Job Description

Lightburn is hiring a Search Optimization Manager to drive the research, strategy, and execution of SEO and emerging search optimization work across our client accounts. This role combines deep analytical research with hands-on optimization to improve visibility, discoverability, and performance in an increasingly complex search landscape. 

You'll own SEO and GEO strategy for clients by conducting competitive analysis, building optimization roadmaps, and executing improvements that yield results. As search evolves toward AI-driven experiences, you'll think critically about how content gets cited in LLM systems, how entity authority translates across platforms, and how to measure visibility in a landscape where traditional clicks are declining. You'll work closely with our digital marketing leadership while having the autonomy to dig deep into research, test hypotheses, and shape how we approach this rapidly changing discipline. 

This is the right role for someone who loves the puzzle of search optimization, stays curious about algorithm changes and AI-influenced search, and wants to shape how an agency delivers SEO services as the discipline matures and changes. 

What you'll be responsible for:

SEO/GEO Strategy & Research 

• Conduct in-depth keyword research, competitive analysis, and search intent studies to inform strategy 

• Develop SEO strategy and optimization roadmaps for client accounts in collaboration with digital marketing leadership 

• Develop content briefs and content optimization roadmaps informed by keyword research, search intent analysis, and competitive gaps 

• Identify and prioritize opportunities in generative search, optimizing for entity authority, LLM citations, and visibility in AI Overviews alongside traditional ranking factors 

• Stay current on search algorithm updates, industry trends, and emerging best practices

 
Execution & Optimization 

• Execute on-page optimization, technical SEO foundations, and structured content improvements 

• Partner with developers to scope, prioritize, and validate technical SEO implementations, including schema markup and structured data strategies to strengthen entity signals and machine readability 

• Monitor site health, visibility, and performance across traditional and emerging search platforms 

• Track and interpret emerging search visibility signals, including AI-generated citations, brand mentions in LLM responses, and zero-click search trends 

• Design and implement experiments to test hypotheses and improve search performance 

Performance Insights & Reporting 

• Build and maintain reports using Looker Studio, GA4, SEMrush, and other tools to communicate search performance, trends, and outcomes 

• Collaborate with team to define and evolve how SEO success is measured as search behavior changes 

• Translate research and performance data into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations 

• Document learnings, hypotheses, and results to support continuous improvement across accounts 

What to Know About This Role 

This role balances strategy and execution. You'll develop SEO roadmaps and recommendations, and you'll also implement optimizations, run experiments, and analyze results. You'll have increasing autonomy as you build expertise with our clients, while collaborating with digital marketing leadership on prioritization and direction. SEO and search are changing rapidly with generative AI and new search platforms, so intellectual curiosity and a willingness to experiment are essential. You'll be part of defining how we measure success in a world where visibility matters as much as clicks, and where entity authority and machine readability are becoming as important as traditional ranking signals. 

Requirements

Skills, Tactics, and Experience Required

• 4+ years of experience in SEO, search optimization, or digital marketing with a strong SEO focus 

• Proven ability to conduct keyword research, competitive analysis, and technical SEO audits 

• Experience developing SEO strategy and optimization roadmaps 

• Strong understanding of technical SEO (site structure, crawlability, structured data, page speed, etc.) 

• Proficiency with SEO tools such as Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, SEMrush, Ahrefs, or similar 

• Experience developing content optimization recommendations based on keyword research and search intent analysis 

• Experience monitoring and optimizing for emerging search platforms (GEO, AI Overviews, etc.) 

• Ability to translate data and research into clear, actionable recommendations 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting insights to clients and internal teams 

• Experience working in an agency or professional services environment 

• Comfort working across multiple client accounts with different industries and needs 

Other Attributes We Love 

• Entrepreneurial spirit and comfort operating with increasing autonomy as you build expertise 

• Natural curiosity about how search algorithms work and where the industry is headed 

• Ability to develop content strategy and optimization recommendations, from high-level direction to detailed keyword targeting 

• Experience with generative AI tools and how they're impacting search visibility 

• A mindset that balances strategic thinking with hands-on execution 

• Collaborative attitude and willingness to share what you're learning with the team 

• Experience with Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, or other analytics platforms 

• Familiarity with HTML, CSS, or JavaScript (we are not looking for a developer, but some exposure is a plus)

Benefits

• Competitive salary and industry-leading benefits, including generous vacation, flexible schedule, dental and medical insurance, 401(k), and all sorts of other fun stuff.

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