Job Title

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! Successful candidates for this role will demonstrate: 1. Advanced SEO Expertise and Proven Results You have deep experience delivering full-funnel SEO programs: from audits to IA to on-page optimization, with measurable growth outcomes. 2. Strong AI Search (AIO) Skills and Curiosity You understand how generative search works (SGE, Copilot, Perplexity, ChatGPT Search) and know how to optimize for LLMdriven visibility. 3. Analytical Strength and DataDriven Mindset You translate complex data into insights and action plans using GA4, GSC, Ahrefs/SEMrush, and AIpowered analysis tools. 4. Strategic Thinking and HandsOn Execution Youre equally comfortable shaping strategy, rolling up your sleeves to execute, and iterating based on results. 5. Collaborative Leadership and Clear Communication You coach team members, work seamlessly with crossdepartment partners, and build strong relationships with clients. About Candybox Candybox Marketing is an awardwinning, fullservice 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 Canadas Fastest Growing Companies 7 years in a row Certified as a Great Place to Work (20212025) We make the web sweet, and we want you on our team. This is a fulltime position for candidates located within drive time of our Studio in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Start Date: ASAP responsibilities LEADERSHIP & EXECUTION Develop and execute highimpact SEO and AIO strategies across multiple industries, aligned with client objectives and KPIs. Conduct comprehensive SEO/AIO audits (technical, onpage, offpage, 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 UXaligned 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 AIdriven 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, datadriven recommendations to improve rankings, visibility, authority, and lead generation. Stay current on algorithm updates, emerging SERP features, and AIdriven search shifts (Google SGE, Gemini, Perplexity, ChatGPT Search). Manage and coach SEO and content team members, fostering collaboration, innovation, skill development, and operational excellence. AI SEARCH OPTIMIZATION (AIO) & INNOVATION Build and lead AIO frameworks, integrating large language models (LLMs) into SEO workflows for research, clustering, ideation, and onpage enhancements. Apply generative AI and machinelearning techniques such as automated topic generation, predictive keyword recommendation, AIassisted content briefs, and content scoring. Conduct SEO + GEO visibility assessments to understand discoverability across LLMs, generative search engines, and conversational platforms. Experiment with AInative search platforms (Google SGE, Bing Copilot, Perplexity, ChatGPT Search) to improve client presence in generative answers, citations, and chatbased search results. Optimize metadata, schema markup, structured data, and entity relationships to strengthen machine understanding, relevance, and answerengine 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 AIenabled SEO tactics, prompt writing, content QA, and responsible AI usage guidelines. Leverage AIdriven analytics, forecasting, clustering, and insight tools to uncover new opportunities and guide strategic decisionmaking. Document, test, and scale emerging AIO best practices; act as an internal subjectmatter expert and thought leader in AIdriven search innovation. requirements for the role Bachelors degree in Marketing, Communications, Data Science or a related field (or equivalent experience). 3-5+ years experience in SEO (technical, onpage, and content) with proven results in agency or multiclient environments. Demonstrated track record managing largescale SEO programs and improving organic visibility. Strong understanding of Google Search, EEAT, schema, and content strategy principles. Handson experience with Ahrefs, SEMrush, GA4, GSC, Surfer, Clearscope, Jasper, ChatGPT, or similar tools. Proven ability to manage, mentor, and develop highperforming team members. what we are looking for in a successful candidate Acts with Integrity SelfManaged Accountable 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 what we offer Base salary + uncapped commission Hybrid work environment (1-2 days instudio, Oakville) Work with an awardwinning team that values innovation, collaboration & performance RRSP contribution matches dental coverage day off on your birthday Candybox Marketing follows ethical recruitment practices. We will never request any form of payment, financial information, money transfers, cryptocurrency purchases, or fees from candidates during the application or interview process. Our legitimate recruitment activities are limited to reviewing applications, conducting interviews in person or via phone/video call, and extending job offers directly from our human resources department. Please be aware that a phone call from our human resource department and emails from [email protected] are the only authorized recruitment communications you should expect from our organization. Please use this link to apply! Please submit a resume along with a cover letter addressed to Darrell Keezer (he writes the cheques). We would love to see anything else you would like to provide us. #J-18808-Ljbffr