Job Description

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

We're seeking an outstanding Performance Marketing Manager to lead our agency's shift towards AI-driven marketing excellence. This role goes beyond traditional performance marketing, offering the opportunity to pioneer Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) and influence how a progressive agency competes in the AI-powered search era.

Based in Lancaster with hybrid flexibility -

deliver national-scale campaigns without the Manchester commute.

PURPOSE OF THIS ROLE

As a Performance Marketing Specialist, you'll lead the technical strategy and execution for a focused portfolio of around 10 diverse clients with monthly ad spends of 30k - 50k+. You will act as the senior technical authority for SEO and Paid Media. You'll be responsible for driving innovation - specifically integrating AI and Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) into our workflows - while supporting and mentoring our team of 4 Digital Marketing Executives to ensure excellence across all campaigns.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Strategy & Campaign Execution

Develop and execute integrated SEO and paid media strategies that deliver measurable ROI and sustainable growth. Manage paid campaigns across Google Ads (PMax), Meta, and LinkedIn with full budget accountability. Support our agency's GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) strategy to ensure clients appear in AI-powered search results (e.g. Perplexity, Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT Search). Leverage AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Midjourney) to scale ad creative development, accelerate keyword research, and automate technical SEO audits. Establish success metrics and benchmarks for AI-driven initiatives as the industry standards evolve. Document learnings and build repeatable frameworks that can scale across the agency. Stay at the forefront of AI marketing developments through continuous learning and experimentation.

Client Insight & Growth

Use data-driven analysis to identify growth opportunities and predictive trends for our clients. Maintain exceptional client relationships with a focus on long-term partnership and account expansion. Support new business development by providing data and strategic recommendations, and contribute to compelling pitch decks and proposals.

Team Support & Leadership

Act as the senior technical lead for our ambitious, growing team of 4 Digital Marketing Executives, providing guidance on complex campaign setups and troubleshooting. Conduct regular training sessions on advanced techniques, emerging AI tools, and industry best practices. Work closely with the Digital Marketing Manager to refine agency processes, using AI to automate reporting and routine tasks. Collaborate with the wider team to ensure client campaigns are optimised for both conversion and AI-driven search.

Essential Skills & Experience

4+ years of experience delivering integrated SEO and PPC campaigns, with demonstrable results in competitive markets. A deep, demonstrable interest in Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) and a clear vision for how AI will reshape the search landscape. Proven track record managing client relationships, with a focus on retention and long-term account growth. Agency experience strongly preferred - you understand the pace, client dynamics, and need for commercial focus. Advance knowledge of technical SEO: crawlability, indexing, Core Web Vitals, JavaScript rendering, schema markup, and structured data. Expert understanding of Google Ads (including Performance Max), GA4, Search Console, Google Tag Manager, SEMrush, Screaming Frog, and Microsoft Ads. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets and translate insights into actionable strategies. Excellent communication and presentation skills - able to simplify complex concepts for diverse audiences. Commercially astute with a results-driven mindset and ability to prioritise high-impact activities.

AI & Innovation Mindset

Demonstrated experience (or intense, demonstrable interest) using AI tools to enhance marketing output and efficiency. Comfort with ambiguity - success metrics for emerging technologies are still evolving, and you'll help define them.

WHY SQ?

Lead the Future: A unique opportunity to shape the agency's AI and GEO roadmap, not just execute someone else's vision. Collaborative Culture: Work directly with our CEO, senior managers, and a talented digital marketing team. Growth: A clear path to seniority as the performance department expands. Hybrid Flexibility: Lancaster-based with genuine flexibility around start/finish times and working from home. Avoid the Manchester commute while working on national-scale accounts. Modern Agency: We invest in premium AI tools and marketing platforms, so you have the resources to do your best work.

Your First Year

Drive measurable results across your portfolio, implement AI workflow optimisations, establish our GEO framework, and mentor the team to elevated performance.

Competitive Benefits Package

33 days' holiday (inclusive of Bank Holidays). Pension contributions. Flexible start and finish times to support work-life balance. Professional development budget for courses, certifications, and conferences. Access to premium AI tools and marketing platforms.

Culture & Perks

Collaborative, fun, and supportive team culture that celebrates wins and learns from challenges. Free breakfast, unlimited tea and coffee. Regular social events, team activities, and charity initiatives. Mental health and wellbeing support.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 35,000.00-50,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 30 - 37.50 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Flexitime Work from home
Ability to commute/relocate:

Lancaster LA1 1ET: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

Paid search marketing: 3 years (required) SEO: 3 years (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lancaster LA1 1ET