Search & SEO Lead

Programmatic, Biddable, Paid Media & SEOHybrid Remote, Johannesburg, South Africa


Description

Position at GroupM Nexus

The GroupM Nexus Search & SEO Lead plays a pivotal role in driving excellence across paid and organic search strategies for clients. This role involves developing innovative solutions, ensuring campaign performance optimization, and fostering integration between search and broader media strategies. The lead oversees a team, providing expertise, training, and mentorship, while staying ahead of industry trends and search platform updates. You will collaborate closely with agency hubs to deliver measurable business outcomes, aligning with client objectives. With a focus on efficiency and innovation, this role ensures GroupM Nexus remains at the forefront of search marketing excellence for SSA. 
Areas of Accountability 
People – 35%
  • Lead a team of high functioning Search and SEO practice specialists. 
  • Be responsible for driving a culture that builds relationships on trust between Agencies and Nexus. 
  • Work with Practice Head to ensure resource management and workflow designation are running at optimal capacity across Paid Search and SEO practice specialists. 
  • Run and manage training requirements for Paid Search and SEO practice specialists, resource management and certifications in alignment with the performance training program. 
  • Foster knowledge sharing, promote award entries and continuous learning around point of views, industry trends and relevant skills to continue nurturing high-performing teams. 
  • Empower Paid Search and SEO practice specialists to adapt to fast changing industry and group priorities. 
  • Manage constructive performance evaluation meetings quarterly with search and SEO specialists in addition to setting clear KPIs as well as to monitor and measure achievements. 
  • The Search & SEO Lead will be responsible for interviewing, assessing and providing feedback to HR ensuring that the Group attracts and secures top talent. 
Process & Operations – 10%
  • Oversee daily operations for Paid Search and SEO specialists, managing briefing processes, quality assurance, and campaign pacing to ensure efficient budget utilisation and prevent write offs. 
  • Act as a thought leader in the Paid Search and SEO space to sense check viability of performance innovations and identify opportunities with our existing clients for greater digital media innovation. 
  • Automation – assist the Heads of Nexus Practices in rolling out tools and platforms for campaign governance, campaign creation and campaign Quality Assurance (QA).  
  • Act as the leading point of contact between the Paid Search and SEO activation specialists and Agencies when delivery or quality is compromised. 
  • Actively contribute to new business development and pitching when required. 
  • Educating and advocating partnerships between Agency x Paid Search and SEO teams regarding service level agreements. 
  • Create best practices in processes to be used across the Paid Search and SEO teams. 
  • Developing tailored testing/learning agendas for clients that drive clear and actionable insight on Search/SEO platforms.
  • Working closely with planning teams + other channel specialists to ensure paid search and SEO activity complements and enhances the wider marketing mix.
Client – 50%
  • Develop and oversee the deployment of a vision and roadmap for encompassing Paid Search and SEO operations, including effective measurement and reporting efficiencies.
  • Identify new product and service opportunities (within Paid Search and SEO) that would enhance clients’ digital footprint and support on digital maturity.
  • Provide technical perspective in client meetings when specific expertise (Paid Search & SEO) is required.
  • Fostering an environment that truly respects and truly understands the need to adhere to service level agreements across Agencies x Nexus.
  • Managing internal and external stakeholders to ensure multiple campaigns/deliverables can be delivered simultaneously and to the required standard.
  • Building and maintaining relationships with the key media partners including Google and managing account JBP’s etc
  • Oversee account audits when required.
  • Collaborate with agency strategists by providing strategic input on overall client account strategies. 
  • Manage assigned client accounts, ensuring alignment with synergy requirements.  
Commercial – 5%
  • Assist the Nexus Investment & Solutions Partner to Identify commercial opportunities with the ability to make a compelling case for their inclusion (SEO services). 
  • Responsible for building (Paid Search & SEO services) business cases to grow the performance teams. 
  • Work collaboratively with Practice Heads to ensure (Paid Search & SEO services) disciplines are profitable (FTE vs Delivery).
Requirements 
  • Strategic Expertise in Search:
    Proven ability to create and execute comprehensive strategies for paid search (PPC) and organic search (SEO) that align with client objectives and business outcomes.
     
  • Technical SEO Knowledge:
    Deep understanding of technical SEO principles, including website architecture, crawlability, indexing, Core Web Vitals, and structured data implementation.
     
  • Proficiency in Search Platforms:
    Extensive experience with tools like Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Search Ads 360, and SEO tools such as SEMrush, Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, and BrightEdge.
 
  • Data-Driven Approach:
    Strong analytical skills to interpret performance metrics, derive insights, and optimize campaigns using platforms like Google Analytics, Google Data Studio, and Tableau.
     
  • Team Leadership:
    Demonstrated ability to manage, mentor, and inspire a team of search and SEO specialists to deliver high-performance results while fostering professional growth.
     
  • Cross-Channel Collaboration:
    Experience working in multi-channel environments, integrating search strategies with other digital channels like programmatic, social media, and e-commerce.
     
  • Client Relationship Management:
    Exceptional client management skills, including presenting strategies, results, and recommendations clearly and persuasively.
     
  • Adaptability and Innovation:
    Ability to stay ahead of trends in search technology and algorithm updates while implementing innovative approaches to improve search performance.
     
  • Certifications and Expertise:
    Advanced certifications in Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising, and other relevant platforms; familiarity with emerging AI-driven tools for search and SEO optimization.
     
  • Results Orientation and ROI Focus:
    Track record of driving measurable improvements in KPIs such as CTR, conversion rates, revenue, organic visibility, and ROI through search initiatives
    .