UK Head of SEO & PPC Strategy (Local SEO)
Location: UK (Remote)
Salary: Competitive + Bonus
Reports To: Managing Director
Employment Type: Full-time
Role Overview
Founded in 2013, we are a UK-based digital agency with an excellent reputation working with 100+ SME clients, primarily in local service industries.
We’re looking for a highly experienced, commercially aware, and tech-savvy Head of SEO & PPC Strategy to lead our search services, shape performance across 100+ accounts, and contribute to future growth.
This is a client-facing, strategy-first role for someone who can lead both delivery teams and client outcomes, while supporting sales, automation, and service evolution.
Key Responsibilities
Search Strategy Leadership
* Own the full SEO & PPC strategy framework across all client tiers (Bronze–Platinum)
* Define SEO roadmaps for local SME businesses (GMB, on-page, content, links)
* Oversee Google Ads strategy and campaign structures (Search, Local Services, Retargeting)
* Ensure all plans are tailored to the client’s needs, sector, and competitors — not cookie-cutter
Sales Strategy Support
* Partner with the UK Sales Manager to build bespoke strategies that will help clients meet their goals
* Create pre-sale audit templates, keyword analysis, and pitch-ready insights
* Educate the sales team on search trends and how to position solutions
* Review and evolve tiered service offerings to align with market needs and internal capacity
Client-Facing Strategy Leadership
* Attend meetings with key clients (and others as needed)
* Present strategies, performance reports, risks, and recommendations
* Develop a proactive comms system for Account Managers to deliver:
* Wins, next steps, competitor insights, and value-added talking points
Delivery Oversight & Team Management
* Shape, manage and mentor SEO 'pods' including SEO Strategists, PPC execs, content teams, and link execs
* Collaborate with our offshore SEO delivery team (India)
* Guide the 200 blogs/month content engine with intent-led, conversion-driven themes
* Oversee internal link building and vendor partnerships
AI & Automation Leadership
* Integrate AI into content, research, metadata, and reporting
* Build scalable, repeatable internal workflows using automation tools
* Champion efficiency and time-saving without sacrificing quality
Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Work with web development teams to implement SEO/PPC changes
* Support CRO and UX decisions that improve on-site performance
* Help implement streamlined approval processes for content, GMB posts, and design changes
Performance & Process Optimisation
* Review KPIs for SEO and PPC: traffic, rankings, conversions, ROAS, CTR, etc.
* Monitor workload across teams and align output with tiered delivery limits
* Identify bottlenecks in delivery, client feedback, and approval loops — and fix them
Required Experience & Traits
* 10+ years hands-on Local SEO experience (UK businesses preferred)
* 2+ years managing PPC campaigns (Search & GMB-focused)
* Strong client-facing skills — able to simplify and present SEO/PPC clearly
* Previous experience working with or managing development teams is highly desirable
* Track record of supporting or collaborating with sales teams on SEO strategy & proposals
* Obsessed with AI and automation: always looking for faster, better, smarter ways to deliver
* Strong leadership, people management, and mentoring skills
* Proficient in SEO tools
Desirable (Bonus Points)
* Experience working with UK-based SMEs and service businesses (ie trades)
* Experience restructuring or evolving agency service models
* Familiar with Hive and SharePoint
* Experience building or leading a link building team or vendor network
What We Offer
* Senior leadership role with influence across strategy, sales, and delivery
* Competitive salary + performance bonus
* Flexible working: fully remote or if local then hybrid Monday to Wednesday office based.
* Tools, support, and autonomy to lead and innovate
* Opportunity to help reshape a growing agency from the inside out