Search Engine Optimization Manager

Stockford Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Talantir in Manchester is seeking an SEO Manager to own SEO strategy and delivery across a portfolio of client accounts. This hybrid role requires three days per week in the Manchester office and offers up to £55,000 depending on experience.

The role will lead a small internal team, mentor SEO specialists, and work directly with clients to develop and execute results-driven campaigns. There is potential to grow into Head of SEO as the business scales.

Qualifications

• Experience leading SEO in a digital marketing agency.
• Strong technical SEO and on-page optimisation knowledge.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships and campaigns.
• Previous team leadership or mentoring experience.
• Familiar with tools such as Ahrefs, SEMrush, Screaming Frog.
• Ability to communicate strategy clearly to clients and teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead SEO strategy and campaign delivery across client accounts
• Mentor a small team of SEO specialists
• Develop SEO strategies with clients
• Oversee technical SEO, on-page optimisation and content strategies
• Monitor campaign performance and provide reporting and insights
• Identify opportunities to improve SEO processes and performance
• Strengthen long-term client relationships
• Support leadership and grow the SEO department
• Contribute to long-term development and scaling of SEO function

Skills

SEO experience

Technical SEO

On-page optimisation

Search strategy

Client relationship management

Team leadership

Communication

Tools

Ahrefs

SEMrush

Screaming Frog

Job description

SEO Manager / Future Head of SEOManchester (Hybrid – 3 days per week)Up to £55,000 depending on experience

The Opportunity

We are working exclusively with a growing digital marketing agency in Manchester that is entering an exciting new phase following a recent acquisition and leadership restructuring.As part of this evolution, the business is looking to appoint an SEO Manager who will take ownership of SEO strategy and delivery across a portfolio of client accounts while supporting and mentoring a small internal team.This role offers the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the SEO function within the agency, with the potential to grow into a Head of SEO position as the business continues to scale.The organisation works with a wide range of brands across both B2B and B2C, helping them improve visibility, drive demand and generate measurable commercial results through search and performance marketing.

The Role

The SEO Manager will combine strategic thinking, hands‑on SEO delivery and client leadership to ensure strong campaign performance and long‑term client success.The successful candidate will oversee a small team of SEO specialists while remaining actively involved in the execution and development of SEO strategies.This position will suit someone who thrives in a fast‑paced agency environment, enjoys solving complex challenges and wants to contribute to the growth of a high‑performing digital marketing team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead SEO strategy and campaign delivery across a portfolio of client accounts


• Manage and mentor a team of SEO specialists (currently around 3–4 people)


• Work directly with clients to understand objectives and develop SEO strategies


• Oversee technical SEO, on‑page optimisation and content strategies


• Monitor campaign performance and deliver reporting and actionable insights


• Identify opportunities to improve SEO processes and performance


• Strengthen and develop long‑term client relationships


• Support the wider leadership team as the SEO department evolves and grows


• Contribute to the long‑term development and scaling of the SEO function

Ideal Background

• SEO experience within a digital marketing agency environment


• Strong knowledge of technical SEO, on‑page optimisation and search strategy


• Experience managing client relationships and SEO campaigns


• Previous team leadership, mentoring or management experience


• Familiarity with tools such as Ahrefs, SEMrush, Screaming Frog or similar


• The ability to communicate SEO strategy clearly to both clients and internal teams

The Type of Person We’re Looking For

• Ambitious and motivated to grow with the business


• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced agency environment


• Hands‑on and solutions‑focused


• A collaborative leader who supports both team and commercial growth


• Strong relationship builder with clients and stakeholders


• Someone who can balance strategy with execution

Why This Role Is Interesting

• Opportunity to shape and develop the SEO function


• Join the business during a period of strategic growth and change


• Potential progression into a Head of SEO position


• Hybrid working with 3 days per week in the Manchester office