Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the agency's SEO strategy while mentoring a dynamic team.
- Company: Established digital agency known for its strong reputation in SEO and digital marketing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and genuine ownership of the SEO function.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing SEO strategy and driving client growth.
- Qualifications: Proven SEO experience, strong analytical skills, and team leadership abilities.
- Other info: Supportive culture with opportunities for career progression and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are partnered with an established, independent digital agency with a strong reputation across SEO, Digital PR, and Paid Media, who are 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.
Your role will involve:
- Owning and shaping the agency’s organic search function, working across a varied client portfolio to deliver measurable performance and long term growth.
- Leading, mentoring, and developing a team of SEO specialists.
- Establishing best practices, processes, and delivery frameworks.
- Fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
- 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.
What we are looking for:
- An experienced SEO professional, currently operating at Senior SEO Manager or SEO Lead level, with a strong track record in an agency environment.
- Confidence in leading strategy and client conversations, while also being comfortable staying close to delivery when needed.
- A passion for developing others and making a genuine impact.
We need you to have:
- 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.
Desirable:
- Experience integrating SEO with Digital PR.
- Exposure to new business or commercial strategy.
- Interest in AI, LLM visibility, and emerging search trends.
This opportunity offers:
- 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.
If you are looking for a role where you can take ownership, influence strategy, and lead SEO in a growing agency environment, then apply now for immediate consideration.
SEO Lead / SEO Manager in Southampton employer: Smile Digital
Contact Detail:
Smile Digital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEO Lead / SEO Manager in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with other SEO enthusiasts and professionals. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you to their agency.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a personal website or blog where you can share your SEO insights, case studies, or even your thoughts on the latest trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out to the hiring manager or team members on LinkedIn. A friendly message expressing your enthusiasm can set you apart from the crowd and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and adapting! The SEO landscape is always changing, so stay updated with the latest tools and techniques. Consider taking online courses or certifications to boost your knowledge and make your application stand out when you apply through our website.
We think you need these skills to ace SEO Lead / SEO Manager in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the SEO Lead role. Highlight your experience in delivering SEO strategies and managing teams, as well as any relevant tools you've used like GA4 or Ahrefs. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about SEO and how you can contribute to our agency's growth. Share specific examples of your past successes and how they relate to the responsibilities of this role.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since we value strong analytical skills, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive SEO performance. Whether it's improving rankings or increasing traffic, we want to see how you've made an impact through insights.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
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 on-page optimisation. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how you've successfully implemented strategies that led to measurable results.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've developed others in your previous positions. Highlight any specific instances where your leadership made a difference in team performance or client outcomes.
✨Prepare for Client Conversations
Think about how you would present insights and performance updates to clients. Practice explaining complex data in a straightforward way, as you'll need to demonstrate your ability to translate analytics into actionable strategies.
✨Stay Ahead of the Game
Familiarise yourself with emerging trends in SEO, including AI-driven search. Be ready to discuss how you can introduce innovative strategies to keep clients competitive, showing that you're not just keeping up but leading the charge.