VP, SEO Lead

About the role

dentsu is looking for a VP, SEO Lead to set the vision, strategy and standards for organic search across iProspect, a group serving some of the world's leading brands. The role leads SEO across clients, talent, innovation and growth, working closely with Paid Search, LLMO, Content, Commerce, Media, Data and Measurement leaders. It is a hybrid position, open to New York City, Chicago, Detroit or Fort Worth, with an annual salary range of $160K-$210K.

Key responsibilities

• Set the vision for SEO: define the US vision and roadmap for SEO across iProspect and establish best-in-class standards across technical, content, authority, experience and emerging search environments.
• Anticipate changes in search and consumer discovery and turn them into opportunities for clients and teams.
• Partner with Paid Search and LLMO leadership to build a connected Total Search proposition and help clients move toward AI-powered, multimodal discovery.
• Lead the evolution of SEO products, methodologies, tools and measurement approaches, and identify where AI and automation can improve quality, speed and scalability.
• Serve as senior SEO strategic leader for priority clients and major transformation programs, bringing clear perspectives to executive conversations, business reviews, pitches and recommendations.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing SEO organization, developing senior leaders and creating pathways for emerging talent.
• Partner with Client Leadership and Growth teams to expand SEO relationships, play a leading role in major pitches and build strong relationships with platforms, technology partners and industry leaders.

Required profile

• 12+ years of experience in SEO, organic search or closely related digital disciplines, including complex enterprise brands.
• 5+ years of senior leadership experience managing teams, leaders and major client relationships.
• Experience leading major website migrations, redesigns or technically complex SEO programs.
• Proven ability to develop high-performing teams and future leaders.

Required skills

• Technical SEO, content strategy, analytics and search performance.
• Understanding of AI-powered search, LLMs and changing discovery behaviors.
• Paid Search and experience connecting paid and organic search strategy.
• Modern website technologies, enterprise platforms and SEO tools.
• Executive communication, presentation and commercial instincts for pitches and senior client relationships.

What we offer

• Medical, vision and dental insurance, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k), flexible paid time off, at least 15 paid holidays per year, paid sick and safe leave and paid parental leave.
• Hybrid work: employees living near a hub office (Chicago, metro Detroit, Los Angeles, New York City) work from the office three days per week; those outside commuting range may be designated remote.