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- Tasks: Lead and mentor a team of SEO specialists while shaping SEO strategy for key clients.
- Company: Established digital agency with a strong reputation in SEO and digital marketing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and genuine ownership of the SEO function.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression and to stay ahead of SEO trends.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment and drive innovative SEO strategies.
- Qualifications: Proven SEO experience in an agency, strong analytical skills, and team leadership abilities.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Hampshire (Near Southampton). Hybrid working, 2 days in office per week. Salary £43k-£50k.
We are partnered with an established, independent digital agency with a strong reputation across SEO, Digital PR, and Paid Media, looking to appoint an experienced SEO Lead / Manager to take ownership of their organic search offering. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior SEO to step into a role with real autonomy and strategic influence, shaping how SEO is delivered across the agency while leading a growing team.
Key Responsibilities- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of SEO specialists
- Establish best practices, processes, and delivery frameworks
- Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement
- Own SEO strategy across key client accounts
- Present insights and performance updates to clients and stakeholders
- Identify opportunities to grow accounts and improve results
- Support new business pitches with SEO expertise
- Oversee technical SEO, content optimisation, and link acquisition
- Ensure campaigns deliver against KPIs including traffic, rankings, and conversions
- Maintain high standards across delivery timelines and client expectations
- Stay ahead of developments in SEO, including AI-driven search and evolving SERPs
- Introduce forward-thinking strategies to keep clients competitive
You are an experienced SEO professional, currently operating at Senior SEO Manager or SEO Lead level, with a strong track record in an agency environment. You’re confident leading strategy and client conversations, while also being comfortable staying close to delivery when needed. You enjoy developing others and want a role where you can make a genuine impact.
Required skills and experience- Proven experience delivering SEO strategy within an agency environment
- Strong expertise across technical SEO, on-page optimisation, and search strategy
- Experience mentoring or managing team members
- Ability to translate data into clear, commercially focused insights
- Strong analytical skills (GA4, GSC, Ahrefs, Screaming Frog or similar)
- Experience managing performance against KPIs
- Experience integrating SEO with Digital PR
- Exposure to new business or commercial strategy
- Interest in AI, LLM visibility, and emerging search trends
- Competitive salary (depending on experience)
- Hybrid working
- Genuine ownership of the SEO function
- Supportive, collaborative team culture
- Opportunity to shape strategy and progress your career
Hampshire (commutable from Southampton, Winchester, Portsmouth and surrounding areas)
SEO Lead / SEO Manager employer: Smile Digital
Contact Detail:
Smile Digital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEO Lead / SEO Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with other SEO enthusiasts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a personal website or blog where you can showcase your SEO projects and insights. This not only demonstrates your expertise but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common SEO questions and case studies. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how you've driven results. Remember, confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace SEO Lead / SEO Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your SEO achievements and any leadership roles you've had, as we want to see how you can take ownership of our organic search offering.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the SEO Lead role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and developed successful SEO strategies in the past.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since we're looking for someone with strong analytical skills, make sure to mention your experience with tools like GA4, GSC, or Ahrefs. Provide examples of how you've used data to drive SEO performance and improve results.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smile Digital
✨Know Your SEO Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in SEO, especially around technical SEO and AI-driven search. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how you've successfully implemented strategies that improved traffic and rankings.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've mentored or developed others in your previous positions. Highlight your ability to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within a team.
✨Prepare for Client Conversations
Think about how you would present insights and performance updates to clients. Practice articulating complex data into clear, commercially focused insights. This will show that you can effectively communicate with stakeholders and drive client growth.
✨Stay Ahead of the Game
Research the agency's current SEO strategies and think about innovative ideas you could bring to the table. Being able to discuss forward-thinking strategies will demonstrate your proactive approach and commitment to keeping clients competitive.