Manager, Organic Performance
Job description
About the role
This position leads operational delivery for SEO and organic search within Wavemaker. You translate client strategy direction into precise SEO execution through daily collaboration with media and creative teams. Decisions align with WPP Open principles while responding to the evolving media landscape and AI influence. You analyze market and competitive context to shape responsive search strategies. Success in this role depends on how effectively you synthesize data, technology, and human insight. You will shape internal and external thought leadership on AI in search to elevate the practice. The role requires clear written communication and structured thinking to make work easy for others to review and build upon. You will be a steady force who keeps commitments and documents decisions for continuity.
Key facts
What you'll do
Translate client strategy direction into day-to-day SEO execution through close collaboration with media stakeholders.
Analyze market and competitive context to inform responses to AI influence and changes in generative search behavior.
Prepare status meetings, performance reports, and dashboards to review generative search outcomes and insights.
Incorporate AI tools and LLMs into research, forecasting, and optimization workflows to improve efficiency and accuracy.
Share internal and external thought leadership on AI in search to elevate team capability and client understanding.
Manage project delivery independently to maintain industry-leading quality from initiation through completion.
Apply campaign best practices, escalate issues appropriately, and ensure alignment with WPP Open standards.
Own end-to-end project ownership across SEO platforms, tools, and technical systems.
Deliver reporting that provides actionable insights to improve organic search performance and client outcomes.
Monitor performance using analytics and dashboards against forecasts to identify risks and opportunities.
Complete finance processes for clients accurately and on schedule, including tracking third-party costs to prevent overruns.
Understand the financial impact of AI and LLM use to support responsible budgeting and client goals.
Devise and refine methods for generative search insights and AI outputs to strengthen strategic decision-making.
Use advanced SEO, LLM, and technical analysis tools proficiently to solve complex search challenges.
Coach junior colleagues in tool application and effective use to elevate team capability and consistency.
Evaluate competitor products and AI adoption to guide optimal technology and approach choices.
Apply practice area terminology and KPIs to assess trends, performance, and the effects of AI on search.
Track developments in AI and generative search to design solutions that benefit clients and protect performance.
Propose practical solutions for how AI technologies serve the practice area and enhance organic performance.
Build stakeholder relationships to address business challenges and align search strategy with broader goals.
Develop strategies using deep knowledge of the sector and emerging AI trends.
Explain complex SEO and AI concepts clearly to diverse audiences with varying levels of technical familiarity.
Tailor communications for both technical and non-technical stakeholders to ensure clarity and alignment.
Lead client and agency meetings to discuss future search strategy, AI integration, and performance optimization.
Requirements
You project manage SEO initiatives independently while maintaining the quality expected from a global media network.
You apply campaign best practices and escalate issues to ensure risks are identified and managed promptly.
You take end-to-end ownership of projects from initiation to completion across SEO platforms and systems.
You use analytics and dashboards to monitor performance and drive data-backed decisions.
You complete finance processes accurately and on schedule, managing third-party costs to avoid client overruns.
You understand the financial implications of AI and LLM use and communicate impacts to stakeholders.
You devise, refine, and document methods for generating insights from AI tools and search data.
You use advanced SEO, LLM, and technical analysis tools with a high level of proficiency.
You coach junior colleagues on tool application and effective workflows to improve team productivity.
You evaluate competitor products and AI adoption to recommend suitable solutions for the practice.
You apply sector terminology and KPIs to assess trends, performance, and the effects of AI on search behavior.
You track AI and generative search developments to design solutions that protect and grow client performance.
You explain AI-driven search concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
You own data analysis and conclusions while accounting for potential bias from AI sources.
You hold eligibility to work in the United Kingdom and maintain professional flexibility to support client needs.
Nice to have
None specified in the source.
Practical notes
The role is based in the United Kingdom with eligibility to work required. Flexibility can be discussed during the hiring process.
Typical interview steps
Hiring processes usually combine a screening conversation with one or more interview rounds. Candidates can expect questions about their experience, a scenario or case, and a chance to ask their own questions. Preparation and specific examples from past work carry the most weight. Whatever the role, preparation is visible. Reviewing the company's product, the job description, and your own past work before the conversation is the strongest step.