π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: SEO Specialist
πΉ Company: ICS
πΉ Location: Leeds, United Kingdom
πΉ Job Type: Hybrid (FULL_TIME)
πΉ Category: Marketing Services
πΉ Date Posted: May 12, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 2-5 years
πΉ Remote Status: Hybrid (On-site and Remote)
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting the SEO team with technical, on-page, and off-page SEO expertise
- Planning and delivering technical SEO strategies aligned with clients' objectives
- Cross-departmental collaboration to ensure timely delivery of projects
- Hands-on involvement in client campaigns and strategy optimization
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic planning and hands-on execution, with a focus on driving results for clients.
π Key Responsibilities
β
Research existing client needs and develop SEO strategies that meet their business goals
β
Audit clients' SEO and provide recommendations to optimize their strategies
β
Deliver hands-on technical recommendations and improvements
β
Evaluate clients' backlink profiles and devise strategies based on potential opportunities
β
Detect and advise on potential SEO blockers, including crawlability and indexing issues
β
Conduct keyword research and competitor analyses to inform clients' content and SEO strategies
β
Create monthly/end-of-project reports with key insights relating to the clientβs KPIs
β
Lead and contribute to client calls and attend face-to-face meetings
β
Build and maintain long-lasting client relationships
β
Coach and mentor junior team members
β
Keep up to date with industry best practices and latest trends
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on execution, and client management, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 2-5 years of proven experience in SEO, with a strong focus on technical SEO
Required Skills:
- Expertise in technical, on-page, and off-page SEO
- Strong analytical skills and data management abilities
- Experience in a client-facing environment and leading client calls/meetings
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, both oral and written
- Proficient in major SEO tools (GSC, GA, Moz, Majestic, SEMrush, ahrefs, Screaming Frog) and web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Google Search Console)
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in a busy agency environment (translations/content/digital)
- A dissatisfaction with status quo β always thinking of ways to grow clients and help them achieve more from search
- Able to lead workshops to enhance team knowledge and train junior staff members
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a solid foundation in SEO, with a strong focus on technical aspects, and experience working in a client-facing environment.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Β£30,000 - Β£36,000 per year (based on experience)
Benefits:
- 33 days annual leave
- Birthday off
- 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)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for SEO Specialist roles in the United Kingdom, with consideration for the candidate's experience level.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Marketing Services
Company Size: 51-200 employees
Founded: 2008
Company Description:
- ICS-digital is a global SEO, content, advertising, translation, and digital PR agency working in over 100 languages, across over 90 markets in highly regulated and competitive industries.
- The company offers a wide range of services, including international link building, creative content, digital PR, translations and localization, digital marketing, content creation, content marketing, paid media, sponsorship, SEO, PPC, translation, marketing strategy, PR, onsite SEO, offsite SEO, and online marketing.
- ICS-digital has a flexible and responsive approach, enabling them to deliver exceptional results on large-scale projects in competitive sectors such as finance, iGaming, law, health, and international eCommerce and travel.
Company Specialties:
- International Link Building
- Creative Content
- Digital PR
- Translations and Localization
- Digital Marketing
- Content Creation
- Content Marketing
- Paid Media
- Sponsorship
- SEO
- PPC
- Translation
- Marketing Strategy
- PR
- Onsite SEO
- Offsite SEO
- Online Marketing
Company Website: http://www.ics-digital.com
ASSUMPTION: ICS-digital's global reach and expertise in highly regulated and competitive industries make it an attractive employer for SEO professionals seeking international experience.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: This role is situated within the SEO team and may involve coaching and mentoring junior team members.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (on-site and remote)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential career progression within the SEO team or across other departments (e.g., content, advertising, translation, digital PR)
- Opportunities to work on large-scale projects in competitive sectors, gaining valuable experience
- Chances to develop skills in related areas, such as content creation, digital PR, or marketing strategy
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth, both within the SEO team and across other departments, as well as the chance to work on high-profile projects in competitive industries.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (on-site and remote)
Office Location(s): Leeds, Yorkshire
Geographic Context:
- Leeds is a vibrant city in the Yorkshire region of the United Kingdom, known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and thriving business scene.
- The city is home to a diverse range of industries, including finance, technology, and digital marketing, providing ample networking opportunities.
- Leeds offers a high quality of life, with affordable housing, excellent schools, and a wide range of leisure activities.
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible working arrangements
ASSUMPTION: Leeds offers a dynamic and vibrant work environment, with a diverse range of industries and cultural attractions, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and networking.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- Technical SEO assessment or case study
- Final interview with the SEO team lead or other senior team members
Key Assessment Areas:
- SEO knowledge and expertise
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Client management and communication skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your SEO experience and relevant skills
- Include specific examples of your SEO achievements and the impact you've made on previous projects
- Demonstrate your understanding of the role and ICS-digital's services by referencing their work and industry trends in your application
ATS Keywords: SEO, technical SEO, on-page SEO, off-page SEO, keyword research, competitor analysis, client management, SEO tools, data analysis, problem-solving
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a focus on assessing candidates' SEO expertise, analytical skills, and client management abilities.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- SEO tools: GSC, GA, Moz, Majestic, SEMrush, ahrefs, Screaming Frog
- Web analytics tools: Google Analytics, Google Search Console
- Project management tools: Asana, Trello, or similar
- Communication and collaboration tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard SEO tools and web analytics platforms is essential for this role, as is experience with project management and communication tools.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Global Reach
- Local Insight
- Flexibility and Responsiveness
- Expertise
- Integrity
Work Style:
- Collaborative and cross-departmental
- Results-driven and focused on client outcomes
- Adaptable and responsive to changing client needs
- Committed to continuous learning and professional development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with ICS-digital's company values, particularly 'Global Reach' and 'Local Insight'?
- How comfortable are you working in a hybrid environment, balancing on-site and remote work?
- How do you approach continuous learning and staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices?
ASSUMPTION: ICS-digital values candidates who can demonstrate a strong cultural fit, with a focus on global reach, local insight, flexibility, responsiveness, expertise, and integrity.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple client projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and time management
- Keeping up with the fast-paced and ever-changing SEO landscape, demanding continuous learning and adaptation
- Working in a competitive agency environment, with a focus on delivering results and meeting client expectations
- Balancing on-site and remote work, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills
ASSUMPTION: This role presents several challenges, including managing multiple projects, staying current with industry trends, working in a competitive environment, and balancing a hybrid work arrangement.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other SEO Specialist roles, this position offers a greater emphasis on technical SEO and cross-departmental collaboration
- ICS-digital's global reach and expertise in highly regulated and competitive industries set it apart from other agencies
- Career progression opportunities may be more limited in an agency environment compared to in-house roles, but ICS-digital's diverse service offerings provide opportunities for skill development and growth
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to similar positions, with a focus on technical SEO, cross-departmental collaboration, and working in a global agency environment.
π Sample Projects
- Conducting a comprehensive SEO audit for a global eCommerce client, identifying technical issues and providing strategic recommendations
- Developing and executing a link-building strategy for an international law firm, targeting high-authority publications and industry-specific platforms
- Optimizing on-page SEO for a multinational finance company, improving crawlability, indexing, and keyword relevance
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of SEO expertise required for this role, from technical audits and strategic planning to hands-on optimization and execution.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical SEO strategy for a new client, and how it evolves over time?
- How does the SEO team collaborate with other departments, such as content, advertising, and digital PR?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the SEO team and across other departments?
- How does ICS-digital support its employees in staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices?
- What is the expected work-life balance for this hybrid role, and how is it supported by the company?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions aim to assess the role's day-to-day responsibilities, cross-departmental collaboration, professional growth opportunities, industry engagement, and work-life balance.
π 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 SEO assessment or case study, demonstrating your practical skills and problem-solving abilities
- Research ICS-digital's services, industry trends, and recent projects to showcase your understanding of the role and the company
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.