Head of SEO job description.

What does a head of SEO do?

 

The head of SEO is responsible for the organic search strategy of a business, overseeing both content and technical SEO. They lead teams, manage tools and budgets, set KPIs, and align SEO with brand and commercial objectives.

 

Core responsibilities include directing content strategies, fixing technical SEO issues, managing off-site efforts like backlinking, and keeping up with algorithm updates.

 

In startups, they may be both strategic and hands-on. In enterprise settings, they’re typically focused on strategy, growth targets, and leading large, cross-functional SEO teams.

 

Key responsibilities of a head of SEO.

 

The responsibilities of a head of SEO often span strategic planning, stakeholder education, and hands-on technical direction. These typically include:

• Leading the development and execution of enterprise-level SEO strategy

• Managing SEO teams or agencies across technical, content, and off-site activity

• Overseeing keyword mapping, content performance, and search trends

• Collaborating with product, UX, and engineering on site improvements

• Driving performance reporting and SEO KPIs to commercial stakeholders

• Managing SEO budgets, tools, and vendor relationships

• Educating internal teams on organic strategy and technical constraints

• Monitoring algorithm changes and updating strategy accordingly

• Developing international or local SEO approaches based on audience needs

• Aligning SEO efforts with brand, content marketing, and digital growth goals

This role combines technical depth with strategic planning and cross-functional influence.

 

Skills and requirements for a head of SEO.

 

Heads of SEO drive long-term organic growth through strategic, technical, and leadership skills. Employers typically look for:

• 7–12 years of SEO experience across technical, content, and outreach

• Experience leading teams or agency relationships

• Deep knowledge of site architecture, performance, and ranking signals

• Confidence working with product, engineering, and content leads

• Proven ability to scale organic traffic and improve visibility

• Experience managing large audits, migrations, or international SEO

• Familiarity with tools like Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, and GA4

• Ability to align SEO with business goals and report to senior stakeholders

• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional skills

Most heads of SEO have grown from technical or content roles, combining deep expertise with a commercial mindset.

 

Average salary for a head of SEO.

 

In the UK, the average salary for a head of SEO typically ranges from £70,000 to £100,000, depending on content-led strategy, technical SEO depth, and leadership scale.

• Mid-level heads of SEO typically earn between £70,000 and £85,000

• Senior professionals leading international or high-traffic SEO operations may earn between £86,000 and £100,000

• Roles focusing on long-term organic growth often include KPIs tied to traffic, conversions, and domain authority

Top salaries are most common in enterprise ecommerce, publishing, and SaaS businesses in major UK cities.

 

Career progression for a head of SEO.

 

A head of SEO leads an organisation’s organic visibility strategy, managing content, tech, and outreach. It’s a senior leadership role with expansion into growth, brand, or product marketing. Typical progression:

 

SEO executive

 

Handles keyword research, link building, SEO audits, and content updates.

 

SEO manager

 

Owns technical and on-page SEO. Manages reporting and stakeholder collaboration.

 

Head of SEO

 

Leads strategy, team management, and long-term search performance planning.

 

Director of organic growth

 

Aligns SEO with conversion and content objectives. Sits on the digital leadership team.

 

Chief digital officer / marketing officer

 

Shapes broader growth strategy. Owns organic, performance, and customer experience initiatives.