Head Of Seo in Stockton-on-Tees

We are looking for a Head of SEO who is passionate about building teams as much as building strategies. You will lead, inspire, and develop our SEO specialists while setting clear direction and standards that deliver outstanding results for our clients. As the Head of SEO, you will oversee the entire SEO department, leading our four key pillars: Strategy, Content, Technical SEO, and Digital PR. Your primary goal is to deliver world-class search strategies that enhance client visibility and drive measurable results.

You will be responsible for the operational and commercial success of the department, ensuring that our delivery structure functions effectively. In collaboration with the SLT Directors and other heads of department, you will create cohesive strategies that maximise client success. This role involves driving innovation, maintaining service excellence across all SEO disciplines, and representing the agency as a thought leader.

• Departmental Leadership: Lead the SEO department and mentor the Pillar Leads (Strategy, Tech, Content, PR) to deliver best-in-class services. Develop and refine processes to ensure consistent quality and efficiency across all client PODs and empower your Pillar Leads to contribute and create such processes. Build and implement training programmes to keep the team’s expertise cutting-edge, encourage self-learning, and impart your own expertise regularly.
• Strategic Vision & Collaboration: Work closely with other Digital Marketing HODs to align SEO strategies with broader marketing objectives. Champion innovation and ensure SEO strategies evolve with market trends and client needs. Encourage cross-departmental collaboration to create integrated and impactful client campaigns.
• Service Excellence (The 4 Pillars): Oversee the commercial direction of client campaigns and the growth of our Digital PR offering. Ensure our Technical and Content output is scalable, accurate, and adheres to the highest quality guidelines while being efficient and tailored to client commercials.
• Client Engagement & Advocacy: Lead on SEO strategies for key client pitches, high-value renewals, and escalations. Act as the senior point of contact for our most strategic accounts to ensure client confidence in our delivery.
• Market Leadership & Innovation: Represent the agency at industry events, vodcasts, panels, and through expert commentary. Monitor competitors and market developments to ensure our services remain market-leading.
• Accountability & Growth: Take responsibility for the growth of the SEO business area. Drive measurable improvements in client performance and retention.
• Department KPI's: Align departmental goals to overarching business objectives and ensure this filters down to your Pillar Leads and the rest of the team.
• Staff Development: Conduct effective and regular 1to1's with Pillar Leads, host team days to inspire and educate the wider team, and conduct relevant appraisals ensuring you deliver effective feedback at all times.

Extensive experience in SEO with a deep understanding of all four pillars: Strategy, Content, Technical SEO, and Outreach/PR. Proven ability to deliver successful SEO strategies that align with client and/or agency goals. Senior leadership experience with a history of managing managers (Pillar Leads) and fostering collaboration in a matrix or POD structure. A track record of driving innovation and integrating emerging trends into strategies. Strong communication skills with experience in client-facing and external representation roles.

• Strategic Vision and Leadership: Demonstrates the ability to shape and communicate a clear strategic vision for clients and internal teams.
• Effective Line Management: Demonstrates strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Collaboration and Influencing: Thrives in cross-functional environments.
• Industry Expertise and Insight: Deep understanding of eCommerce and SEO.
• Commercial Acumen: Skilled at understanding the broader business landscape.
• Innovation and Creativity: Passionate about pioneering new approaches, tools, and technologies.
• Effective Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Presentation and Representation: Comfortable in public-facing roles.

• Competitive basic salary with great progression options.
• Unlimited paid holidays.
• Hybrid working.
• Medicash Cash Plan – covering everything from medical support to digital physiotherapy.
• Employee Assistance Programme – access to mental health support and wellbeing resources.
• Great working environments; our Stockton on Tees and Manchester workspaces are also dog-friendly.
• Regular team social events.
• Training & development opportunities.

We champion our clients and believe in every retailer's potential to succeed online. We are committed to making the world a little brighter and doing what’s best for our people, our community, and our planet.