Initiative - SEO Manager (Unilever Seconded Role)

Omnicom Media • Toronto, ON

17d

About The Position

Unilever is seeking a dynamic and seasoned SEO/AEO Manager with experience in Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), combined with a strong foundation in traditional SEO, to lead organic search strategy across its Personal Care and Beauty portfolio of brands. The SEO/AEO Manager will own the development and execution of advanced AEO and SEO strategies, enabling content to be discovered and cited by answer engines. This includes structuring content for AI comprehension, optimizing for featured snippets, knowledge panels, and voice search, while leading cross-functional teams and agencies to maximize organic reach. In this role, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping how consumers discover and engage with our brands through AI-driven search – influencing digital visibility and helping Unilever stay at the forefront of an evolving search landscape.

Requirements

• 5+ years of advanced SEO experience, ideally with AEO implementation and direct answer content optimization.
• Strong leadership skills and proven experience leading multiple media/content agencies or cross-functional teams in delivering measurable SEO and AEO outcomes.
• Ability to complement deep technical expertise with a clear understanding of business impact; translating search performance into tangible outcomes for brand growth and consumer engagement.
• Demonstrated passion for content and marketing, with a consumer-first mindset that ensures content strategies are crafted to resonate with audience needs and foster meaningful brand engagement.
• Deep technical SEO understanding and experience in AEO, including structured data/schema markup, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and content extraction for AI engines.
• Familiarity with SEO and AEO analytics tools such as Google Search Console, Semrush, Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, and specialized AEO/voice search monitoring tools
• Extensive knowledge of search engine algorithms, ranking factors, featured snippet dynamics, and AI-powered answer extraction.
• Strong analytical skills with a focus on interpreting AEO specific metrics and user engagement for optimization.
• Leadership and project management capabilities to guide internal teams and external agencies in complex multi-channel campaigns.

Nice To Haves

• Certifications in SEO, AEO, Google Analytics, or AI content optimization programs

Responsibilities

• Own the design and implementation of comprehensive SEO and AEO strategies, ensuring the optimization of search visibility across search engines, voice, and answer-based results.
• Lead an interagency team across media, content, and web development to synchronize efforts, deliver on strategy, and elevate performance across KPIs.
• Conduct prompt and keyword research, monitor search trends, and identify high-impact content opportunities.
• Oversee full content lifecycle optimization, from prompt research and structured content creation to technical schema markup implementation for AI extraction.
• Collaborate with web development agencies to optimize website architecture, metadata, and content for improved search engine visibility and user experience.
• Oversee both on-page and off-page SEO, including technical audits, building authority, schema markup, and performance monitoring.
• Track and report on KPIs specific to AEO performance: featured snippet acquisition, voice search visibility, zero click engagement, and brand authority recognition.
• Stay current with emerging AEO technologies, voice search trends, large language model outputs, and generative AI capabilities to continually evolve strategies.
• Align SEO and AEO roadmaps with wider marketing initiatives, including paid media, social campaigns, and content strategies, ensuring cross-channel synergies.

Benefits

• Initiative is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, colour, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, provincial, or municipal law. If you require an accommodation in any aspect of the selection process, please reach out to [email protected]

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees