Senior SEO Project Manager & AI Search Strategist

Recruiting In Motion - Eastern Ontario; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 63,000 - 77,000; Part time

Job summary

Recruiting In Motion - Eastern Ontario in Ottawa is seeking a Senior SEO Project Manager & AI Search Strategist to lead SEO strategy and project execution across a portfolio of client accounts during a 12-14 month maternity leave contract.

This hands-on role requires agency experience, diagnosing complex performance issues, managing multi-account implementations, and optimizing for traditional and AI-driven search with hybrid work and flexible core hours.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on SEO experience within a digital marketing agency.
• Demonstrated expertise managing technical SEO, on-page optimization, content strategy, and multi-account execution.
• Practical experience with AI SEO, GEO, AEO, and generative search visibility.
• Strong proficiency with tools such as Google Search Console, GA4, crawling tools, and rank trackers.
• Proven project management capabilities handling cross-functional deliverables and deadlines.
• Exceptional professional communication skills in English.
• Currently located in the Ottawa area and able to work onsite 3 days per week (hybrid model).

Responsibilities

• SEO Strategy & Technical Execution: Own the day-to-day SEO strategy, performance, and roadmaps for a diverse portfolio of client accounts. Conduct full-scale technical audits (crawlability, indexation, site architecture, Core Web Vitals, schema) and lead on-page optimization.
• AI Search & Generative Optimization (GEO/AEO): Develop and implement AI-search and Answer Engine Optimization strategies to maximize visibility across platforms like Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Copilot, and Perplexity. Structure entity-based content and authority signals.
• Project Management & Client Delivery: Manage concurrent SEO projects, deliverables, and timelines across internal creatives, developers, and external resources. Participate in client strategy meetings and clearly communicate performance data and actionable insights.

Job description

Position Title: Senior SEO Project Manager & AI Search Strategist Contract Duration: 12-14 Months Salary & Benefits: Up to $70,000 with benefits Position Status: Current vacancy Location: Ottawa East/South Work Model: Hybrid – 3 days onsite (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays) and 2 days from home (Wednesdays and Fridays) Core working hours onsite are flexible between 8:00 and 5:00.

Our client is seeking a Senior SEO Project Manager & AI Search Strategist to lead SEO strategy and project execution across a portfolio of client accounts during a 12-14 month maternity leave contract, with strong potential for permanent full-time conversion. This hands‑on role is geared toward an agency‑experienced expert who can diagnose complex performance issues, manage multi‑account implementations, and optimize for both traditional search and emerging AI/generative search platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

• SEO Strategy & Technical Execution Own the day‑to‑day SEO strategy, performance, and roadmaps for a diverse portfolio of client accounts. Conduct full‑scale technical audits (crawlability, indexation, site architecture, Core Web Vitals, schema) and lead on‑page optimization. Investigate ranking, traffic, and visibility anomalies to identify root causes and deploy solutions.
• AI Search & Generative Optimization (GEO/AEO) Develop and implement AI‑search and Answer Engine Optimization strategies to maximize visibility across platforms like Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Copilot, and Perplexity. Structure entity‑based content and authority signals to strengthen brand citations and share of voice in generative answers. Leverage AI tools to streamline research, analysis, and workflow efficiency.
• Project Management & Client Delivery Manage concurrent SEO projects, deliverables, and timelines across internal creatives, developers, and external resources. Participate in client strategy meetings and clearly communicate performance data and actionable insights. Provide SEO oversight for website redesigns, migrations, and WordPress implementations.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on SEO experience within a digital marketing agency.
• Demonstrated expertise managing technical SEO, on‑page optimization, content strategy, and multi‑account execution.
• Practical experience with AI SEO, GEO, AEO, and generative search visibility.
• Strong proficiency with tools such as Google Search Console, GA4, crawling tools, and rank trackers.
• Proven project management capabilities handling cross‑functional deliverables and deadlines.
• Exceptional professional communication skills in English.
• Currently located in the Ottawa area and able to work onsite 3 days per week (hybrid model).

The ideal candidate is an experienced agency SEO strategist who combines deep technical expertise with strong project ownership and clear communication. You are comfortable diagnosing complex search issues and adapting strategies to the rapidly evolving landscape of traditional and AI‑driven search. You have exceptional English communication skills – both written and spoken.

What will make you stand out:

• Working knowledge of WordPress (page editing, plugins, schema, redirects).
• Bilingualism (English/French) for supporting bilingual client accounts and content.
• Experience with website migrations and platforms such as Teamwork, AgencyAnalytics, Screaming Frog, or SEMrush.

AI may be used to support certain administrative aspects of our recruitment process. However, all applications and resumes are reviewed by qualified human reviewers, and all screening and hiring decisions are made solely by the hiring team. The posted salary range reflects expected compensation for this role in accordance with Ontario pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications and may fall anywhere within the range.