SEO Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: SEO Manager

🔹 Company: ICS

🔹 Location: Leeds, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (Full-time)

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: May 21, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Leeds-based with remote flexibility)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing outreach strategies for SEO campaigns
• Overseeing link acquisition efforts and supporting SEO Executives
• Managing client relationships and building trust
• Creating data-driven client reports to track campaign success and provide insights
• Leading and mentoring SEO Executives, including training and performance reviews

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive and solutions-focused mindset to deliver results at pace in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have experience in a digital marketing agency and a strong understanding of SEO principles.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and execute outreach strategies for campaigns, overseeing link acquisition efforts and supporting SEO Executives with specific webmaster issues when required

✅ Hold a strong understanding of priorities across the SEO team, actively working to share resources and work to meet overall company targets

✅ Demonstrate an understanding of content optimisation and on-site SEO, including but not limited to E-E-A-T principles, meta tags, keyword placement, internal linking, and header structure

✅ Lead on client calls and face-to-face meetings, demonstrating expertise in SEO strategy while building trust and long-term relationships

✅ Act as the main point of contact for client feedback, ensuring requirements and guidelines are upheld by the internal team from the outset

✅ Create and deliver data-driven client reports that track campaign success, provide insights, and offer strategic improvements

✅ With other SEO Managers, be responsible for the effective line management of SEO Executives, including training, mentoring, and ongoing performance reviews

ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on execution, and client management. Strong communication, negotiation, and leadership skills are essential for success in this position.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: Proven experience (2-5 years) in a digital marketing agency, with a strong understanding of SEO principles

Required Skills:

• Excellent understanding of SEO principles, including on-site and off-site SEO
• Proven experience in developing link acquisition and content strategies
• Working knowledge of SEO tools such as Semrush, Moz, Majestic, and Ahrefs
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Proven ability to lead and mentor teams
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Fluency in English (both written and verbal)

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in a fast-paced, agency environment
• Familiarity with E-E-A-T principles and other SEO best practices
• Bilingual or multilingual skills (desirable but not required)

ASSUMPTION: While a degree is preferred, relevant experience and a strong portfolio can also demonstrate the required skills for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £28,000 - £36,000 per year (depending on experience)

Benefits:

• 33 days annual leave
• Birthday off work
• Work abroad policy (up to 30 days per year)
• Competitive pension scheme (matched up to 7%)
• Industry-leading family policies
• Hybrid, flexible working
• Life assurance and private Bupa healthcare
• Regular team socials
• Free weekly breakfasts

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible working hours and remote work options available

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for mid-level SEO managers in the Leeds area. Benefits are comprehensive and designed to support work-life balance and employee well-being.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Marketing Services. ICS-digital specialises in global SEO, content, advertising, translation, and digital PR services, working in over 100 languages across over 90 markets in highly regulated and competitive industries.

Company Size: 51-200 employees. As a mid-sized agency, ICS-digital offers a supportive and collaborative work environment with ample opportunities for growth and development.

Founded: 2008. ICS-digital has over a decade of experience delivering exceptional results for clients in the most competitive sectors, including finance, iGaming, law, health, and international eCommerce and travel.

Company Description:

• ICS-digital is a global SEO, content, advertising, translation, and digital PR agency
• The company works in over 100 languages and across over 90 markets, with a focus on highly regulated and competitive industries
• ICS-digital has a flexible and responsive approach, delivering exceptional results on large-scale projects in the most competitive sectors

Company Specialties:

• International link building
• Creative content
• Digital PR
• Translations and localisation
• Digital marketing, content creation, content marketing, paid media, sponsorship, SEO, PPC, translation, marketing strategy, PR, on-site SEO, off-site SEO, and online marketing

Company Website: http://www.ics-digital.com

ASSUMPTION: ICS-digital's global reach and local insight enable the company to deliver tailored solutions for clients in highly competitive and regulated industries. The company's comprehensive range of services and expertise make it an attractive employer for marketing professionals seeking international experience.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level. This role is suitable for candidates with 2-5 years of experience in SEO and digital marketing, looking to take the next step in their career.

Reporting Structure: The SEO Manager will report directly to the Head of SEO and will be responsible for managing a team of SEO Executives.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid. The role is based in Leeds with remote work flexibility. Employees can expect a mix of on-site and remote work, with the exact arrangement depending on team and project needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to Senior SEO Manager or other leadership roles within the SEO team
• Expansion into related areas, such as content creation, digital PR, or advertising
• International opportunities, given ICS-digital's global presence

ASSUMPTION: The SEO Manager role offers ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the SEO team and across the broader marketing services spectrum. The company's global presence also presents international career prospects for the right candidate.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. ICS-digital's Leeds office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to support both on-site and remote work.

Office Location(s): 2 Park Lane, Leeds, Yorkshire LS3 1ES, GB

Geographic Context:

• Leeds is a vibrant city in the Yorkshire region of the United Kingdom, with a thriving digital and tech industry
• The city offers a high quality of life, with a range of cultural attractions, sports facilities, and outdoor activities
• Leeds has excellent transport links, making it easy to commute from surrounding areas

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible working hours and remote work options available

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work environment at ICS-digital offers employees the best of both worlds, with the opportunity to collaborate and build relationships on-site while also enjoying the flexibility and convenience of remote work.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video screening with the HR team
• Face-to-face interview with the Head of SEO and a member of the SEO team
• Final interview with the Head of SEO and a senior member of the leadership team

Key Assessment Areas:

• SEO knowledge and experience
• Client management and communication skills
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Leadership and mentoring abilities
• Cultural fit and alignment with ICS-digital's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant SEO experience and skills
• Include specific examples of your achievements in previous roles
• Demonstrate your understanding of ICS-digital's services and target industries
• Showcase your ability to work collaboratively and manage client relationships

ATS Keywords: SEO, link building, content strategy, client management, data analysis, communication, negotiation, problem-solving, leadership, digital marketing, SEO tools, strategic thinking, training, mentoring, performance reviews

ASSUMPTION: The interview process at ICS-digital is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, cultural fit, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong understanding of SEO principles and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• SEMrush
• Moz
• Majestic
• Ahrefs
• Google Analytics
• Google Search Console
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)

ASSUMPTION: The SEO Manager will be expected to have a working knowledge of industry-standard SEO tools and be comfortable learning and adapting to new technologies as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Global Reach; Local Insight
• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Expertise
• Innovation

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Collaborative and supportive
• Results-driven and focused on client success
• Adaptable and responsive to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you demonstrate global thinking and local insight in your approach to SEO?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully managed a client relationship, building trust and delivering results?
• How do you stay up-to-date with the latest SEO trends and best practices, and how do you apply this knowledge in your work?

ASSUMPTION: ICS-digital values candidates who are passionate about SEO, committed to delivering exceptional results for clients, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong cultural fit with the company's values and work style.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing client expectations and demands in a fast-paced environment
• Keeping up with the latest SEO trends and algorithm changes
• Balancing the need for strategic planning with the demands of day-to-day campaign execution
• Managing a team of SEO Executives, including training, mentoring, and performance reviews

ASSUMPTION: The SEO Manager role presents a range of challenges, from managing client relationships and campaign execution to leading and developing a team of SEO Executives. Successful candidates will be proactive, solutions-focused, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike some SEO roles, this position requires a strong focus on client management and relationship building, in addition to strategic planning and campaign execution
• ICS-digital's global reach and local insight set it apart from other marketing services agencies, offering candidates the opportunity to work on international campaigns and develop their skills in a unique and challenging environment
• Career progression opportunities within the SEO team and across the broader marketing services spectrum make this role an attractive choice for mid-level SEO professionals looking to advance their careers

ASSUMPTION: The SEO Manager role at ICS-digital offers a unique blend of client management, strategic planning, and campaign execution, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. The company's global presence and comprehensive range of services make it an attractive employer for SEO professionals seeking international experience and career advancement.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a link acquisition strategy for a global finance client, resulting in a 30% increase in organic traffic
• Managing a team of SEO Executives to deliver a comprehensive on-site SEO audit and implementation plan for a leading eCommerce retailer, leading to a 25% increase in conversions
• Creating and delivering a data-driven client report that tracked campaign success, provided insights, and offered strategic improvements, resulting in a 95% client satisfaction score

ASSUMPTION: The SEO Manager role at ICS-digital offers candidates the opportunity to work on a range of challenging and rewarding projects, from developing and executing link acquisition strategies to managing client relationships and delivering data-driven insights.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical SEO campaign lifecycle at ICS-digital, and how this role fits into that process?
• How does ICS-digital support the professional development and growth of its SEO team members?
• Can you provide an example of a time when ICS-digital successfully delivered a global SEO campaign, and what challenges were overcome in the process?
• How does ICS-digital approach collaboration and knowledge-sharing across its global teams?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?

ASSUMPTION: The interview process at ICS-digital is an opportunity for candidates to gain a deeper understanding of the company's approach to SEO, its global reach and local insight, and the specific challenges and opportunities presented by the SEO Manager role. Successful candidates will be proactive, inquisitive, and able to demonstrate their fit with the company's values and work style.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant SEO experience and skills, including specific examples of your achievements in previous roles
• Prepare for the interview by researching ICS-digital's services, target industries, and company values
• Be ready to discuss your approach to SEO, client management, and leadership, and how you align with ICS-digital's work style and values
• Follow up with the hiring manager within 24 hours of the interview to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.