Digital Head of SEO

Job Title: Digital Head of SEO

Duration: Permanent

Location: Chesham, Buckinghamshire, (London Zone 9, Metropolitan Line) HP5 1PS

Position Overview

We are on the hunt for a brilliant Head of SEO, who is tuned in to the latest algorithm developments and has the experience and determination to oversee phenomenal work in organic search.

The right fit will be someone with great SEO skills and experience across: Analysis and Strategy, Tech, Content and Digital PR. This leader will engage, organise, motivate and train a team. They will charter a path of continuous improvement for strong brands in industries that include: Charities, Health and Fitness, Leisure. B2B and Retail.

Key Responsibilities

Set strategic direction for team that covers all major SEO disciplines

Overseeing Strategy, Technical SEO, Content and Digital PR and setting the strategic direction for the department, to ensure that we are continuously improving how we are able meet the demands of clients in a constantly changing environment.
Defining the products and services that we offer.
Working with the MD, Operations and the Paid Media Team to separate and manage the P&L of the SEO team. [This would not be immediate, but likely within the first year].
Imputing into the strategic partnerships that we may forge. This would include other agencies that might be able to support our SEO work (such as specialists in different types of content).

Management of the SEO team

Overseeing the allocation of resources against the work that has been booked. The majority of which is retainer based, but there are also separate projects, including audits, website migrations and bespoke project work.
Developing the processes and systems to ensure the smooth delivery of products and services.
Identifying opportunities for applying automated technologies and methods to improve work efficiencies and the service upriseUP are able to offer.
Ensuring that the quality of our work remains high.
Ensuring that the result of our work is meeting any expectations the clients might have – and taking appropriate action if not.
Being available to support the SEO team when needed.
Recruiting new talent as we expend.
Overseeing the training and development of the SEO team.
Motivating, mentoring and inspiring SEO team.

Promote teamwork, within the SEO team and with its members’ interactions across the agency.

Account Directorship

Oversight of the communication between account leads in the SEO team and the Account Manager (at upriseUP), or client.
Stepping in and liaising with the client directly (usually at a senior level), whenever required; such as pitching for additional services or during the Annual Review of a large client.

Leading by example

Demonstrate considerable SEO knowledge across the full stack of SEO disciplines.
Demonstrating great work, particularly around strategic client work.
Contribute to an office culture that is focused on: Enthusiasm, learning, working in close partnership with clients and delivering brilliant work.
Being active in company meetings.
Offering views, insights and experience.

Being active in the Senior Management Team as we review ongoing company developments, including (but not limited to):

Marketing and our own tone of voice.
Operational requirements.
Operational improvements.
HR
Reporting back on SEO activities.
Many more!

Demonstrating thought leadership to the outside world, both to clients and also other agencies. This would be to match the personal style of the person but could include:

Writing thought leadership articles (and other content) on the development of effective content strategies and SEO.
Regular comments and opinions on forums, industry websites and social media
Speaking at conferences and talks.
Entering industry awards

Supporting the New Business process

Potentially support writing new business proposals – certainly overseeing that you are happy with the SEO content of proposals being the best solution for any particular client.
Being involved in chemistry / creds meetings, new business pitch meetings and (potentially) networking events.
Contributing to the strategic and implementational planning of upriseUP’s marketing and sales activities

Continued Development

Continuous learning. Every employee has 1 day per month personal training time (including external training and conference events).
Further development through leading on experiments in client time and RND activities.
Role expansion. In addition to the SEO team growing, this role should be considerable expanding into content marketing.

Experience Required

We are specifically looking for candidates with proven skills and experience agency-side SEO, who can demonstrate:

Superb knowledge of SEO, across:

- Strategy
- Technical
- Content
- Digital PR
Good organisation, able to manage self and a team of four
Experience running and separate cost centre / P&L
Leadership skills – able to manage other professionals working on SEO projects
A scientific testing approach with good data analysis skills
Agency experience – leading an SEO team
Good content writing and creation skills
Highly competent in:
- Google Analytics
- Search Console
- Screaming Frog and AHREFS a distinct advantage – if not then similar
Have working knowledge of PPC search
Able to take a lead role in developing our SEO services and client base
Able to demonstrate good client communication and management skills
Good understanding of site architecture
Experience promoting content and websites through social media
Clear on the technologies behind websites, best practice UX and the components which contribute towards effective landing pages
Numerate and equipped with a good eye for detail