Senior SEO Specialist
Core Optimisation is seeking a Senior SEO Specialist with 5+ years of experience to lead the strategic evolution of our organic search offering. This is a high-impact role reporting directly to the Head of SEO, designed for an experienced practitioner who operates comfortably at the intersection of strategy, technical SEO, content, and emerging AI-driven search behaviour.
You will play a central role in managing and growing a diverse portfolio of clients across tourism, e-commerce, B2B, healthcare, and retail. The position is suited to a senior specialist who can move beyond execution, shape organic growth roadmaps, mentor talent, and ensure Core Optimisation remains at the forefront of modern search.
Key Responsibilities
Client Leadership & Strategic Consulting
* Primary SEO Partner: Act as the lead organic search consultant for Core's highest-value and most complex accounts, becoming a trusted advisor on sustainable growth, not just rankings.
* Retention & Expansion: Own long-term SEO roadmaps, identifying opportunities across content, technical optimisation, digital PR, CRO alignment, and AI search visibility.
* Executive-Level Communication: Lead monthly and quarterly reviews, translating SEO performance into clear commercial outcomes for senior stakeholders.
* Portfolio Oversight: Maintain a strategic view across the wider SEO client base, identifying recurring patterns, algorithm impacts, and cross-industry opportunities.
Strategic Innovation & AI Search Readiness
* Search Architecture: Design SEO strategies that account for modern search behaviour, including AI Overviews, entity-based results, SERP feature dominance, and zero-click environments.
* AI Visibility: Lead optimisation approaches for visibility within AI-powered search surfaces (Google AI Overviews, Bing Copilot, ChatGPT-style interfaces), including schema strategy, content structuring, and entity authority.
* Algorithm Awareness: Stay ahead of Google core updates, helpful content signals, EEAT considerations, and AI-generated content policies, translating changes into practical client actions.
* Integrated Search: Work closely with PPC, Content, PR, and Measurement teams to deliver a unified search strategy rather than isolated channel outputs.
Team Mentorship & SEO Department Evolution
* Senior Coaching: Mentor junior and mid-level SEO specialists, setting the standard for technical accuracy, strategic thinking, and client communication.
* Framework Development: Build and refine internal SEO frameworks covering audits, content planning, technical prioritisation, internal linking, and AI search readiness.
* Quality Control: Conduct regular audits and reviews across accounts to ensure consistent, best-in-class delivery and strategic alignment.
* Thought Leadership: Contribute to internal documentation, training, case studies, and award submissions, raising the profile of the SEO function internally and externally.
Technical SEO, Data & Performance Management
* Technical Leadership: Oversee complex technical SEO work including crawlability, indexation, Core Web Vitals, JavaScript rendering, international SEO, and site migrations.
* Data & Measurement: Use GA4, Search Console, Looker Studio, and SEO platforms to deliver insight-led reporting focused on outcomes, not vanity metrics.
* Forecasting & Opportunity Sizing: Support organic growth forecasting, content ROI modelling, and prioritisation frameworks for large-scale sites.
* Developer Collaboration: Act as the bridge between SEO and development teams, ensuring technical recommendations are commercially justified and correctly implemented.
Requirements
* Experience: 5+ years in SEO roles, ideally within an agency environment managing multiple clients and industries.
* Strategic Depth: Demonstrated ability to move from execution to strategy, influencing business decisions through organic search insights.
* Modern SEO Expertise: Strong understanding of technical SEO, content strategy, and how AI is reshaping search discovery and visibility.
* Tools: Advanced experience with GA4, Google Search Console, SEMrush or Ahrefs, Looker Studio, and crawling tools. Familiarity with schema and structured data is essential.
* Leadership: Experience mentoring team members and contributing to departmental standards and culture.
* Communication: Excellent English communication skills, with the ability to explain complex SEO and AI concepts in clear, commercial terms.
Benefits
* Competitive Salary: Commensurate with experience.
* Generous Leave: Up to 29 days including service days, volunteer days, and birthday leave.
* Profit Sharing: Annual profit-share bonus scheme.
* Flexibility: Hybrid working model.
* Growth & Progression: Dedicated professional development and clear pathways to senior agency leadership.
* Culture: Collaborative, ambitious team within an award-winning agency environment