📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: SEO Specialist
🔹 Company: Kaplan UK
🔹 Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (Home & Office)
🔹 Category: Marketing & SEO
🔹 Date Posted: April 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid option
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving SEO strategy across Kaplan websites to improve organic search visibility and growth
- Performing technical and on-page optimizations using tools and data
- Reporting on SEO performance and insights
- Collaborating with other marketing channels for a multi-channel approach
- Staying updated with industry trends and emerging technologies
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of SEO and a proactive approach to staying current with industry trends and tools.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Support the delivery of SEO strategy across Kaplan websites to improve visibility and drive growth
✅ Perform technical and on-page optimizations using tools and data
✅ Report on SEO performance and insights
✅ Collaborate with other marketing channels for a multi-channel approach
✅ Stay updated with industry trends and emerging technologies
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on optimizations, and data analysis.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: Proven experience (2-5 years) in SEO, with a strong understanding of SEO principles and best practices
Required Skills:
- Proficient in SEO tools (e.g., Google Analytics, SEMrush, Ahrefs)
- Strong analytical skills and data-driven mindset
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Familiarity with HTML and CSS
- Proven experience in driving SEO performance and growth
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with generative AI and its application in SEO
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, a strong understanding of SEO and relevant tools is essential for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £30,000 - £34,000 per annum
Benefits:
- 28 days annual leave + option to purchase more
- Season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
- Big discounts on Kaplan courses for you and your family
- Private medical, income protection, and life insurance
- 24/7 confidential helpline providing counselling and other support services
- Company pension contributions
- Enhanced maternity, adoption, shared parental, and paternity/partner pay
Working Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for SEO Specialist roles in the UK.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Kaplan UK is a leading provider of apprenticeships, accountancy, tax, finance & banking courses, and professional assessments, operating in over 30 countries worldwide.
Company Size: Kaplan UK has 1,001-5,000 employees globally, providing a large and diverse work environment.
Founded: Kaplan UK was founded in 1938 and is part of the Kaplan group, a world-leading education and assessment provider.
Company Description:
- Kaplan UK focuses on shaping the development and careers of finance professionals
- The company operates in over 30 countries and maintains relationships with over 1,000 school districts, colleges, and universities, professional bodies, and over 10,000 businesses
- Kaplan UK is committed to promoting equal access to education and opportunities for advancement to people of all backgrounds
Company Specialties:
- Apprenticeships
- Accountancy / Tax / Finance & Banking courses
- Professional assessments
- Generative AI
Company Website: kaplan.co.uk
ASSUMPTION: Kaplan UK's global presence and diverse range of services provide ample opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for an experienced SEO Executive looking to expand their skills and build their career with an industry leader.
Reporting Structure: The SEO Specialist will report directly to the SEO Manager and work closely with other marketing channels and teams.
Work Arrangement: This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, with a mix of home and office work.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to Senior SEO Specialist or SEO Manager roles
- Expanding skills and knowledge in SEO and related fields
- Potential to work on international projects and collaborate with global teams
ASSUMPTION: Kaplan UK's large size and global presence provide numerous opportunities for career growth and development.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Kaplan UK's Manchester office is located in a modern, professional setting with easy access to public transportation.
Office Location(s): 6th Floor, St James' Building, 79 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 6FQ, GB
Geographic Context:
- Manchester is a vibrant city with a rich history and a thriving cultural scene
- The city offers a mix of urban and green spaces, with numerous parks and gardens
- Manchester has a well-connected public transportation system, making it easy to commute to and from the office
Work Schedule: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, with flexible working options available
ASSUMPTION: The Manchester office provides a modern and professional work environment, with easy access to amenities and public transportation.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the Recruitment Team
- Technical assessment and/or case study
- Final interview with the SEO Manager and/or other team members
Key Assessment Areas:
- SEO knowledge and experience
- Data analysis and interpretation skills
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Problem-solving and initiative-taking
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your SEO experience and relevant skills
- Be prepared to discuss specific SEO campaigns or projects you've worked on and the results you achieved
- Demonstrate your understanding of Kaplan UK's business and the role of SEO in driving growth
ATS Keywords: SEO, SEO Specialist, SEO Strategy, SEO Performance, SEO Tools, Data Analysis, Multi-Channel Marketing, Emerging Technologies, AI
ASSUMPTION: Kaplan UK uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen resumes, so including relevant keywords will improve the visibility of your application.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Google Analytics
- SEMrush
- Ahrefs
- HTML & CSS
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is essential for success in this role, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency during the interview process.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Act with integrity
- Grow knowledge
- Empower & support
- Create opportunity
- Drive results together
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and analytical
- Adaptable and proactive
- Results-focused and goal-oriented
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you align with Kaplan UK's values and work style?
- Are you comfortable working in a hybrid environment, balancing home and office work?
- Do you have a genuine interest in staying updated with industry trends and emerging technologies?
ASSUMPTION: Kaplan UK values a strong cultural fit and looks for candidates who align with their values and work style.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Keeping up with industry trends and emerging technologies
- Collaborating effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders
- Working in a hybrid environment, balancing home and office work
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the role and require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to learning and growth.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other SEO Specialist roles, this position offers a hybrid working arrangement and the opportunity to work for a global education provider
- Industry-specific context: Kaplan UK's focus on professional development and education provides unique opportunities for career growth and learning
- Career path comparison: This role offers a clear path for progression to Senior SEO Specialist or SEO Manager positions, with potential for international collaboration and global impact
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to similar SEO Specialist positions in other industries or organizations.
📝 Sample Projects
- Conducting a comprehensive SEO audit of Kaplan UK's websites and implementing technical and on-page optimizations
- Developing and executing a multi-channel SEO strategy to drive organic search growth and improve visibility
- Analyzing SEO performance data and reporting on key metrics and insights to inform decision-making
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the key responsibilities and required skills for the SEO Specialist role at Kaplan UK.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
- How does this role collaborate with other marketing channels and teams to deliver a multi-channel approach?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the SEO team and Kaplan UK more broadly?
- How does Kaplan UK support its employees in staying updated with industry trends and emerging technologies?
- What is the work-life balance like for this role, and how does Kaplan UK support its employees in achieving a healthy work-life balance?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate your interest in the role and provide valuable insights into the work environment and company culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your SEO experience and relevant skills
- Prepare for a technical assessment or case study, demonstrating your SEO knowledge and problem-solving skills
- Research Kaplan UK's business and the role of SEO in driving growth, and be prepared to discuss your findings during the interview
- Follow up with the Recruitant Team one week after submitting your application to check the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
