Senior SEO Specialist

Herdl Ltd; Cape Town; Remote; ZAR 1,220,000 - 1,663,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Above-market salary in GBP

37 days leave per year

Team building events

Equipment provided

Carbon offsetting

Job summary

Herdl Ltd is seeking a Senior SEO Specialist to join our remote South Africa team. You will own client strategies end to end, from audits to optimisation and reporting, across B2B and B2C accounts.

The role requires 5+ years of hands-on SEO experience, strong technical knowledge, and the ability to collaborate with copywriters, developers and account managers. We offer an above‑market salary in GBP, fully remote, and a supportive, growth‑driven environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on SEO experience, ideally in an agency environment.
• Proven ability to develop and implement SEO strategies for diverse clients.
• Strong knowledge of technical SEO, content optimisation, and off-page tactics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver SEO strategies aligned with client goals and KPIs.
• Conduct keyword research, mapping and intent analysis to inform content and optimisation.
• Perform technical audits and work with developers to implement solutions.
• Plan and execute content strategies and optimise existing content for SEO.
• Monitor algorithm updates and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Create monthly reports detailing traffic, rankings and ROI, with actionable next steps.
• Collaborate with account managers and clients to align SEO with wider marketing activity.

Skills

SEO strategy

Keyword research

Technical SEO

Content optimisation

Analytics & reporting

Team collaboration

Tools

SEMrush

SE Ranking

Screaming Frog

Google Analytics 4

Google Search Console

Google LookerStudio

Google Sheets

Slack

Clickup

Google Meet

Job description

We’re looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Senior SEO Specialist to join our remote team in South Africa. This role is ideal for a strategic and technical SEO professional with at least 5+ years of hands-on SEO experience, preferably within an agency environment.

As a Senior SEO Specialist, you’ll own client strategies end to end, from initial research and audits to optimisation, implementation, and reporting. You’ll work across a range of B2B and B2C clients, delivering measurable impact across search rankings, organic traffic and revenue. You’ll collaborate closely with our wider team, including copywriters, designers, developers, and account managers, to deliver well-rounded campaigns that align with client KPIs.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work on diverse projects, improve processes, and grow within a supportive, collaborative team.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver SEO strategies aligned with client goals and KPIs.
• Conduct keyword research, mapping and intent analysis to inform content and optimisation strategies.
• Perform technical audits, identify SEO issues and work with developers or clients to implement solutions.
• Plan and execute content strategies, providing briefs and optimising existing content for SEO.
• Monitor algorithm updates, industry changes, and emerging trends, adjusting strategies as needed.

Analysis & Performance:

• Conduct competitor research, backlink audits, and opportunity analyses.
• Implement and manage link building campaigns and outreach.
• Track performance using tools like Google Analytics, Search Console and SEMrush.
• Analyse organic traffic, conversion performance and rankings to drive continuous improvement.
• Create insightful monthly reports detailing traffic, rankings, and ROI metrics, with clear next steps.
• Work closely with account managers and clients to align SEO work with wider marketing activity.
• Present strategic recommendations, progress updates, and performance insights in a clear and actionable way.
• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and process improvements to elevate the SEO service offering.

Key Skills & Competencies:

Our ideal candidate is both analytical and creative, with the ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment. You’ll be comfortable collaborating remotely, contributing to team discussions, and communicating effectively with clients and colleagues.

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in SEO, ideally within an agency setting.
• Up to date with important industry changes, specifically around Generative Engine Optimisation.
• Deep knowledge of core SEO principles, including technical SEO, content optimisation, and off-page strategies.
• Strong experience using industry-standard tools such as SEMrush, SE Ranking, Screaming Frog, Google Search Console, GA4, and Google LookerStudio.
• Proven ability to improve organic performance and deliver ROI through SEO.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills – from technical documentation to client presentations.
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple client accounts and meet deadlines.
• A problem-solver who can think critically and creatively when facing SEO challenges.
• A collaborative team player who works well both independently and as part of a remote team.
• A proactive mindset and commitment to continuous learning and development.

What You’ll Be Using:

• SEMrush/SE Ranking
• Screaming Frog
• Google Analytics (GA4)
• Google Search Console
• Google LookerStudio
• Google Sheets
• Slack
• Clickup
• Google Meet

Working Conditions:

This is a full-time, remote position. Although we have an HQ in the UK, this role typically works from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM South African time.

Benefits & Culture:

When we’re in work mode, we’re all about focus and delivering results – but we’re also down-to-earth people who know how to have fun and enjoy what we do. In our weekly retro, the conversations can range from the latest football stats to debating the best TV shows (hint: it's Breaking Bad) to gaming and anime. We also love playing Werewolf – you have been warned!

Although we’re a mostly remote team, we do regular team-building events and an annual end-of-year celebration where we try to get as many of the team together as possible for a few days of fun.

• Fully remote
• Above-market salary for South Africa, paid in GBP
• Generous leave policy of 37 days per year (includes your birthday, all public holidays in your country of residence, as well as a company-wide shutdown period over Christmas)
• Collaborative environment – so you won’t disappear, and your efforts get noticed
• Equipment provided*
• Regular staff/team building events
• Carbon offsetting for all team members through Ecologi