Account Director, SEO

Account Director, SEO

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
WPP Media

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead SEO strategy for Honda across EMEA, shaping a new international search programme.
  • Company: Join EssenceMediacom, a cutting-edge media agency powered by data and technology.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health benefits, flexible work, and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic hybrid work environment with a focus on collaboration and creativity.
  • Why this job: Make an impact with a globally recognised brand while advancing your career in SEO.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years of SEO experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for innovation.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

About EssenceMediacom: A Leading WPP Media Brand. EssenceMediacom is a new breed of media agency. Grounded in analytics & insights and powered by data & technology, we believe in the power of media and creative to drive breakthroughs for the world’s best brands. We help clients understand the modern marketing paradox and discover the breakthroughs brands need to win with their consumers.

Role Summary and Impact. We are looking for a driven and strategic International SEO Account Director to help shape and deliver the SEO and GEO strategy for Honda Motor Group across the EMEA region. This is a great opportunity to support building a new international search programme from the ground up, establishing best‑in‑class ways of working and evolving it into a high‑impact, scalable model for one of the world’s most recognisable automotive brands. As a senior member you will be responsible for owning operational excellence within the team and for ensuring organisational effectiveness by managing and organising the team’s output. This is a key role for the international team with client‑facing responsibilities and exposure to senior stakeholders both internally and externally.

Skills and Experience. At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It’s what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media’s shared core values:

  • Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity.
  • Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust.
  • Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilise the Enterprise.

Role Specific:

  • Minimum 5+ years SEO experience with proven experience in SEO onsite and offsite and technical SEO for leading brands.
  • Ability to juggle several tasks at once and consistently deliver high‑quality work to timescale.
  • Understanding of Generative Search Optimisation (GSO) and AI‑driven discovery, including optimisation for LLMs, AI Overviews, and conversational search interfaces.
  • Experience using and interpreting LLM visibility and tracking tools and defining next‑generation KPIs beyond rankings.
  • Ability to translate traditional SEO strategies into AI‑first search environments, including structured data, entity optimisation, E‑E‑A‑T, and content designed for synthesis by generative engines.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously, delivering high‑quality outputs to deadline in a fast‑paced environment.
  • Skilled in identifying growth and innovation opportunities, including those outside scope, and confidently pitching these to internal and client stakeholders.
  • Proactive in anticipating challenges in a rapidly changing search landscape, and developing strategic, forward‑looking solutions.
  • Knowledge in SEO and analytics tools, including GA4, Search Console, crawling tools, ranking platforms, and emerging AI search monitoring tools.
  • Understanding of web technologies and architecture (CMS platforms, rendering, indexing, site performance, APIs, structured data).
  • Ability to create compelling strategic narratives, including client proposals, that incorporates AI/search evolution with the support of Business Directors.
  • Strong communication, influencing, and negotiation skills, with the ability to simplify complex AI/search concepts for non‑technical stakeholders.
  • Highly motivated and able to work and learn independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to take responsibility for own work and to make sure that others deliver in support of you.
  • Flexibility - willingness to pick up tasks for others.
  • Quick to learn, and keen to develop.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits. Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we’re just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in‑office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our benefits include competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers. We believe the best work happens when we’re together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That’s why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location.

Account Director, SEO employer: WPP Media

WPP Media is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture in the heart of Greater London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer competitive benefits and a hybrid work model that encourages creativity and flexibility, making it an ideal environment for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the media landscape.

WPP Media

Contact Details:

WPP Media Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Account Director, SEO

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 WPP Media 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 WPP Media 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 WPP Media 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 WPP Media. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!

We think you need these skills to ace Account Director, SEO

SEO Experience
Technical SEO
Generative Search Optimisation (GSO)
AI-driven Discovery
LLM Visibility and Tracking Tools
Structured Data
Entity Optimisation

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 WPP Media. 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 WPP Media:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about WPP Media’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 WPP Media

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 WPP Media 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 WPP Media, 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.