# SEO Leader | Field | Value | |-------|-------| | **Company** | Climbing Trees | | **Location** | London | | **Posted** | 2026-04-02 | | **Expires** | 2026-09-28 | ## Skills & Tags `Technical SEO`, `SEO Strategy & Management`, `Content SEO` ## What Makes This Opportunity Special Lead the search strategy at a values-driven digital marketing agency in London. As SEO Leader at Climbing Trees, you'll champion ethical, curious, and client-focused SEO that helps our clients grow while doing work that matters. Enjoy a collaborative culture with development and wellbeing at the forefront, and a hybrid office rhythm that keeps us connected. ## Job Description We’re a dynamic digital marketing agency fuelled by collaboration, creativity, and purpose. Our mission? To do work that matters,  for our clients, our people, and the planet. As we grow, we’re doubling down on supporting our team’s development and well-being, creating an environment where everyone can do the best work of their careers. We work from our Earls Colne, Colchester office 2–3 days a week,  because staying connected, aligned, and inspired together really matters. **Our Values** We don’t just talk about our values,  we live them every day. **We are ethical.** We lead with honesty, kindness, and integrity, always considering the wider impact of what we do. We care deeply about building a sustainable and inclusive future. **We are curious.** We never stop learning. Whether it’s AI, SEO, or the next big trend, we’re always exploring new ideas so our clients stay ahead of the curve. **We are caring.** We genuinely care about our clients’ success and our craft. We take pride in delivering work that makes a difference. **We are client-focused.** We build lasting partnerships with clients who share our values and trust us to deliver outstanding results. **The Role** The SEO Lead will be responsible for defining and leading Climbing Trees’ organic search strategy across our client portfolio and internal growth initiatives. This role sits at the intersection of strategy, leadership, innovation, and client growth. You will oversee technical SEO, content strategy, and Digital PR integration while ensuring our work consistently delivers measurable results for clients. As the overall owner of the SEO function, you will be accountable for the delivery, performance, and quality of work produced by the SEO team. This includes ensuring projects are delivered to a high standard, client objectives are achieved, and the team operates efficiently and collaboratively. You will also hold responsibility for the ownership and management of client KPIs, service level agreements (SLAs), and agreed client deliverables, ensuring all work meets client expectations and agency standards. **Key Responsibilities** **Leadership and Management** Lead, mentor, and develop the SEO team. Foster a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Work closely with Digital PR, Paid Media, and Content teams to create integrated marketing strategies. Ensure Digital PR campaigns support SEO and link acquisition goals. **Client Growth** Act as the strategic SEO lead for key client accounts. Lead high level SEO strategy conversations and presentations. Ensure clients understand performance, strategy direction, and results. Identify opportunities to expand SEO services within existing accounts. Support new business pitches with SEO insights and strategies. Hold responsibility for the SEO team’s upselling target, proactively identifying opportunities to grow client accounts and increase revenue through strategic SEO recommendations and service innovation. **SEO, Delivery & Strategy** Define and lead the SEO strategy across Climbing Trees’ client portfolio. Be the overall person responsible for the delivery and performance of the SEO team, ensuring campaigns are delivered on time and to a high standard. Own and manage client KPI performance across SEO accounts, ensuring campaigns are aligned with measurable outcomes such as traffic growth, rankings, visibility, conversions, and engagement. Maintain accountability for client SLAs, ensuring agreed deliverables are consistently delivered on time and to the required quality. Oversee the planning and execution of client deliverables, ensuring work is prioritised effectively across the team. Ensure technical SEO, content optimisation, and link acquisition strategies are executed effectively. **AI, Innovation & Thought Leadership** Develop strategies for LLM visibility, AI driven search, and emerging SERP features. Contribute to agency thought leadership through insights and industry participation. **About you** You’re an experienced SEO leader who knows how to turn organic search into real business results. You lead teams with clarity and accountability, ensuring SEO campaigns consistently deliver against client KPIs, SLAs, and deliverables. You’re commercially minded, spotting opportunities to grow client accounts through strategic SEO. While deep SEO expertise is essential, the ability to translate complex SEO concepts into clear, client-friendly language is equally important. You will be comfortable explaining SEO performance, strategies, and technical insights to clients in a way that is easy to understand and tied directly to their business goals. **Experience required** Proven experience leading SEO strategy in an agency environment Strong expertise across technical SEO, content optimisation, and search strategy Experience managing or mentoring an SEO team Ability to translate SEO insights, data, and performance metrics into clear client narratives Experience presenting SEO strategies and results to clients or senior stakeholders Strong analytical skills with experience using tools such as GA4, GSC, Ahrefs, Screaming Frog Experience managing performance against client KPIs and SLAs Strong communication and stakeholder management skills Desirable Experience integrating Digital PR and SEO strategies Experience contributing to new business pitches and commercial strategy Knowledge of AI, LLM visibility, and emerging search trends Experience working with purpose-driven brands or B Corp organisations Thought leadership through speaking, writing, or industry participation **Why Join us** Joining us means being part of a team that cares deeply about doing meaningful work, supporting one another, and continually learning and improving. You’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of SEO within the agency, work collaboratively across teams, and make a genuine impact on the success of our clients. If you’re excited by the idea of combining high quality digital marketing with purpose and integrity, Climbing Trees could be the place for you. **Perks & Benefits** Competitive salary that recognises your impact. Flexible working, hybrid setup before it was cool. Volunteering days to give back to causes you care about. Tailored training and development plan. Private healthcare and well-being support. 3:30pm Friday finishes, start your weekend early. Annual team trips & socials (because connection matters). Sabbatical after 10 years to recharge and reflect. Emergency loan and support when life throws curveballs. ## About Climbing Trees Climbing Trees is a London-area, Essex-based marketing agency (SEO & PPC) that is officially a B Corp with strong sustainability initiatives, including a One Million Trees pledge and 100% renewable energy in the office. ([climbingtrees.com](https://www.climbingtrees.com/climbing-trees-is-officially-a-b-corp/)) Employee reviews portray a professional, fast-paced yet collaborative culture with values centered on ethics, transparency with clients, and empowerment, and Glassdoor shows 8 reviews averaging 5.0/5 overall with high marks for Culture & Values (5.0) and Senior Management (5.0). ([glassdoor.com](https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-Climbing-Trees-Online-Marketing-EI_IE7622576.11%2C42.htm)) A notable caveat is that the workload can be overwhelming at times, and the small sample size (8 reviews) may not fully represent all roles or offices. ([glassdoor.com](https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-Climbing-Trees-Online-Marketing-EI_IE7622576.11%2C42.htm)) The company’s CSR profile is robust: blind and diverse recruitment, a push to reduce travel and emissions, offsetting with Ecologi/Tree Nation (150k+ trees planted), and a plan to reach net-zero by 2030. ([climbingtrees.com](https://www.climbingtrees.com/about-climbing-trees/our-impact/)) ## Frequently Asked Questions ## What does the role involve? Lead the end-to-end SEO strategy for multiple client accounts, translating business goals into clear plans and measurable KPIs. You’ll guide technical audits, content optimization, and link-building while mentoring a small, collaborative team. Expect frequent cross-functional partnerships with analytics, paid media, and content to drive real client outcomes. ## How does Climbing Trees approach SEO and growth? Climbing Trees blends curiosity with ethical practice to stay ahead of search trends. We embrace AI and data-driven experimentation, while keeping a human-first approach that respects client brands. You’ll help clients win by delivering sustainable, high-quality SEO that aligns with their sustainability and inclusion values. ## What makes this role unique at Climbing Trees? This role sits at the heart of a values-led agency that prioritizes people, planet, and performance. You’ll shape strategy rather than simply execute, with hybrid working 2–3 days in the Earls Colne office to stay connected with the team. You’ll have visibility across clients and services, empowering you to influence outcomes. ## What growth and development opportunities can I expect? We believe in ongoing learning, with access to training, tools, and coaching to sharpen your SEO and leadership skills. You’ll mentor colleagues, lead initiatives, and demonstrate measurable impact for clients. Expect a clear path for career progression in a supportive, inclusive environment. ## What does the team culture feel like? Our culture blends collaboration, curiosity, and care. We celebrate ethical practices and client success, with open feedback and a genuine commitment to sustainability and inclusion. Regular knowledge-sharing and cross‑team collaboration keep work engaging and impactful. ## What are the next steps in the hiring process? If you’re excited, the next step is a quick screen call followed by a deeper conversation with the team. We value clarity, pace, and authenticity, and we’ll share timelines so you know what to expect. Be ready to discuss real-world SEO wins and how you partner with clients to drive sustainable growth. ## Apply [Apply for this position](https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/seo-leader-at-climbing-trees-4392894571) --- Source: [SEO Leader at Climbing Trees](https://seo-vacancy.eu/job/seo-leader-climbing-trees-london)