Role Overview: Leading the evolution of our organic search function, with a focus on AI-driven strategies, semantic search, and innovative approaches to future-proofing our clients' visibility across search ecosystems. As the Head of Organic Search, you will lead a dynamic team of organic search specialists dedicated to advancing our clients' search performance beyond traditional SEO practices. You will spearhead efforts to reduce reliance on Google by leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as AI, semantic search, large language models (LLMs), and a range of diverse organic strategies. Your mission will be to future-proof our organic search capabilities, driving innovation and ensuring that our clients stay ahead in the rapidly shifting search landscape. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including content, paid media, and technical SEO, you'll oversee the development and execution of forward-thinking strategies that align with our clients' long-term goals. A strong grasp of both traditional and emerging search trends will be crucial, as you guide the team in expanding search visibility across new and evolving platforms. Responsibilities: Lead the strategic direction for the organic search team, focusing on future-proofing efforts with AI, semantic search, LLMs, and non-Google-based strategies. Develop and implement innovative organic search strategies that reduce client dependency on traditional search engines while exploring new avenues for search visibility. Stay ahead of industry developments and advancements in AI and search technologies, integrating them into our broader search approach to maximise client success. Oversee the performance and growth of a team of organic search specialists, ensuring the delivery of cutting-edge strategies and high-impact results. Collaborate with other departments, such as content, paid media, and technical SEO, to ensure an integrated approach to search visibility across channels. Report on performance metrics and insights, ensuring stakeholders are informed of successes, challenges, and areas for further innovation. Foster a culture of continuous learning, ensuring the team remains at the forefront of search innovation through ongoing professional development and exploration of new technologies. Oversee the work of team members, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback Ensure that all projects are delivered on time and within scope Develop and implement team strategies that support both client objectives and agency goals Manage the allocation of resources to optimise productivity Contribute to the development of new digital products and services. Bring innovative ideas to enhance current offerings, ensuring they align with market trends and client needs. Work closely with the product development team to ensure seamless integration of new tools and processes. Requirements: Proven experience in SEO and organic search leadership, with a minimum of 5 years in the industry. Deep understanding of the future of search, including AI, semantic search, and LLMs, and the ability to apply these technologies to drive results. Strong track record in developing and executing innovative organic strategies that reduce reliance on traditional search engines like Google. Experience managing and developing high-performing teams, with a focus on fostering innovation and collaboration. Excellent analytical skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making and campaign optimisation. Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and present complex ideas clearly to clients and stakeholders. A forward-thinking mindset with a passion for staying ahead of industry trends and pioneering new approaches to organic search. About Hallam: We’re not just some self-obsessed agency promising table tennis and unlimited snacks in exchange for your soul. And that’s why we’ll always show up with something to say, not just something to sell. We share a mission to deliver outstanding work with purpose. We’re here to do business in a better way: to work hard to do the right things, not only for our clients but our people and the world around us. Work should exist to make life better and we are a great place to work. Hallam has been chosen by its employees as one of the best places to work, and in the top 40 marketing employers in the UK. You’ll join a team of more than 50 talented digital geeks who love everything from board game nights to agency trips out to a post-work tipple(s). What’s it like working at Hallam? You’ll get to work for a progressive agency that is driven by its people and values, not just profit. We’ll provide you with everything you need for your role with us, including the latest Apple equipment (or equivalent) and set you off on your personalised onboarding program where you’ll get to know us; your manager, team and the wider departments as well as how we do things around here through our proven operations and processes. Our Perks: Unlimited remote and flexible working policy 33 days holiday (25 plus the extra 8 bank holidays to take whenever you want) Option of early finish Fridays Your birthday day off, whenever you choose to celebrate Bi-annual, seasonal recharge days Other annual leave perks including, quarterly long weekends, additional holidays after longevity of service and the option to buy further holiday days Sabbatical opportunities after 5 years service Enhanced parental and reproductive health policies, supporting every stage of family planning including access to menstrual and menopause leave Enhanced policies to support with leave for medical reasons, caring for dependents, compassionate or bereavement reasons Training, learning and development opportunities, both individual and company-wide A revered employee engagement programme including frequent surveys and retros. Your opportunity to have your voice heard and genuinely make a difference to your place of work 2 days per month of ‘Thrive Time’. This is your personal development time you can spend on anything you want. Want to focus on innovation? Volunteer for a charity? Enrol for a qualification? We’ll give you the time to do this Regular company and team socials, events and celebrations Based on our 3 principles: Work from anywhere, Freedom to choose and Cultural Unity. We believe everyone has the right to work from wherever they want. This choice will always lay with the employee and not the employer. We hire the best and trust you to manage and deliver your own work. Whether you are 100% remote, hybrid or come into one of our offices every day, every Hallamer is an equally important part of our culture. Benefits We’re also proud to offer plenty of employee benefits: Company bonus scheme Competitive pension scheme Monthly wellbeing allowance Access to paid for therapy and counselling services Payroll giving opportunities for charitable donations Travel to work schemes and electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme Know someone who would fit right in at Hallam? We also have a new employee referral incentive We highly encourage applicants from under-represented ethnic groups and LGBTQ communities. Throughout the recruitment process, we will strive to make interviews as diverse and gender-balanced as possible for impartiality. As long as you’re qualified, you’ll receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, religion, colour, gender or disability.