Senior Digital Marketing Manager – Search Lead
Location: Exeter (Hybrid)
Type: Full-time
Salary: Up to £45,000 + Benefits
The Opportunity
This is a senior, strategic role for someone who genuinely understands how search is evolving.
You’ll take ownership of how search is delivered across the agency, from technical SEO and content strategy through to GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) and Social Search.
This isn’t about maintaining what’s already in place.
It’s about shaping the future of search, internally, across clients and in the wider market.
You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders, influence commercial outcomes, and play a key role in positioning the agency as a leader in modern search strategy.
What You’ll Be Doing
Search Strategy & Performance
* Define and lead SEO, GEO and Social Search strategies across a range of client accounts
* Translate business objectives into clear, measurable search plans
* Own performance across rankings, traffic, engagement and conversions
* Continuously evolve strategy based on data, insight and emerging trends
Technical SEO & Content Excellence
* Lead on technical SEO direction (site health, indexation, performance)
* Oversee keyword research, audits and competitor analysis
* Ensure content aligns with search intent and demand
* Work closely with content, design and dev teams to embed best practice from day one
Data, Insight & Optimisation
* Turn performance data into clear, actionable insights
* Ensure tracking, reporting and measurement is accurate and meaningful
* Deliver reporting that focuses on commercial impact, not just metrics
* Drive continuous improvement across all search activity
Client Strategy & Growth
* Act as the go-to search expert in client conversations, QBRs and planning sessions
* Communicate complex ideas in a clear, commercially relevant way
* Identify opportunities to grow accounts through search and integrated services
* Support a proactive, insight-led approach to client performance
Cross-Channel Strategy
* Integrate search into wider digital marketing strategies
* Collaborate with Paid Media, Social, Content and Strategy teams
* Contribute to full-funnel, commercially aligned campaigns
Leadership & Influence
This role goes beyond delivery.
You’ll be expected to:
* Lead and develop search capability across the team
* Provide guidance, QA and training on SEO, GEO and emerging practices
* Deliver internal training sessions and build frameworks for best practice
* Stay ahead of industry changes and bring new thinking into the agency
You’ll also play a key role externally, contributing to:
* Webinars, events and thought leadership
* Development of AI-driven and GEO search offerings
* The agency’s positioning as a leader in modern search
What Good Looks Like
* Strong client retention and high NPS (9–10)
* Measurable growth across key client KPIs
* Consistent delivery within scope and commercial targets
* Adoption of new search approaches (AI / GEO)
* Visible leadership across both team and client work
What We’re Looking For
* Proven experience leading SEO strategy at a senior level (agency or in-house)
* Strong technical SEO understanding alongside content and strategy expertise
* Experience interpreting data and turning it into meaningful action
* Confidence working directly with clients and senior stakeholders
* A genuine interest in how search is evolving (AI, GEO, Social Search)
* Someone who enjoys leading, not just delivering
Why This Role Stands Out
* Genuine ownership of the search function
* Opportunity to shape how AI and GEO are embedded into strategy
* A role that blends strategy, leadership, and innovation
* High visibility internally and externally
* A chance to influence both client success and agency growth
If you’re looking for a role where you can define what great search looks like, not just follow it, this is a rare opportunity to do exactly that.