Associate Director, Search, GCS (SEO)

Location: London, United Kingdom; hybrid, with teams in the office around four days a week. This is a UK-based role and requires the right to work in the United Kingdom.

Company

hirify.global is WPP’s AI-driven media operating unit, combining media, data, partnerships, and technology through WPP Open to deliver personalised marketing at scale.

What you will do

• Build operational SEO excellence across the ZEUR region and manage stakeholders across above-market and in-market teams.
• Manage SEO KPIs and market governance across Nestlé Europe.
• Lead organic search strategies at zone level, adapting and rolling them out across business units.
• Partner with Nestlé Search Leads to align SEO priorities with business-unit needs.
• Manage direct reports and develop a wider team of SEO specialists.
• Build relationships with senior clients, content agencies, development teams, and other third-party partners while presenting complex SEO concepts as clear actions and outcomes.

Requirements

• Strong track record delivering multimarket SEO strategies and improving business performance.
• Experience with businesses comprising multiple business units and overlapping search requirements.
• Strong knowledge of technical SEO, content, and digital PR.
• Experience managing multilayer SEO operations across above-market, cluster, and in-market teams.
• Ability to explain SEO clearly, craft compelling narratives, and present to relevant stakeholders.
• Experience leading and developing multifaceted SEO teams.
• Broader digital experience and an intellectually engaged approach to the discipline.
• Experience with a wide range of SEO tools and with tool partners to improve tool-suite performance.
• Extensive PowerPoint experience and confidence presenting to senior stakeholders; calm under pressure and able to maintain a strategic perspective.

Nice to have

• Experience with holistic search and the relationship between SEO and paid media channels.

Culture & Benefits

• Open, inclusive environment built on trust, respect, collaboration, and professional development.
• Access to global hirify.global and WPP networks, professional connections, and learning opportunities.
• Employee resource groups, in-office events, and recognition of team achievements and milestones.
• Benefits include medical, retirement, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off, partner discounts, and mental health awareness days; benefits may vary by office and country.
• Hybrid working model with approximately four office days per week; accommodations or flexibility can be discussed during the interview process.