoption, with the judgement to translate developments into client, product and operational priorities.
- Excellent communication, analytical and stakeholder-management skills, with the confidence to influence clients, specialists and company leadership.
What we offer
- 33 days annual leave
- Birthday off work
- Work abroad policy (up to 30 days per year)
- Competitive pension scheme (matched up to 7%)
- Generous bonus scheme
- Industry-leading family policies
- Hybrid, flexible working
- Life assurance and private Bupa healthcare
- Regular team socials
- Free weekly breakfasts catered to all
Head of SEO in Leeds employer: ICS
Elis is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a vibrant work culture built on trust and collaboration. With competitive salaries, uncapped earning potential, and extensive training, you will have the opportunity to thrive in your role as a Local Sales Consultant while enjoying the freedom of fieldwork and the chance to make a real impact in your community. Join us to be part of a supportive team that values your contributions and encourages your career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of SEO in Leeds
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for ICS and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like ICS are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with ICS on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at ICS. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of SEO in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit ICS. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of ICS:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about ICS’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ICS
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at ICS will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At ICS, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
