Hire a World-Class Head of SEO
Explore our Guide on Attracting and Hiring Your Next Team Member
Key Takeaways
Hiring a Head of SEO brings strategic leadership to drive ROI-focused SEO programmes and scale your team effectively.
A successful candidate combines Technical SEO proficiency (on-page, off-page, P&L management) with soft skills in leadership, communication, and stakeholder management.
Signals it’s time to hire include rapid client growth, plateauing results or the need for senior oversight of SEO operations.
The right Head of SEO streamlines processes, strengthens client relationships and boosts team morale for lasting business impact.
Watch out for red flags such as outdated SEO tactics, poor communication skills or insufficient leadership experience.
Salary benchmarks vary by experience, organisation size and location – consider a free salary consultation to inform competitive offers.
Our Clients
Role Requirements for a Head of SEO:
Hard Skills
- Client Pitching Experience
- Technical SEO Proficiency
- Management of P&L Sheets
- Data Analysis and Reporting
- Competitor and Market Analysis
- On-Page and Off-Page SEO Knowledge
- Strategic Growth: How to Scale the SEO Team
- Advanced Understanding of SEO Tools and Software
Soft Skills
- Strategic Thinking and Vision
- Team Leadership and Mentoring
- Adaptability and Problem-Solving Skills
- Effective Communication and Reporting
- Negotiation and Stakeholder Management
- Project Management and Organisational Skills
- Participation in SEO Communities and Networking
- Staying Up-to-Date on SEO Trends and Algorithm Updates
Factors Influencing Head of SEO Salary
Level of Experience
Agency or Business Size and Complexity
Market Trends and Location
Key Insights for Hiring the Perfect Head of SEO
- Fuelling Growth with Strategic Leadership
- Drives ROI-focused strategies, scales teams, and ensures your agency stays competitive in a fast-evolving industry.
- Essential Skills for a Transformative Hire
Combines technical expertise with exceptional leadership and communication to create lasting agency impact.
- Signs It's Time to Hire a Head of SEO
- Rapid client growth, inconsistent results, or a need for senior leadership signal it’s time to bring in an SEO powerhouse.
- The Benefits of Hiring
From streamlining operations to strengthening client relationships and boosting team morale, the right hire delivers lasting value.
- Red Flags to Watch For
Avoid candidates with outdated SEO tactics, poor communication, or a lack of leadership experience to ensure long-term success.
How Long Does it Take to Hire a Head of SEO?
Hiring Insights & Tips for Hiring a Head of SEO
When is the Right Time to Hire a Head of SEO
Is your SEO Agency struggling to balance maintaining your workload
Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring a Head of SEO
A strong Head of SEO can impact your business in
How Head of SEO Drive ROI and Revenue Growth
ROI and revenue growth are essential metrics for assessing business
FAQs About Hiring a Head of SEO
Q1: What does a Head of SEO do?
A: A Head of SEO leads strategy, manages teams, drives ROI, and ensures SEO efforts align with business growth goals.
Q2: What skills are essential for a Head of SEO?
A: Key skills include technical SEO, leadership, client pitching, data analysis, strategic growth planning, and stakeholder management.
Q3: When should I hire a Head of SEO?
A: Hire when client demand grows, results plateau, or leadership is needed to scale SEO operations effectively.
Q4: How much does a Head of SEO earn?
A: Salary depends on experience, company size, and location. A free salary consultation offers tailored insights.
Q5: What are red flags when hiring a Head of SEO?
A: Red flags include outdated SEO tactics, weak communication, poor leadership, and lack of market knowledge.
