The transformation you will experience.
The SEO Group Business Director is the operational and strategic head for Zenith’s SEO department, as well as our clients’ senior point of contact and growth enabler. This is a high-level leadership role designed for a seasoned well-versed candidate capable of overseeing the complexity of a national SEO offering. While the Head of Search focuses on the future roadmap (GEO, Product Diversification, and New Business) and has ultimate commercial accountability, the Group Business Director focuses on building a best-in-market team, delivering excellent work and client partnerships, whilst operating sustainably and happily. You are accountable for the day-to-day performance of the SEO business unit, the professional evolution of the SEO Directors, and the gold-standard delivery of organic strategy across Zenith’s largest billing accounts. This is a role with a huge amount of growth potential, suited to a self-starter keen to lean into Zenith’s culture and growth plans.
Your scope will include:
Act as the primary SEO partner for CMOs and Marketing Directors. A business consultant specialising in Search.- Accountable for identifying upsell opportunities and ensuring retention through proactive relationship management.
- Oversee quality of QBRs and Annual Reviews, translating convoluted SEO data into business-critical insights that justify continued investment.
- Directly oversee and coach 3 SEO Directors, focused on their personal progression.
- Oversee the integration between the local delivery team and offshore PGD staff, ensuring a seamless model that maintains quality
- Develop commercially sound business cases for new hires or specialized tools as the department scales.
- Audit and improve team resource utilisation against commercial agreements
- Oversight of the SEO department’s net revenue and organic growth targets alongside the Head of Search.
- Oversee the end-to-end billing and finance process, ensuring accuracy in scope-of-work (SOW) tracking and revenue recognition.
- Work alongside Digital and Offline Directors to ensure SEO isn't a silo, but a fundamental pillar of Zenith’s Connected Search and broader media ecosystem.
- Navigate the wider Groupe network to leverage shared technology and internal stakeholders, ensuring Zenith clients benefit from the full scale of the organisation.
- Assisting in the rollout and testing of new SEO products (e.g., GEO, AI-driven workflows) once they move from R&D to live client environments
- Assisting high-value pitches with commercial modelling and operational scoping.
- Contributing to the agency’s external reputation through award entries and thought leadership.
- Quality-controlling major implementation plans to ensure they align with the broader agency strategy and Zenith's ROI-focused heritage.
What type of person will be successful in this role:
Advertising agency preferred, but not mandatory.- Currently in a senior management position capacity.
- Experience in overseeing P&Ls, complex SOWs, and large-scale resource management.
- Capable of distilling technical SEO concepts into compelling narratives for non-technical C-suite executives
- While this is a commercial role, you must possess an expert-level knowledge of Technical SEO, Content Strategy, and the nuances of the evolving Search landscape
- Background knowledge of keyword research, competitive and site auditing tools (SimliarWeb, Ahrefs, SEMRush, Screaming Frog, Google Search Console) as well as key analytics platforms e.g. GA4/GA360/Adobe Analytics
- Strong team management and influencing skills. Has proven abilities in mentoring, training, and developing high performing teams.
- Strong communication experience (written and verbal). Can confidently present and construct well-substantiated SEO strategies.
- Aptitude to inspire people at all levels and create relationships with other craft heads is essential
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