TL;DR: What Skills Should You Look for in a Head of SEO?
A great Head of SEO blends technical expertise with leadership and communication skills.
They:
Align SEO with business goals
Build and mentor high-performing teams
Translate data into business results
Stay ahead of industry changes
The right hire can transform your SEO department into a growth engine for the business.
Key Takeaways
A Head of SEO doesn’t need a team beneath them to make an impact.
Balance hard skills (technical SEO, data, tools, budget management) with soft skills (leadership, communication, adaptability).
A strong Head of SEO connects SEO performance directly to ROI and business growth.
Hiring the right person provides stability, scalability, and competitive advantage in the digital landscape.
What Skills Should You Look for in a Head of SEO?
The role of a Head of SEO is pivotal in driving success for any agency, company, or team.
Far from simply managing keywords and rankings, a skilled Head of SEO:
Aligns SEO strategy with business objectives
Manages stakeholders and clients
Builds and scales high-performing teams
Contrary to popular belief, a Head of SEO doesn’t always need a team beneath them. In fact, many businesses hiring for their first SEO role opt for a Head of SEO to provide senior-level strategy, leadership, and growth from day one.
So, what makes a strong Head of SEO? Let’s break down the hard and soft skills that separate great leaders from average hires.
What Hard Skills Should a Head of SEO Have?
Do They Have Strong Technical SEO Proficiency?
They should have hands-on experience with:
Site audits
Page speed optimisation
Schema markup
Mobile-first indexing
Can They Manage On-Page and Off-Page SEO?
From keyword research to link-building strategies, a Head of SEO should master both on-page and off-page SEO to create a balanced growth strategy.
Are They Skilled in Data Analysis and Reporting?
They must be able to:
Translate analytics into actionable strategies
Track performance against KPIs
Align SEO reporting with business goals
Do They Understand SEO Tools and Software?
Expect proficiency in:
SEO suites (Ahrefs, SEMrush, etc.)
A/B testing platforms
CRM tools for SEO performance tracking
Can They Conduct Competitor and Market Analysis?
A Head of SEO should lead the way in market positioning by tracking trends, monitoring competitors, and finding growth opportunities.
Do They Manage Budgets and P&L Sheets?
Budget allocation and P&L management are essential for profitable SEO operations, particularly in agency environments.
Do They Have Client Pitching Experience?
They should confidently communicate the value of SEO to clients, securing buy-in and new contracts.
Can They Strategically Scale an SEO Team?
A forward-thinking Head of SEO knows when to hire, who to hire, and how to structure teams to match business growth.
What Soft Skills Should a Head of SEO Have?
Do They Think Strategically and Lead with Vision?
They must connect SEO initiatives to long-term company objectives.
Are They Strong in Project Management?
Heads of SEO oversee cross-functional projects, keeping them on time and aligned with goals.
Do They Lead and Mentor Teams Effectively?
They should build team morale, provide mentorship, and create a collaborative culture that retains talent.
Can They Communicate Clearly with Stakeholders?
A Head of SEO must translate complex SEO insights into clear, actionable business language.
Are They Adaptable and Problem-Solvers?
With algorithms constantly changing, adaptability and quick problem-solving are key.
Can They Negotiate and Manage Stakeholders?
They must balance budgets, manage expectations, and keep teams aligned.
What Sets Exceptional Heads of SEO Apart?
Staying up to date with algorithm changes and SEO trends
Actively participating in SEO communities, events, and networks
Proactively sharing insights that future-proof SEO strategies
FAQs
Do I need a Head of SEO if my company has never hired an SEO before?
Yes. Many businesses hire a Head of SEO as their first SEO role to ensure strategy and execution are aligned from the start. This avoids wasted effort and accelerates results.
Can a Head of SEO work without a team?
Absolutely. While many eventually build and manage teams, a Head of SEO can also work solo, delivering strategy, execution, and leadership until the business is ready to scale.
What’s the difference between an SEO Manager and a Head of SEO?
An SEO Manager typically executes and oversees campaigns, while a Head of SEO is a strategic leader, setting vision, aligning SEO with business goals, managing budgets, and scaling teams.
How do I know if a candidate is senior enough for a Head of SEO role?
Look for proven experience in:
Leading SEO strategy at scale
Managing budgets and P&L
Communicating effectively with C-level stakeholders
Staying ahead of industry changes
How does a Head of SEO impact ROI?
By aligning SEO with business objectives, optimising resources, and focusing on metrics that matter (like conversions and revenue), a Head of SEO ensures SEO becomes a profit centre rather than just a traffic driver.
Should I prioritise technical or leadership skills when hiring?
The best Heads of SEO combine both. Technical skills ensure SEO performance, while leadership and communication skills ensure long-term team success and business growth.
