Search Optimization Manager - SEO, GEO & AI Search

Lightburn•Milwaukee, WI

34d

About The Position

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 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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)

Responsibilities

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
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
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

Benefits

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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