📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Grouphead SEO (m/w/d) in Hamburg I EPROFESSIONAL
🔹 Company: Havas Group
🔹 Location: Hamburg, Germany
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (50/50)
🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 8, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading a team of technical SEO managers and guiding their development
- Developing SEO strategies and planning the use of SEO tools
- Managing client projects and conducting SEO analyses
- Collaborating with Group Heads and Channel Lead SEO to shape the SEO channel
- Involvement in new business acquisition and product development
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, team leadership, and hands-on SEO expertise. The ideal candidate will have experience in leading SEO teams and managing client projects.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead a team of technical SEO managers, supporting their development from trainee to senior level
✅ Conduct performance reviews and 1-on-1s, creating development plans for team members
✅ Collaborate with Group Heads and the Channel Lead SEO to shape the SEO channel and develop industry-leading solutions
✅ Develop SEO strategies and plan the use of SEO, tracking, and reporting tools
✅ Manage and optimize existing client projects, conducting SEO and competitor analyses
✅ Lead client launches, relaunches, and migrations, as well as independent SEO and content projects
✅ Conduct client consultations, workshops, and presentations, both internally and externally
✅ Develop cross-selling and upselling opportunities for clients
✅ Participate in new business acquisition and contribute to the development of new agency products and services
✅ Monitor SEO trends and proactively advise clients on relevant industry developments
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of strategic planning, team management, and hands-on SEO work. The ideal candidate will be comfortable balancing these responsibilities.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field
Experience: Proven experience in SEO management, with a focus on team leadership
Required Skills:
- Proven SEO leadership experience
- Excellent text and language skills
- Ability to develop client-specific strategies
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Fluency in German and English
- Proficiency in SEO tools (e.g., GSC, GA, Sistrix, Conductor)
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in CRO and/or AI prompting
- Agentur experience
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in SEO management, with a focus on team leadership and client strategy development.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €70,000 - €90,000 per year (based on experience and industry standards for SEO management roles in Germany)
Benefits:
- 28 days of vacation + 2 days of special leave (Christmas & New Year's Eve)
- Employee discounts
- Free drinks and snacks
- Flexible working hours
- Hybrid work model (50/50)
- Additional remote days for workation in EU and non-EU countries
- Modern, fully-equipped workplace in the heart of Hamburg
- Long-term development perspectives in technically challenging and varied projects
- Regular feedback conversations with development plans
- Flat hierarchies and short decision-making processes
- Mobility subsidy (Germany ticket or BahnCard50)
- Childcare subsidy
- Professional onboarding with intensive training and buddy program
- Pet-friendly environment
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible scheduling
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for SEO management roles in Germany, considering the candidate's experience level and the company's size.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services. Havas Group is one of the world's largest global communications networks, with over 23,000 employees in over 100 markets.
Company Size: 10,001+ employees. As a large agency, Havas offers extensive resources and opportunities for professional growth.
Founded: 1835 in Paris, France. Havas has a rich history and established reputation in the advertising industry.
Company Description:
- Havas is committed to making a meaningful difference to brands, businesses, and people
- The company offers a seamlessly integrated global strategy and operating system, Converged, designed to answer clients' needs for standout, cross-functional, end-to-end communications solutions
- Havas is dedicated to building a diverse culture where everybody feels they belong and can thrive
Company Specialties:
- Advertising
- Marketing
- Communications
- Brand strategy
Company Website: https://www.havas.com/
ASSUMPTION: Havas Group is a well-established, global advertising agency with a strong focus on making a meaningful impact on brands, businesses, and people.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid to Senior level. This role offers opportunities for career growth and leadership development.
Reporting Structure: The Grouphead SEO reports directly to the Group Heads of Content and the Channel Lead SEO.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (50/50). The role requires a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work.
Growth Opportunities:
- Developing SEO strategies and tools
- Managing and growing a team of SEO managers
- Expanding client portfolio and contributing to new business acquisition
- Potential career progression to senior leadership roles within the agency
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development within the agency.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, fully-equipped workplace in the heart of Hamburg.
Office Location(s): Hamburg, Germany
Geographic Context:
- Hamburg is the second-largest city in Germany and offers a vibrant cultural scene, with a strong focus on the arts, music, and theater
- The city is also known for its historic port and maritime heritage
- Hamburg is an international hub for the media, IT, and logistics industries
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible scheduling and additional remote days for workation in EU and non-EU countries.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and flexible scheduling allow for a good work-life balance, while the international location offers opportunities for professional growth and development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager
- Final interview with the team or additional stakeholders
Key Assessment Areas:
- SEO expertise and strategic thinking
- Team leadership and management skills
- Client relationship management
- Communication and presentation skills
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant SEO leadership experience and client strategy development
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your fit for the role and the company
- Prepare examples of SEO strategies and client projects you've managed
ATS Keywords: SEO leadership, team management, client strategy, SEO tools, client projects, SEO analyses, SEO trends
ASSUMPTION: The application process is typical for a mid to senior-level role in a large advertising agency. Applicants should emphasize their SEO leadership experience and client strategy development.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- SEO tools (e.g., GSC, GA, Sistrix, Conductor)
- MS Office Suite
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
ASSUMPTION: The role requires proficiency in SEO tools and a general understanding of project management and communication tools.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Make a meaningful difference
- Collaborate and create together
- Embrace change and innovation
- Be open and honest
- Act with courage and integrity
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and open to change
- Results-driven and proactive
- Transparent and honest communication
- Courageous and innovative
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you embody Havas' values in your daily work?
- How do you approach collaboration and teamwork in a hybrid work environment?
- How do you adapt to change and embrace new opportunities?
- How do you ensure transparent and honest communication with clients and team members?
- How do you demonstrate courage and innovation in your approach to SEO strategy and client management?
ASSUMPTION: Havas Group values a collaborative, adaptable, and innovative work environment. Applicants should assess their fit with the company's values and work style.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team of SEO managers with varying levels of experience and expertise
- Balancing strategic planning and hands-on SEO work
- Adapting to the agency's hybrid work environment and remote collaboration tools
- Meeting client expectations and delivering high-quality SEO services
ASSUMPTION: The role presents unique challenges related to team management, work-life balance, and client relationship management.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other SEO management roles, this position emphasizes team leadership and strategic planning
- In the advertising industry, this role is typical for mid to senior-level SEO managers with team leadership experience
- Career progression may include senior leadership roles within the agency or transitioning to a client-side SEO role
ASSUMPTION: This role is similar to other mid to senior-level SEO management positions in the advertising industry, with a focus on team leadership and strategic planning.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing an SEO strategy for a new client launch, including keyword research, on-page optimization, and link-building campaigns
- Conducting a comprehensive SEO audit of an existing client's website, identifying and implementing technical and content improvements
- Managing a team of SEO managers to execute a large-scale website migration, ensuring minimal impact on search engine rankings and organic traffic
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and leadership opportunities in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does the agency support the professional development of its SEO team members?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does the agency approach work-life balance and flexible scheduling?
- What are the most challenging aspects of the role, and how can I best prepare for them?
- How does the agency foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions help applicants better understand the role's requirements, the agency's culture, and the team's priorities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
