Sr Manager, Search and AI Optimization

You have deep experience delivering full-funnel SEO programs: from audits to IA to on-page optimization, with measurable growth outcomes.

You understand how generative search works (SGE, Copilot, Perplexity, ChatGPT Search) and know how to optimize for LLM-driven visibility.

You translate complex data into insights and action plans using GA4, GSC, Ahrefs/SEMrush, and AI-powered analysis tools.

You're equally comfortable shaping strategy, rolling up your sleeves to execute, and iterating based on results.

You coach team members, work seamlessly with cross-department partners, and build strong relationships with clients.

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.

Listed on Canada's Fastest Growing Companies 7 years in a row

Certified as a Great Place to Work

We make the web sweet, and we want you on our team.

This is a full-time position for candidates located within drive time of our Studio in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

Start Date: ASAP

KEY ACTIONS

• Develop and execute high-impact SEO and AIO strategies across multiple industries, aligned with client objectives and KPIs.
• Conduct comprehensive SEO/AIO audits (technical, on-page, off-page, structured data, entity signals) and present prioritized roadmaps.
• Lead keyword research, opportunity identification, content gap analysis, and competitor benchmarking.
• Develop and refine website information architecture (IA) and UX-aligned site structures using keyword, content, and behavioural insights.
• Optimize written and multimedia content for search performance, engagement, and conversion across web, landing pages, and digital assets.
• Collaborate with design, development, and creative teams to ensure SEO/AIO best practices are embedded in site builds, code, content creation, and experience design.
• Conduct ongoing keyword discovery, expansion, and optimization to capture emerging opportunities across traditional and AI-driven search environments.
• Track, analyze, and report on overall SEO/AIO performance using GA4, Search Console, Ahrefs, SEMrush, Moz, Screaming Frog, and emerging GEO/AIO tools.
• Make strategic, data-driven recommendations to improve rankings, visibility, authority, and lead generation.
• Stay current on algorithm updates, emerging SERP features, and AI-driven search shifts (Google SGE, Gemini, Perplexity, ChatGPT Search).
• Manage and coach SEO and content team members, fostering collaboration, innovation, skill development, and operational excellence.

• Build and lead AIO frameworks, integrating large language models (LLMs) into SEO workflows for research, clustering, ideation, and on-page enhancements.
• Apply generative AI and machine-learning techniques such as automated topic generation, predictive keyword recommendation, AI-assisted content briefs, and content scoring.
• Conduct SEO + GEO visibility assessments to understand discoverability across LLMs, generative search engines, and conversational platforms.
• 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.
• Optimize metadata, schema markup, structured data, and entity relationships to strengthen machine understanding, relevance, and answer-engine visibility.
• Collaborate with developers to ensure technical excellence (schema validation, crawlability, Core Web Vitals, indexing, and AI readability optimization).
• Train internal teams and selected clients on AI-enabled SEO tactics, prompt writing, content QA, and responsible AI usage guidelines.
• Leverage AI-driven analytics, forecasting, clustering, and insight tools to uncover new opportunities and guide strategic decision-making.
• Document, test, and scale emerging AIO best practices; act as an internal subject-matter expert and thought leader in AI-driven search innovation.

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Data Science or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3-5+ years' experience in SEO (technical, on-page, and content) with proven results in agency or multi-client environments.
• Demonstrated track record managing large-scale SEO programs and improving organic visibility.
• Strong understanding of Google Search, E-E-A-T, schema, and content strategy principles.
• Hands-on experience with Ahrefs, SEMrush, GA4, GSC, Surfer, Clearscope, Jasper, ChatGPT, or similar tools.
• Proven ability to manage, mentor, and develop high-performing team members.

• Acts with Integrity
• Self-Managed
• Accountable
• Problem Solver
• Do what you say you will do
• Consistently demonstrates positive behaviour
• Takes Initiative
• Strong Work Ethic
• Punctual
• Engages positively with others
• Builds Relationships
• Effective Listener
• Effective Communicator (sensory, written and oral)
• Creative
• Results Oriented
• Achievement Driven
• Analyze and Predict
• Effective Conflict Manager
• Work well under pressure
• Positively acts on Feedback

• Base salary + uncapped commission
• Career growth & professional development opportunities
• Full health benefits (dental, eye care, massage, physio, etc.)
• Group RRSP participation
• Birthday Day Off
• Hybrid work environment (1-2 days in-studio, Oakville)
• Work with an award-winning team that values innovation, collaboration & performance