Senior Manager, SEM & SEO Strategy

EQ Bank; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive discretionary bonus

Market leading RRSP match program

Medical, dental, vision, life, and dis

Employee Share Purchase Plan

Maternity/Parental top-up

Job summary

EQ Bank in Toronto is seeking a Senior Manager, SEO & SEM Performance to drive digital acquisition of credit and banking products through data-driven search campaigns. You will lead a matrixed media strategy and a talented team to deliver growth with efficient costs.

The role demands 7+ years in SEM/SEO, strong KPI achievement, and expertise across SA360, Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and analytics tools. Hybrid work in Canada with an emphasis on collaboration and strategic leadership.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree/diploma in a related field (Business, Marketing, Advertising).
• Experience in Financial Services (Credit Card and Deposit Acquisition) is a strong asset.
• 7+ years of experience in SEM & SEO and execution including 2-3 years of experience managing a team of digital media practitioners.
• Demonstrated ability to meet and exceed KPIs.
• Familiar with organic monitoring tools such as Screaming Frog, SEMRush, Google Search Console, Google Analytics, and Webmaster Tools.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of buying platforms like SA360, Google Ads, and Microsoft Ads.
• An analytical thinker with the ability to turn data into actionable insights and effective paid media strategies.
• A critical thinker with the ability to develop a POV and implications based on data, and present findings to key stakeholders.
• Collaborative and positive attitude with passion for questioning assumptions and answering questions with data, to unlock value for the business & the enterprise.
• Self-directed, proactive, able to define a vision and effectively lead the team through the execution of said vision.
• Strong in Excel and reporting automation / experience using BI tools (Looker, Google Data Studio or equivalent).
• Excellent priority management skills demonstrated with both stakeholder partners & media specialists
• Possess a passion for the search ecosystem, a curiosity to keep learning, and a deep understanding of emerging trends in AI and measurement tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team responsible for the development and execution of SEM, and Paid AI strategies and initiatives that drive conversion and acquisition (quality results at accelerated volumes and efficient costs).
• Build data-driven and customer focused plans across Paid Search, Performance Max and content opportunities for organic visibility.
• Be a thought leader in Paid Search & Organic (traditional SERP & AI) strategies and effectively influence these ideas to business stakeholders to gain confidence and alignment.
• Work directly with Brand Marketing on Content roadmaps and strategies to boost the visibility of our brand and products in SERP’s and AI Overviews.
• Collaborate with Digital Platforms on technical SEO implementation.
• Collaborate with the Acquisition Targeting team to identify opportunities to leverage first-party data for targeting and measurement.
• Define, measure and report on KPIs that hold SEM investments accountable to desired business outcomes, including the Cost Per Activation & ROI.
• Lead the learning and development of emerging Generative and Answer Engine Optimization tactics.
• Report on the effectiveness of SEM investments to senior stakeholders during weekly, monthly, and quarterly business reviews.
• Partner with cross functional acquisition strategy teams to plan acquisition targets.
• Streamline processes to maximize time spent on value-added planning and optimization.
• Work with finance and contract partners for new vendor on-boarding, and resolution of billing accruals.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data-driven decision making

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Education

Post-secondary degree in Business, Marketing, Advertising

Tools

SA360

Google Ads

Microsoft Ads

Google Analytics

Screaming Frog

SEMrush

Google Search Console

Job description

Join a ChallengerAt EQ, we're remaking banking so every Canadian gets ahead, every day. Serving nearly 4 million Canadians from coast to coast, we offer a wide variety of financial services from banking and lending, to trust and credit union solutions.

Join a ChallengerAt EQ, we're remaking banking so every Canadian gets ahead, every day. Serving nearly 4 million Canadians from coast to coast, we offer a wide variety of financial services from banking and lending, to trust and credit union solutions. We've been at this since 1970, challenging the conventions of traditional banking with smarter, faster, and more connected financial experiences.

The Work

The Senior Manager, SEO & SEM Performance is responsible for driving digital acquisition of credit & banking products through cutting edge search campaigns that are powered by data, scaled efficiently through rigorous experimentation and are centered around the customer. You will leverage your effective storytelling skills to showcase the value of the search journey in driving business results. You will flex your collaborative & strategic leadership style to ensure the flawless planning and execution of a highly matrixed media strategy & team, designed to fundamentally deliver acquisition growth for the business.

What You'll Do!

• Lead the team responsible for the development and execution of SEM, and Paid AI strategies and initiatives that drive conversion and acquisition (quality results at accelerated volumes and efficient costs). Two SEM specialists, and one Manager of SEO.
• Build data-driven and customer focused plans across Paid Search, Performance Max and content opportunities for organic visibility.
• Be a thought leader in Paid Search & Organic (traditional SERP & AI) strategies and effectively influence these ideas to business stakeholders to gain confidence and alignment.
• Work directly with Brand Marketing on Content roadmaps and strategies to boost the visibility of our brand and products in SERP’s and AI Overviews.
• Collaborate with Digital Platforms on technical SEO implementation.
• Collaborate with the Acquisition Targeting team to identify opportunities to leverage first-party data for targeting and measurement.
• Define, measure and report on KPIs that hold SEM investments accountable to desired business outcomes, including the Cost Per Activation & ROI.
• Lead the learning and development of emerging Generative and Answer Engine Optimization tactics.
• Report on the effectiveness of SEM investments to senior stakeholders during weekly, monthly, and quarterly business reviews.
• Partner with cross functional acquisition strategy teams to plan acquisition targets.
• Streamline processes to maximize time spent on value-added planning and optimization.
• Work with finance and contract partners for new vendor on-boarding, and resolution of billing accruals.

What You Bring!

• Post-secondary degree/diploma in a related field (Business, Marketing, Advertising)
• Experience in Financial Services (Credit Card and Deposit Acquisition) is a strong asset.
• 7+ years of experience in SEM & SEO and execution including 2-3 years of experience managing a team of digital media practitioners.
• Demonstrated ability to meet and exceed KPIs.
• Familiar with organic monitoring tools such as Screaming Frog, SEMRush, Google Search Console, Google Analytics, and Webmaster Tools.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of buying platforms like SA360, Google Ads, and Microsoft Ads.
• A strong grasp of the agile methodology is an asset but not required.
• An analytical thinker with the ability to turn data into actionable insights and effective paid media strategies.
• A critical thinker with the ability to develop a POV and implications based on data, and present findings to key stakeholders.
• Collaborative and positive attitude with passion for questioning assumptions and answering questions with data, to unlock value for the business & the enterprise.
• Self-directed, proactive, able to define a vision and effectively lead the team through the execution of said vision.
• Strong in Excel and reporting automation / experience using Business Intelligence tools (Looker, Google Data Studio or equivalent).
• Excellent priority management skills demonstrated with both stakeholder partners & media specialists
• Possess a passion for the search ecosystem, a curiosity to keep learning, and a deep understanding of emerging trends in AI and measurement tools.

What we offer [For full-time permanent roles]

• Competitive discretionary bonus
• Market leading RRSP match program
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits
• Employee Share Purchase Plan
• Maternity/Parental top-up while you care for your little one
• Generous vacation policy and personal days
• Virtual events to connect with your fellow colleagues
• Professional development and comprehensive Career Development program
• A fulfilling opportunity to join one of the top FinTechs and help create a new kind of banking experience

The incumbent will be working hybrid and in office time will be spent working from EQ Bank’s additional office space located at 2200-25 Ontario Street, Toronto, ON.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

EQ is committed to building an inclusive, accessible environment where every employee feels valued, respected, and supported. We believe our organization is stronger — and our people thrive — when we honour and celebrate diverse experiences, identities, and perspectives. We’re equally committed to supporting your growth, both professionally and personally.

We provide a barrier‑free recruitment process and work environment. If you require accommodations at any stage, we will work with you to ensure you can bring your best self to the process and beyond.

As part of our recruitment process, EQ uses AI to help screen, assess, and/or select applicants for this position. All AI-enabled outputs are reviewed and validated by our talent team. All candidates considered for hire must successfully complete a criminal background check and credit check. While we appreciate every application, an EQ recruiter will contact only those whose skills and experience most closely match the requirements of the role.

EQB Inc. (TSX: EQB) is the parent company of Equitable Bank, the country's seventh-largest Schedule I bank by assets, which operates EQ Bank, Canada's Challenger Bank™. EQB Inc. serves nearly 4 million Canadians and manages approximately $150 billion in combined assets under management and administration.

To learn more, visit eqb.investorroom.com and eqbank.ca.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.