SEO Manager Leeds

Work Environment and Culture: ThePlaceToBe in Leeds is portrayed in public postings as a creatively driven agency with a collaborative culture and hybrid work options, including a Leeds office with in-office days, suggesting a flexible, design-focused environment. (theplacetobeagency.com)

Career Development and Compensation: Public postings show multiple roles with defined salary ranges (e.g., Senior Digital Account Manager £35,000-£45,000; Senior Social Media Exec £25,000-£28,000; Senior Account Director £55,000-£60,000), indicating pay bands and potential progression, though there is no widely published Glassdoor score. (theplacetobeagency.com)

CSR, Sustainability, and Financial Health: No explicit CSR or sustainability programs are publicly detailed in the available sources, and there is no publicly published financial health information for this private agency. (theplacetobeagency.com)

Reliability: Public sentiment is limited to a small set of postings and a few Reddit threads recounting negative interview experiences and concerns about reputation, so these signals should be interpreted cautiously and may not reflect the full employee experience. (reddit.com)

What are the core responsibilities of the SEO Manager role?

• Lead the development and execution of search engine strategy for the agency’s flagship clients.
• Plan and oversee campaigns across onsite technical SEO, content strategy, and overall SEO approach.
• Perform technical SEO audits and manage site migrations to ensure smooth, high-performing transitions.
• Manage and mentor a small team of SEO executives, delegating tasks and ensuring quality delivery.
• Partner with an Account Manager to communicate performance to clients, present findings, and propose optimizations.
• Collaborate with related channels (CRO, PPC, Paid Social) to deliver integrated campaign results.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and provide regular reporting and actionable recommendations.

What qualifications or experience are required or preferred?

• Strong, demonstrable experience in SEO, ideally within an agency environment.
• Proven ability to plan and lead SEO strategy and to oversee Technical SEO activities.
• Comfortable leading client meetings and presenting complex insights to non-technical stakeholders.
• People leadership or supervisory experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of related marketing channels (CRO, PPC, Paid Social) is a plus.
• Familiarity with common SEO tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, Ahrefs/Similar) is desirable.
• Based in or able to work with the Leeds area (hybrid arrangement referenced in the posting).

What does the team structure look like and who would I work with?

• This is described as an intimate team where you’ll lead a selection of SEO executives who report into you.
• You’ll have support from an Account Manager for client communications.
• You’ll work closely with colleagues across the agency on integrated campaigns (Web, SEO, PPC, Paid Social, Display, Content) to deliver client results.
• You’ll be the primary client-facing SEO lead for your designated clients, with regular performance updates and strategy sessions.

Where is the job located and what is the work arrangement?

• Location: Leeds City Centre.
• The posting indicates a hybrid setup with at least one in-office day per week; the remaining days are typically flexible per the client and team needs.
• You should be prepared to spend time in the Leeds office as part of the hybrid arrangement and collaborate with teammates in person as required.

What is the salary and potential for career progression?

• Salary range is £30,000 to £38,000 per year.
• The role is described as a lead position with opportunities to oversee a team and work directly with flagship clients, which can create avenues for progression within the agency as you demonstrate impact and leadership.
• Growth opportunities may include expanding responsibilities, taking on larger clients, or advancing into senior SEO leadership roles, depending on performance and business needs.

How do I apply and what is the typical recruitment process?

• Application: Submit your CV (and a brief note or cover letter highlighting relevant SEO leadership and agency experience). If you have case studies or campaign samples, include them.
• Screening: Initial contact or phone/video screen to assess fit, experience, and availability.
• Interviews: Usually a combination of technical SEO discussion, leadership and people management questions, and client-facing scenario discussions. You may also be asked to walk through previous campaigns and outcomes.
• Decision and next steps: Final feedback and offer discussions if you’re the right match.
• If you have questions about the process, it’s appropriate to ask the recruiter or hiring team during early outreach or interviews.