SEO Manager

Hobbycraft; Christchurch; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading craft retailer is seeking an SEO Manager to develop and lead their SEO strategy. This full-time position offers a hybrid working model from their Head Office in Christchurch. The ideal candidate will have a proven background in eCommerce SEO, strong analytical skills, and experience with various SEO tools. Responsibilities include driving organic search growth and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance brand visibility and performance. Join a creative and dynamic environment focused on measurable results.

Benefits

33 days holiday including bank holidays

40% colleague discount

Access to a personal pension scheme

Cycle2Work scheme

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an SEO Manager or Executive for eCommerce brands.
• Strong track record of developing and executing effective SEO strategies.
• High analytical skills and knowledge of SEO tools.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and communicate effectively.
• Proactive problem-solving with a commercial mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead and refine the SEO strategy for organic growth.
• Analyze performance and deliver actionable insights.
• Collaborate with Digital Advertising for cohesive marketing efforts.
• Work with teams to optimize website content and architecture.
• Forecast traffic and revenue impacts of SEO initiatives.
• Stay updated on SEO trends and algorithm changes.

Skills

SEO strategy development

Data analysis

Cross-channel collaboration

Technical SEO

Strong communication skills

Tools

Google Search Console

Google Analytics

Ahrefs

SEMrush

Screaming Frog

Job description

Overview

Role: SEO Manager - Head Office

Location: Bournemouth

Reference: HOB1170157

Closing Date: 06.02.2026

SEO Manager (up to £45k dependent upon experience) – Hobbycraft Head Office, BH23 6HG

This is a full-time role, working 37.5 hours. Our hybrid working policy is 3 days at our Head Office in Christchurch, Dorset and 2 days working from home. Our core business hours are Monday to Friday – 10am to 3pm with a flexible approach to start and finish times.

About The Role: Hobbycraft is the UK’s leading art and craft retailer with 108 stores across the UK, a website that has grown substantially over the last 5 years and an app that was launched in 2023. We’re seeking a commercially minded, data-driven SEO specialist to lead our search strategy and play a pivotal role in driving customer acquisition, retention, brand visibility, and revenue growth across our website, app, and stores through SEO strategies. As part of our wider Digital Marketing team (which also includes Digital Advertising, CRM, Customer Insight, Loyalty and Subscriptions) you’ll own the SEO roadmap, ensuring our brand achieves greater visibility, authority, and performance in the SERP. Reporting to the Head of Digital Marketing, you’ll also work closely with key stakeholders across Digital Advertising, eCommerce, Trading, IT, and Content to deliver a best-in-class SEO strategy that supports our business goals. This is an exciting opportunity in a fast-paced, creative, and collaborative environment – perfect for someone who thrives on delivering measurable results, communicates clearly, and embraces a test-and-learn mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the SEO strategy: Develop, implement, and continuously refine the SEO strategy to drive organic search growth, improve search visibility, and increase qualified traffic.
• Performance analysis: Use SEO tools and analytics platforms to monitor performance, identify opportunities, and deliver actionable insights that improve rankings and conversions.
• Cross-channel collaboration: Partner with the Digital Advertising Manager to align paid and organic search efforts, ensuring a cohesive and efficient search marketing strategy.
• Content and technical SEO: Work with content, trading, and IT teams to optimise website architecture, content, metadata, and internal linking structures for SEO impact.
• Project support: Collaborate with IT and digital product teams to ensure SEO best practices are implemented across all technical developments and platform changes.
• Forecasting and reporting: Forecast organic traffic, sessions, and revenue impact of SEO initiatives, and communicate performance to senior stakeholders.
• Strategic integration: Represent SEO in marketing planning sessions, ensuring SEO considerations are embedded across campaigns and content strategies.
• Market awareness: Stay informed on the latest SEO trends, search engine algorithm updates, and industry innovations to keep our strategy ahead of the curve.

About You

• Proven experience as an SEO Manager, or an SEO Executive looking to take the next step, and working for/on behalf of eCommerce brand(s).
• Strong track record of developing and executing SEO strategies that have demonstrably driven business growth.
• Experience managing or collaborating with SEO agencies and external partners.
• Highly analytical with deep knowledge of SEO tools, including Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Ahrefs, SEMrush, Screaming Frog, and keyword ranking tools.
• Collaborative communicator able to build strong relationships and influence cross-functional teams to deliver impactful SEO initiatives.
• Proactive problem solver with a commercial mindset and the confidence to challenge, innovate, and drive continuous improvement.
• Organised and adaptable, comfortable operating in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
• Curious and data-driven, with a passion for digital innovation and staying ahead of SEO best practices.

Benefits

• 33 days holiday including bank holidays pro rata, growing with you during your time with us
• 40% colleague discount
• Access to a personal pension scheme
• Fun event days to fundraise for our charity partners
• Annual paid-for charity volunteer day
• Cycle2Work scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee Support Programme, for overall wellbeing for you and your family, including financial and mortgage advice
• Access to a range of high street discounts
• An inclusive and creative working environment, so you can truly be you and enjoy your time at work
• Long service awards and gifts

We are committed to supporting anyone with a disability in applying for our vacancies. If you have a disability and require support throughout our recruitment process, you can contact us at [e-mail] and let us know what adjustments you may need. Hobbycraft is an equal opportunity employer and embraces equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

About Us

We’re here to help you create. Our passion for craft is at the centre of everything we do. This is reflected in our creative and knowledgeable Hobbycraft store colleagues. We host a variety of workshops and demos in stores and online to help everyone master a new craft or refine a beloved one. We support everyone on their crafting journey, from parents to student artists, expert knitters, model makers and more. Why not visit your local Hobbycraft store today and find the perfect craft for you?

What’s Needed

Customer service, Creative, Knowledgeable