SEO Manager | Technology | Ogilvy Africa

Role Summary The SEO Manager will oversee and execute search engine optimization strategies to improve a company’s online visibility and search rankings. This role involves developing and implementing SEO initiatives that drive organic traffic, enhance website performance, and strengthen overall digital presence. The SEO Manager may work independently or lead a team to optimize website content, structure, and technical elements in line with business objectives. Key Responsibilities • Formulate and implement comprehensive SEO strategies aligned with business goals. • Conduct keyword research and analysis to identify growth opportunities. • Optimize on-page elements such as meta tags, content, URL structures, and page speed to improve search rankings. • Plan and execute link-building strategies while leveraging approved vendors. • Understand client brand messaging and goals, and develop SEO-focused content including keyword lists, blog copy, social media copy, and website copywriting. • Conduct regular website audits to identify and resolve technical SEO issues. • Collaborate with web developers to implement technical enhancements that improve site performance and user experience. • Research topics and provide content outlines for writers, incorporating SEO best practices and content strategies. • Develop daily routines and insights to monitor SEO performance and growth. • Assist in setting KPIs and conducting regular audits and analyses of SEO performance, sharing results and recommendations at a high level. • Develop, manage, monitor, and execute a transparent SEO strategic plan aligned with company goals and metrics. • Generate regular reports on key SEO metrics and provide actionable insights for continuous improvement. Role Requirements Experience • Minimum of 5 years’ demonstrable experience as an SEO Manager or in a similar role. • Proven success in developing and executing SEO strategies. • Track record of driving significant organic traffic growth and improving search rankings, especially at the local level. Technical Skills • Strong understanding of SEO principles, search engine algorithms, and ranking factors. • Proficiency in SEO tools and analytics platforms for monitoring and reporting performance. • Solid knowledge of technical SEO, including website audits, crawl analysis, and issue resolution. • Ability to develop, execute, and monitor keyword rankings using data-driven insights. • Understanding of Google Quality Rater Guidelines. Skills and Attributes • Strong communication skills with the ability to present SEO strategies, insights, and recommendations clearly. • Results-oriented with a focus on achieving KPIs and business objectives. • Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with SEO trends, best practices, and algorithm changes. Company Overview Ogilvy Africa is the largest network agency on the continent catering to 40 countries with a team of ~900 people across Central, East and West Africa. Headquartered in Nairobi - Kenya, Ogilvy Africa manages a portfolio of over 100 brands for clients such as AB Inbev, Airtel, Africa CDC, Bill & Melinda Gates, Coca-Cola, Diageo, Distell, Equity Bank, Exxon Mobil, Kenya Airways, Mastercard Foundation, Mondelez, NCBA, Nestle, Philips, PWC, SAB Miller, Sanlam, Standard Chartered, Total, Tullow, UNICEF, Unilever, Visa, Vodafone and WWF amongst others. We offer services across the full spectrum of marketing domains including advertising (on and offline), Customer Engagement & Commerce, Digital Transformation, Shopper Marketing, Media, PR & Influence; all under one unified setup. We’ve also created proprietary marketing products in areas such as real-time marketing, social intelligence, virtual experiences, influencer management, e-commerce enablement and content hubs. Our unique operating model, One Ogilvy, allows clients and brands to cut the complexity of agency structures and create seamless omni-channel experiences for their consumers, across touchpoints. Fuelled by the holy trinity of content, data and technology; Ogilvy Africa strives to be the best-practice agency model, for Developing & Emerging markets. In our 20+ years in Africa, we have won the highest number of regional and global awards for the region including Cannes Lions, Clio awards, Dubai Lynx Festival, SABRE Awards (Global and Africa); to name a few. Ogilvy is a leading global creative network of WPP. Launched by David Ogilvy over 70 years ago, it’s referred-to as the Agency of Giants, by several industry experts. Ogilvy Africa Beliefs • People need regular OS upgrades: Even the best OS will be obsolete tomorrow unless its constantly upgraded. Same is true for people. • We need more cows than milk men: We are a culture of practitioners, not managers. We contribute before we comment. • Creative about creativity: Creativity is, and will always be, our differentiator. Creativity now includes holy trinity of Data -Content -Tech. • Diversity is a competitive advantage: New profiles, new skills, new styles of leadership make us a stronger company. • Collaborative advantage > Competitive advantage: Find partners who are on top of their game at the skillset we need. It’s the only way to scale at the speed without pretending to have all the answers. • Team > Individual: You get a lot more done when everyone stops worrying about who gets credit at the end. Teams Succeed, individuals fail. • Fail often, fail fast: We see entrepreneurs in all our people and encourage a culture of pilots. Test, succeed and scale; or fail-fast learn, learn from the failure, and start something new.