Lightburn is hiring a Search Optimization Manager to drive the research, strategy, and execution of SEO and emerging search optimization work across our client accounts. This role combines deep analytical research with hands-on optimization to improve visibility, discoverability, and performance in an increasingly complex search landscape.

You'll own SEO and GEO strategy for clients by conducting competitive analysis, building optimization roadmaps, and executing improvements that yield results. As search evolves toward AI-driven experiences, you'll think critically about how content gets cited in LLM systems, how entity authority translates across platforms, and how to measure visibility in a landscape where traditional clicks are declining. You'll work closely with our digital marketing leadership while having the autonomy to dig deep into research, test hypotheses, and shape how we approach this rapidly changing discipline.

This is the right role for someone who loves the puzzle of search optimization, stays curious about algorithm changes and AI-influenced search, and wants to shape how an agency delivers SEO services as the discipline matures and changes.

What you'll be responsible for:

SEO/GEO Strategy & Research

Conduct in-depth keyword research, competitive analysis, and search intent studies to inform strategy

Develop SEO strategy and optimization roadmaps for client accounts in collaboration with digital marketing leadership

Develop content briefs and content optimization roadmaps informed by keyword research, search intent analysis, and competitive gaps

Identify and prioritize opportunities in generative search, optimizing for entity authority, LLM citations, and visibility in AI Overviews alongside traditional ranking factors

Stay current on search algorithm updates, industry trends, and emerging best practices

Execution & Optimization

Execute on-page optimization, technical SEO foundations, and structured content improvements

Partner with developers to scope, prioritize, and validate technical SEO implementations, including schema markup and structured data strategies to strengthen entity signals and machine readability

Monitor site health, visibility, and performance across traditional and emerging search platforms

Track and interpret emerging search visibility signals, including AI-generated citations, brand mentions in LLM responses, and zero-click search trends

Design and implement experiments to test hypotheses and improve search performance

Performance Insights & Reporting

Build and maintain reports using Looker Studio, GA4, SEMrush, and other tools to communicate search performance, trends, and outcomes

Collaborate with team to define and evolve how SEO success is measured as search behavior changes

Translate research and performance data into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations

Document learnings, hypotheses, and results to support continuous improvement across accounts

What to Know About This Role

This role balances strategy and execution. You'll develop SEO roadmaps and recommendations, and you'll also implement optimizations, run experiments, and analyze results. You'll have increasing autonomy as you build expertise with our clients, while collaborating with digital marketing leadership on prioritization and direction. SEO and search are changing rapidly with generative AI and new search platforms, so intellectual curiosity and a willingness to experiment are essential. You'll be part of defining how we measure success in a world where visibility matters as much as clicks, and where entity authority and machine readability are becoming as important as traditional ranking signals.

Skills, Tactics, and Experience Required

4+ years of experience in SEO, search optimization, or digital marketing with a strong SEO focus

Proven ability to conduct keyword research, competitive analysis, and technical SEO audits

Experience developing SEO strategy and optimization roadmaps

Strong understanding of technical SEO (site structure, crawlability, structured data, page speed, etc.)

Proficiency with SEO tools such as Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, SEMrush, Ahrefs, or similar

Experience developing content optimization recommendations based on keyword research and search intent analysis

Experience monitoring and optimizing for emerging search platforms (GEO, AI Overviews, etc.)

Ability to translate data and research into clear, actionable recommendations

Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting insights to clients and internal teams

Experience working in an agency or professional services environment

Comfort working across multiple client accounts with different industries and needs

Other Attributes We Love

Entrepreneurial spirit and comfort operating with increasing autonomy as you build expertise

Natural curiosity about how search algorithms work and where the industry is headed

Ability to develop content strategy and optimization recommendations, from high-level direction to detailed keyword targeting

Experience with generative AI tools and how they're impacting search visibility

A mindset that balances strategic thinking with hands-on execution

Collaborative attitude and willingness to share what you're learning with the team

Experience with Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, or other analytics platforms

Familiarity with HTML, CSS, or JavaScript (we are not looking for a developer, but some exposure is a plus)

Competitive salary and industry-leading benefits, including generous vacation, flexible schedule, dental and medical insurance, 401(k), and all sorts of other fun stuff.

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