Job Description

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

3. Analytical Strength and Data-Driven MindsetYou translate complex data into insights and action plans using GA4, GSC, Ahrefs/SEMrush, and AI-powered analysis tools.

4. Strategic Thinking and Hands-On ExecutionYou're equally comfortable shaping strategy, rolling up your sleeves to execute, and iterating based on results.

5. Collaborative Leadership and Clear CommunicationYou coach team members, work seamlessly with cross-department partners, and build strong relationships with clients.

About Candybox:

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 (2021-2025)

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

LEADERSHIP & EXECUTIONo 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.

AI SEARCH OPTIMIZATION (AIO) & INNOVATIONo 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.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

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.

What we are looking for in a successful candidate::

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

What we offer:

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

Start Date: ASAP: