Search Optimization Engineer

Harvard Business Publishing; Greater Manchester; On-site; USD 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm seeks a skilled web application developer with a strong background in backend programming and search application implementations. This role involves leading the design and development of search systems, optimizing performance, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user experience. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of search functionalities, particularly with Coveo, and demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills. Join a mission-driven company that values inclusion and offers competitive benefits, career development programs, and a culture of engagement.

Benefits

Education Reimbursement

Early-release Summer Fridays

Career Development Programs

Wellness Programs

Qualifications

• 5+ years in web application development with backend languages.
• 2+ years in search application implementations like Coveo.
• Strong understanding of content management and workflow.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of search software systems.
• Collaborate with teams to improve search functionality.
• Gather business requirements and translate to technical specs.

Skills

Backend Programming (PHP, Python, Java)

Search Application Implementations (Coveo, Algolia, Elasticsearch)

Content Management Principles

AI/ML Integration

Database Design and Optimization

Web Security Principles

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Tools

AWS

Azure

Google Cloud

SQL

Snowflake

Job description

Harvard Business Publishing (HBP) - the leading destination for innovative management thinking. We reach lifelong learners to improve the practice of management in a changing world. This mission inspires each of us to unlock the leader in everyone - including you!

The opportunity:

Maintain and improve search and discovery across a portfolio of web and mobile applications that use Coveo for search functionality for finding written content and products. Transform search and discovery functionality with AI/ML for eCommerce platforms to increase conversion rates and optimize search engine results.

What You'll Do:

• Lead search software system design, development, and delivery

• Monitor, support, and drive search tool performance and reliability

• Work with internal software engineers and vendors to debug and solve operational issues

• Collaborate with internal eCommerce teams (DevOps, Quality Analysis, Front and Backend Engineering, Data and Analytics) to address complex problems and improve processes

• Work with QA Engineering team to ensure that search functionality performance is optimized for load and data integrity is maintained

• Serve as subject matter expert (SME) for search and discovery of assets across the product catalog of assets and portfolio of web and mobile applications

• Convert business requirements into technical specifications and designs

• Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills

• Exhibit strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills

• Quickly grasp complex concepts and learn innovative technologies

• Possess and maintain a deep knowledge of search functionality generally, Coveo search platform specifically. Understand best practices and industry trends across the search marketplace, with a focus on Coveo search SaaS

• Requirements Gathering:

• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather and analyze business requirements for content management systems

• Translate these requirements into technical specifications and design documents

• Synthesize a solution that takes into consideration the needs of the stakeholders with needs of the larger organization

• Participates in the development life cycle including analysis, writing technical specifications, development, deployment planning, and production support as an individual contributor and also overseeing vendor partners

• Provide essential, timely and valuable documents for design and architecture, e.g., system overviews, technical stack diagrams

• Considers multiple factors into decision making such as supportability, flexibility, cost and performance

• Forward looking, ensures decisions are in alignment with Software Engineer and Product Development goals

• Efficiently transitionprojectsto support team, providing necessary background and documentation to insure thorough hand-off of responsibility for on-going support and maintenance

What you'll bring:

• 5+ Years of experience in web application development, with expertise in backend programming languages (e.g., PHP, Python, Java) and modern web frameworks

• 2+ years of experience in search application implementations, Coveo, Algolia, Elasticsearch, or similar

• Strong understanding of content management principles, including content modeling, workflow management, and multichannel publishing

• Some understanding of accessibility standards and guidelines, such as WCAG 2.1

• Understanding of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning principals; experience integrating and leveraging AI/ML services

• Familiarity with databases and SQL, including database design and optimization

• Experience in integrating CMS platforms with external systems using APIs and web services

• Understanding of web security principles and experience implementing security measures within CMS solutions

• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with stakeholders at various levels

• Experience with cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud

• Experience with data warehouse methods and solutions such as Snowflake is helpful

What we offer:

As a mission-driven global company, Harvard Business Publishing is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, trust, and engagement where everyone is welcome, valued, respected, and feels they belong. In addition to a competitive compensation and benefits package, we offer meaningful programs focused on career development and employee wellness, such as education reimbursement and early-release Summer Fridays!

HBP is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

$110,000

Above is the annualized pay range for this position. In addition, this position includes the opportunity to earn our annual Performance Based Variable Pay Program. Actual salary will be set based upon a range of factors, including external benchmark market data, individual knowledge, skills, experience, location and internal equity.