📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior SEO Manager (m/w/d) in Hamburg I EPROFESSIONAL
🔹 Company: Havas Group
🔹 Location: Hamburg, Germany
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (50/50)
🔹 Category: Advertising Services
🔹 Date Posted: May 8, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing and optimizing existing client projects across various sectors
- Conducting keyword research and content optimization
- Performing SEO analyses and developing SEO strategies
- Collaborating closely with account managers and clients
- Developing cross-selling opportunities and contributing to new agency products
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of independence and strategic thinking, with a focus on driving results for clients.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage, optimize, and develop existing client projects in various verticals (Beauty, E-Commerce, B2B)
✅ Conduct keyword research and create SEO-optimized texts in different formats, integrating them via CMS
✅ Perform SEO and competitor analyses, and develop and implement on- and off-page SEO measures
✅ Develop SEO strategies and plan the use of SEO, tracking, and reporting tools
✅ Support clients in launch, relaunch, and migration projects
✅ Lead client consultations, workshops, and presentations, both internally and externally
✅ Develop cross-selling opportunities and contribute to new agency products and services
✅ Manage budgets and measure the success of SEO campaigns
✅ Monitor SEO trends and proactively advise clients on relevant developments
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on implementation, and client management, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field
Experience: Proven experience of 5-10 years as an SEO Manager
Required Skills:
- Excellent text and language skills in German and English
- Proven experience in SEO strategy development
- Strong knowledge of SEO tools (e.g., GSC, GA, Sistrix)
- Familiarity with MS Office Suite
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Strong customer focus and ability to understand client needs
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in UX and/or AI prompting
- Fluency in additional languages
- Experience in a similar role within an agency environment
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in a similar role within an agency environment may have an advantage, as they will be familiar with the fast-paced and dynamic nature of agency work.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €60,000 - €80,000 per year (Based on experience and market rates for SEO Managers in Hamburg)
Benefits:
- 28 days of vacation + 2 special leave days
- Employee discounts through Corporate Benefits Portal
- Free drinks and snacks
- Flexible working hours
- Hybrid work model (50/50)
- Additional remote days for workations in EU and non-EU countries
- Long-term development perspectives
- Mobility subsidy for public transportation
- Childcare subsidy
- Professional onboarding with intensive training and buddy program
- Regular feedback conversations
- Flat hierarchies and short decision-making processes
- Dog-friendly environment
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible working hours
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on market rates for SEO Managers in Hamburg, with consideration for the candidate's experience level. Benefits are based on the information provided in the job description.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services, with a focus on integrated communications solutions
Company Size: 10,001+ employees, providing ample opportunities for growth and collaboration
Founded: 1835 in Paris, France, with a rich history and global presence
Company Description:
- Havas is one of the world’s largest global communications networks, with over 23,000 employees in over 100 markets
- Committed to making a meaningful difference to brands, businesses, and people through integrated communications solutions
- Operates through a seamlessly integrated global strategy and operating system, Converged, designed to answer clients’ needs for standout, cross-functional, end-to-end communications solutions
Company Specialties:
- Advertising
- Media planning and buying
- Public relations
- Digital marketing
- Branding
Company Website: https://www.havas.com/
ASSUMPTION: Havas' large size and global presence offer candidates the opportunity to work on diverse projects and gain exposure to various industries and markets.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior Manager level, with the opportunity to grow and develop within the organization
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Head of SEO or a similar role within the agency
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (50/50), with the opportunity for additional remote days for workations
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on a leadership role within the SEO team or the agency
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain exposure to various industries
- Chance to contribute to new agency products and services
ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong growth potential, both within the SEO team and the agency as a whole, given Havas' large size and global presence.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, fully equipped office in the heart of Hamburg
Office Location(s): 29/30 Quai de Dion Bouton, Puteaux, 92800, FR (Headquarters), with local offices in Hamburg, Germany
Geographic Context:
- Hamburg is the second-largest city in Germany and a major hub for the advertising industry
- The city offers a high quality of life, with a rich cultural scene, vibrant nightlife, and numerous recreational opportunities
- Hamburg is well-connected by public transportation, with easy access to the airport and other major cities in Germany and Europe
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible working hours and the opportunity for additional remote days
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and flexible working hours provide a good work-life balance, while the location in Hamburg offers a vibrant and dynamic work environment.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call with the HR department
- On-site interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with the Head of SEO or a similar role within the agency
Key Assessment Areas:
- SEO knowledge and experience
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Customer focus and ability to understand client needs
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant SEO experience and achievements in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to the specific role and company, emphasizing your fit with the required qualifications and company culture
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively
ATS Keywords: SEO strategy, SEO analysis, keyword research, content optimization, client management, cross-selling opportunities, agency environment
ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's SEO knowledge, strategic thinking, and communication skills, as well as their fit with the company culture.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- SEO tools (e.g., GSC, GA, Sistrix)
- MS Office Suite
- CMS (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies are standard in the SEO industry and can be expected to be used in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Excellence
- Responsibility
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Focused on driving results for clients
- Open and inclusive
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment?
- Are you able to work collaboratively and independently, with a strong focus on driving results for clients?
- Do you share Havas' commitment to making a meaningful difference to brands, businesses, and people?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, and who share Havas' commitment to making a meaningful difference to clients, will be well-suited to this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple client projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask
- Keeping up with the latest SEO trends and algorithm changes, requiring continuous learning and adaptation
- Working in a fast-paced agency environment, with tight deadlines and high client expectations
- Navigating a large organization with a diverse range of clients and projects
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the role and the agency environment, and candidates should be prepared to manage them effectively.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other Senior SEO Manager positions within advertising agencies, with a focus on managing client projects and developing SEO strategies
- However, Havas' large size and global presence offer unique opportunities for growth and collaboration
- Compared to in-house SEO roles, this position may involve more frequent client interactions and a faster-paced work environment
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles within advertising agencies to better understand the unique opportunities and challenges of this position.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing an SEO strategy for a major e-commerce client, resulting in a 30% increase in organic traffic
- Conducting a comprehensive SEO audit for a B2B client, identifying and addressing technical and on-page optimization issues to improve search visibility
- Managing a team of SEO specialists to execute a large-scale website migration for a global beauty brand, with minimal impact on organic traffic
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and the level of strategic thinking required for this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical SEO projects I would be working on in this role?
- How does the SEO team collaborate with other departments within the agency?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the SEO team and the agency as a whole?
- How does the agency support its employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
- Can you provide an example of a challenging SEO project that the agency has successfully executed in the past, and how the team approached it?
ASSUMPTION: These questions will help candidates better understand the day-to-day responsibilities, work environment, and growth opportunities associated with the role.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant SEO experience and achievements
- Write a cover letter that demonstrates your fit with the required qualifications and company culture
- Prepare for the interview process by researching Havas' company culture and the specific requirements of the role
- Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
