Sr Manager, Search and AI Optimization

Job Description

<p><h3><b>We are looking for an experienced, creative, and skilled Sr Manager, Search and AI Optimization with a passion for digital marketing to join our dynamic team!</b></h3>
<h3><b>Successful candidates for this role will demonstrate:</b></h3>
<h3><b>1. Advanced SEO Expertise and Proven Results</b></h3>
<p>You have deep experience delivering full-funnel SEO programs: from audits to IA to on-page optimization, with measurable growth outcomes.</p>
<h3><b>2. Strong AI Search (AIO) Skills and Curiosity</b></h3>
<p>You understand how generative search works (SGE, Copilot, Perplexity, ChatGPT Search) and know how to optimize for LLM‑driven visibility.</p>
<h3><b>3. Analytical Strength and Data‑Driven Mindset</b></h3>
<p>You translate complex data into insights and action plans using GA4, GSC, Ahrefs/SEMrush, and AI‑powered analysis tools.</p>
<h3><b>4. Strategic Thinking and Hands‑On Execution</b></h3>
<p>You’re equally comfortable shaping strategy, rolling up your sleeves to execute, and iterating based on results.</p>
<h3><b>5. Collaborative Leadership and Clear Communication</b></h3>
<p>You coach team members, work seamlessly with cross‑department partners, and build strong relationships with clients.</p>
<h3><b>About Candybox</b></h3>
<p>Candybox Marketing is an award‑winning, full‑service digital marketing agency with a studio in Oakville, ON. We specialize in CRO, SEO, PPC, Web Design + Development, Branding, Social Media and Multimedia.</p>
<p> Listed on Canada’s Fastest Growing Companies 7 years in a row</p>
<p> Certified as a Great Place to Work (2021‑2025)</p>
<p> We make the web sweet, and we want you on our team.</p>
<p><b>This is a full‑time position for candidates located within drive time of our Studio in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.</b></p>
<p><b>Start Date: ASAP</b></p>
<h3>responsibilities</h3>
<h3><b>LEADERSHIP & EXECUTION</b></h3>
<ul>
<li>Develop and execute high‑impact SEO and AIO strategies across multiple industries, aligned with client objectives and KPIs.</li>
<li>Conduct comprehensive SEO/AIO audits (technical, on‑page, off‑page, structured data, entity signals) and present prioritized roadmaps.</li>
<li>Lead keyword research, opportunity identification, content gap analysis, and competitor benchmarking.</li>
<li>Develop and refine website information architecture (IA) and UX‑aligned site structures using keyword, content, and behavioural insights.</li>
<li>Optimize written and multimedia content for search performance, engagement, and conversion across web, landing pages, and digital assets.</li>
<li>Collaborate with design, development, and creative teams to ensure SEO/AIO best practices are embedded in site builds, code, content creation, and experience design.</li>
<li>Conduct ongoing keyword discovery, expansion, and optimization to capture emerging opportunities across traditional and AI‑driven search environments.</li>
<li>Track, analyze, and report on overall SEO/AIO performance using GA4, Search Console, Ahrefs, SEMrush, Moz, Screaming Frog, and emerging GEO/AIO tools.</li>
<li>Make strategic, data‑driven recommendations to improve rankings, visibility, authority, and lead generation.</li>
<li>Stay current on algorithm updates, emerging SERP features, and AI‑driven search shifts (Google SGE, Gemini, Perplexity, ChatGPT Search).</li>
<li>Manage and coach SEO and content team members, fostering collaboration, innovation, skill development, and operational excellence.</li>
</ul>
<h3><b>AI SEARCH OPTIMIZATION (AIO) & INNOVATION</b></h3>
<ul>
<li>Build and lead AIO frameworks, integrating large language models (LLMs) into SEO workflows for research, clustering, ideation, and on‑page enhancements.</li>
<li>Apply generative AI and machine‑learning techniques such as automated topic generation, predictive keyword recommendation, AI‑assisted content briefs, and content scoring.</li>
<li>Conduct SEO + GEO visibility assessments to understand discoverability across LLMs, generative search engines, and conversational platforms.</li>
<li>Experiment with AI‑native search platforms (Google SGE, Bing Copilot, Perplexity, ChatGPT Search) to improve client presence in generative answers, citations, and chat‑based search results.</li>
<li>Optimize metadata, schema markup, structured data, and entity relationships to strengthen machine understanding, relevance, and answer‑engine visibility.</li>
<li>Collaborate with developers to ensure technical excellence (schema validation, crawlability, Core Web Vitals, indexing, and AI readability optimization).</li>
<li>Train internal teams and selected clients on AI‑enabled SEO tactics, prompt writing, content QA, and responsible AI usage guidelines.</li>
<li>Leverage AI‑driven analytics, forecasting, clustering, and insight tools to uncover new opportunities and guide strategic decision‑making.</li>
<li>Document, test, and scale emerging AIO best practices; act as an internal subject‑matter expert and thought leader in AI‑driven search innovation.</li>
</ul>
<h3>requirements for the role</h3>
<ul>
<li>Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Data Science or a related field (or equivalent experience).</li>
<li>3-5+ years’ experience in SEO (technical, on‑page, and content) with proven results in agency or multi‑client environments.</li>
<li>Demonstrated track record managing large‑scale SEO programs and improving organic visibility.</li>
<li>Strong understanding of Google Search, E‑E‑A‑T, schema, and content strategy principles.</li>
<li>Hands‑on experience with Ahrefs, SEMrush, GA4, GSC, Surfer, Clearscope, Jasper, ChatGPT, or similar tools.</li>
<li>Proven ability to manage, mentor, and develop high‑performing team members.</li>
</ul>
<h3>what we are looking for in a successful candidate</h3>
<ul>
<li>Acts with Integrity</li>
<li>Self‑Managed</li>
<li>Accountable</li>
<li>Do what you say you will do</li>
<li>Consistently demonstrates positive behaviour</li>
<li>Takes Initiative</li>
<li>Strong Work Ethic</li>
<li>Punctual</li>
<li>Engages positively with others</li>
<li>Builds Relationships</li>
<li>Effective Listener</li>
<li>Effective Communicator (sensory, written and oral)</li>
<li>Creative</li>
<li>Results Oriented</li>
<li>Achievement Driven</li>
<li>Analyze and Predict</li>
<li>Effective Conflict Manager</li>
<li>Work well under pressure</li>
<li>Positively acts on Feedback</li>
</ul>
<h3>what we offer</h3>
<ul>
<li> Base salary + uncapped commission</li>
<li> Hybrid work environment (1-2 days in‑studio, Oakville)</li>
<li>