The purpose of this role is to define the strategy of assigned clients, taking in account their specific characteristics and establishing synergies between SEO and other marketing/communication actions. Job Description: We're looking for a sharp, AI-fluent SEO leader ready to take on a high-impact role with global enterprise clients. If you've been operating as a Senior SEO Specialist or SEO Lead and want a move that expands your strategic visibility, client influence, and exposure to AI-driven search, this role is built for you. As a Search +AI Discovery Manager, you'll lead client engagements, mentor a growing Search +AI Discovery team, and help shape how our practice navigates the shift from traditional search to AI-driven discovery (SGE, AI Overviews, Agentic, and LLM-based search). This role is ideal for someone who is deeply hands-on in SEO but ready to elevate into broader strategy, client advisory, and team leadership. Based anywhere in Canada, you'll work primarily on EST or PST hours (strong preference to EST) alongside our North American and global client teams and collaborate with cross-functional partners across regions. What You'll Lead & Own Client Leadership & Strategy Act as the strategic SEO lead for enterprise-level clients across North America and global markets. Build strong, trusted relationships with client stakeholders and become a long-term advisor. Turn complex SEO and AI-driven search concepts into clear, actionable, and measurable recommendations. Drive performance outcomes and ensure SEO is directly tied to business growth. Team Leadership & Development Lead, mentor, and coach a team of SEO Specialists and Consultants across North America. Provide structured feedback, support career development, and help elevate technical and strategic skillsets. Contribute to recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing training for new team members. Operational Excellence Partner closely with leadership to strengthen internal processes, documentation standards, and delivery frameworks. Oversee best-in-class execution across technical SEO, content, and authority-building initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Analytics, Paid Media, UX, and Development on integrated programs. Innovation & Thought Leadership Stay ahead of global SEO trends, search evolution, and AI/SGE advancements — and bring those insights back to the team and clients. Contribute to the development of new methodologies, tools, and innovation within the SEO practice. Lead internal knowledge-sharing sessions, trainings, and contribute ideas for thought leadership content. Qualifications We're Looking For 5-7+ years of SEO experience, ideally within an agency or enterprise environment. Strong hands-on expertise in technical SEO, content strategy, and analytics platforms (GA4, GSC, Adobe, Looker Data Studio, or similar) — be ready to walk us through a specific technical audit or migration you led, strategy, and the measurable outcome. Hands-on experience adapting strategy for AI-driven search — generative engines, AI Overviews, LLM-based discovery, agentic discovery. We're looking for people who have actually tested, measured, or shipped against these surfaces, not just read about them. Proven experience presenting to clients and influencing senior stakeholders — expect to share a specific example where your recommendation changed a client's roadmap or investment. Strong project management skills; able to juggle multiple clients, timelines, and priorities. Experience leading or mentoring team members and supporting their growth. Comfortable collaborating with global teams and working across time zones. What Makes You a Great Fit You're a strategic thinker who can also roll up your sleeves when needed. You enjoy coaching and developing talent, not just managing tasks. You have a consultative mindset and are confident leading conversations with C-level and senior stakeholders. You're proactive, solution-oriented, and comfortable operating with autonomy. You're genuinely curious about the future of search and how AI is reshaping discovery. You’ve actually read this job description. In your application, tell us one thing about AI-driven search you’ve tested or implemented in the last six months, generic cover letters get filtered out. Why You'll Love Working With Us Work with top-tier global brands on advanced SEO and AI-search challenges that go well beyond the Canadian market. Fully remote across Canada, with optional hybrid access in major hubs (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal). Competitive base salary and comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits from day one. RRSP matching and a generous paid time-off policy, including paid time off between Christmas and New Year. Collaboration with a global team of specialists across data, creative, media, and engineering. The annual salary range for this position is $85,000-$100,000. Placement within the salary range is based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and other factors permitted by law. #LI-MS3 #LI-Remote Location: Toronto Brand: Merkle Time Type: Full time Contract Type: Permanent Can’t find a suitable job? Sign up for job alerts tailored to your interests and be first in line for new opportunities. About dentsu For over 120 years, innovation has been a core tenet of our offering – exploring new ways to reach, engage and nurture relationships with audiences. Together we drive a multiplier effect for clients at a global scale, through the development of Integrated Growth Solutions that are underpinned by our promise to clients: innovating to impact. Be a force for good. Sustainability is a vital part of our business and an important area of focus for our clients. We’re leading the way – helping to build a more sustainable planet. Dream loud. In this moment of transformation, we need our people to be fearless, embracing change and ambiguity, driven by the love for their work and excitement for the future. Team without limits. We create opportunities for connection and collaboration between our colleagues and clients, building a sense of belonging and having some fun along the way. Find out more about us Who we are Our Social Impact Our work