Digital Director/Head of Digital

We're exclusively supporting a high-growth digital agency in the search for an experienced Head of Organic Search/Digital Director to lead and develop a well established organic performance function.

This is a senior leadership role with full responsibility for the commercial success, growth and operational performance of a multidisciplinary team spanning SEO strategy, technical SEO, content and digital PR. Reporting directly to the executive leadership team, you'll take ownership of the function's P&L, team development, client success and future growth strategy.

This opportunity would suit an experienced agency leader who combines strong commercial acumen with a passion for developing people and building scalable services.

Key Responsibilities
Commercial Leadership
Take full ownership of the department's P&L, including revenue, profitability and utilisation targets.
Forecast performance accurately and proactively identify opportunities and risks.
Drive sustainable growth while maintaining high service standards. Team Leadership & Development
Lead and develop a management team overseeing specialist areas including SEO, content and digital PR.
Set clear objectives, performance measures and development plans.
Foster a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
Manage performance effectively and support career progression across the department. Resource Planning & Operations
Ensure the department is appropriately structured and resourced to meet client demand.
Plan recruitment activity in line with business growth objectives.
Utilise freelance and specialist support where appropriate.
Drive operational efficiency and scalability across the team. Service Delivery & Quality
Champion best practices, processes and quality assurance standards.
Ensure consistent delivery across all client accounts.
Monitor performance and client outcomes to maintain exceptional service standards. Client Leadership
Act as senior stakeholder across key client relationships.
Support strategic account growth and client retention initiatives.
Provide senior-level guidance on complex organic search challenges and opportunities. Agency Growth
Partner with commercial and client services teams to support new business activity.
Contribute to proposal development, pitching, scoping and pricing.
Identify opportunities to expand services within existing client relationships. What Success Looks Like
Delivery of agreed commercial and profitability targets.
A highly engaged, well-developed and scalable team.
Best-practice processes embedded throughout the department.
Strong client retention and revenue growth.
Continued evolution of the agency's organic search offering. About You
We're looking for a commercially minded leader who has successfully managed a digital marketing function, service line or business unit within an agency or consultancy environment.

You'll bring:
Experience owning a departmental or business-unit P&L.
A proven track record of leading managers and specialist teams.
Strong commercial understanding of forecasting, utilisation, pricing and profitability.
Experience implementing scalable processes and operational best practices.
A solid understanding of SEO and organic search, with the credibility to engage senior clients and support specialist teams.
Awareness of the evolving search landscape, including the impact of AI-powered search and generative search experiences.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a significant organic search function within a successful, ambitious agency that continues to invest heavily in technology, innovation and people development. You'll have genuine influence over strategy, growth and the future direction of the service offering while working alongside a highly experienced leadership team.

Salary Range 65-75k DOE
Benefits (i.e. WFM/Free Parking/Life Insurance/Company Car): 25 days' annual leave, with the option to buy more
Public holidays plus your birthday off
Hybrid working, with 3 days per week in the Gateshead office
Personal development plan
Wellbeing support
Regular social and office events
Monthly breakfast buffets, which apparently have something of a reputation