Search Director - SEO Strategy and Performance

Company Description

Publicis Groupe is the world’s largest agency holding group, leading in Digital, Creative, and Media transformation. With nearly 100 years of experience and 100+ markets worldwide, we’re proud to be ranked the #1 Agency Group globally by Forbes.

Here in Budapest, Publicis Groupe Hungary is the country’s largest integrated creative and media agency—home to 400+ experts, 250+ awards.

With our Power of One model, we offer expertise in Creative, Media, Digital and Production. Our modular setup integrates these disciplines, giving clients seamless access to the right blend of services to support their business and customers’ journey.

At Publicis Groupe Hungary, you’ll collaborate with a strong multicultural team that blends curiosity, data, and creativity to deliver results for some of the world’s biggest brands.

Not every challenge has a template answer—and that’s where we come in. From strategy to execution, we combine innovation with precision to build digital solutions that work in the real world.

If you’re driven by solving complex problems and shaping meaningful digital experiences, you’ll fit right in here.

Overview

SEARCH DIRECTOR

We are looking for a Search Director to join our Performics Budapest team, a dynamic, forward-thinking agency at the intersection of data, creativity, and performance. In this pivotal role, you will lead the vision, strategy, and performance of our SEO practice, driving measurable growth for both our clients and the agency.

You will shape how Search integrates across brand, content, and performance marketing, ensuring it operates as a strategic business driver rather than just a channel. As a Search Director, you will serve as both a strategic advisor and hands-on leader, inspiring teams to deliver exceptional results while future-proofing our approach to organic visibility in an AI-driven landscape.

What will you do in this role?

• Lead and scale a mid-sized SEO team within Performics Budapest, fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and innovative culture.
• Shape the agency’s SEO strategy by connecting organic performance to broader business KPIs and commercial outcomes.
• Partner with client leadership teams to drive measurable growth, influence senior stakeholders, and lead strategic conversations at C-level.
• Mentor and coach senior SEO professionals, guiding career development and strategic excellence.
• Identify and capitalize on new business and upselling opportunities to fuel agency growth.
• Oversee delivery excellence across large-scale accounts, ensuring consistent quality, innovation, and impact.
• Integrate SEO within the wider digital ecosystem by collaborating closely with media, content, strategy, and analytics teams.
• Champion innovation through AI-driven automation, SERP experimentation, and emerging SEO technologies.
• Represent Performics Budapest in industry forums and thought leadership opportunities, positioning us at the forefront of Search innovation.
  
  

Hard Skills & Tools Expertise

• Deep understanding of technical, on-page, and off-page SEO principles and best practices.
• Proven experience leveraging AI-driven tools, automation, and analytics to enhance SEO performance and efficiency.
• Strong command of key SEO and analytics platforms including Google Search Console, GA4, Looker Studio, Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Screaming Frog.
• Practical knowledge of GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) techniques and the ability to adapt strategies for AI-powered search environments.
• Skilled in data storytelling and translating insights into actionable strategic recommendations.
• Familiarity with ASO (App Store Optimization), Social Media Optimization, and broader digital performance frameworks.
• Strong understanding of content and site architecture, E-E-A-T principles, and SERP feature optimization.
• Experience working in or with FMCG and Pharma sectors is considered an advantage.
• Fluent English - spoken, written.
  
  

The type of person we are looking for should also identify with the below qualities

• A visionary thinker who understands both the art and science of Search.
• Naturally collaborative and inclusive, thriving in multicultural, cross-market environments.
• Commercially minded and able to connect data-driven insights with business strategy and growth.
• A confident communicator and storyteller who can make complex SEO insights accessible and inspiring.
• Curious and experimental, with a passion for emerging technology and AI’s evolving role in Search.
• A mentor and motivator who takes pride in building teams and nurturing talent.
• An entrepreneurial leader with the ambition to redefine what Search can deliver for brands.
  
  

We’re looking for someone with 7-8+ years of experience in SEO or digital marketing, who has successfully led teams, delivered measurable organic growth, and driven strategic business outcomes. You’ll combine technical SEO mastery with commercial acumen and creativity — bringing the curiosity, leadership, and forward-thinking mindset that keeps Performics Budapest at the forefront of Search excellence.

Fluency in English (both written and spoken) is essential, as you will operate in a cross-market, international environment. Hungarian language skills are a strong advantage, offering added value in leading local market initiatives and client relationships.

Additional Information

Why should you join Publicis Groupe?

• Diverse & Inclusive Environment - Viva La Difference is in our DNA.
  
  

We don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them. With 30+ nationalities under one roof, our team is proof that diversity fuels creativity and innovation. Our DE&I initiatives make sure every voice has space and every idea is valued.

• Thriving Community - Built on camaraderie.
  
  

We nurture a culture of involvement—colleagues who show up for each other, collaborate, and share wins. From Thirsty Thursdays to DE&I days and team-building events, we create space for real connections (and the occasional celebration dance).

• People-First - Well-Being Always.
  
  

We believe you can only bring your best when you feel your best. From initiatives like Working with Cancer and Screening Time Off, to coaching, mental and physical health support and women's health program, we provide the tools and flexibility to help you create a work-life balance that truly works for you.

• Grow With Us. - Your career, your runway.
  
  

Your journey is yours—we’re just here to fuel it. With tools like Marcel, our AI-powered platform, together with global learning programs, local classes and workshops, we’ll help you thrive and build a future-proof, AI-ready skillset.

• Flexible Work Arrangements - Your work, your rhythm.
  
  

Some days you’re office-ready, other days you’re better from home—we get it. Our flexible hours and hybrid options let you set the rhythm. And yes, your furry friends are always welcome in the office - paws on the floor, ideas on the table.

• Global Mobility with Work Your World - The world is your office.
  
  

Why stay put when you can take your job global? With Work Your World, you can spend a few weeks working from a selected Publicis Groupe office worldwide. Want to swap apartments with a colleague in Paris or Madrid? Go for it. It’s not just travel—it’s adventure with a laptop.

• Relocation Support
  
  

Moving from the other side of the world? We’ll support you by navigating the permit processes to make your start as smooth as possible.

We’ve built this far—now let’s build forward, together.

Publicis Groupe Hungary is an equal opportunity employer. We believe different perspectives spark stronger ideas. That’s why we welcome applicants of all races, colors, religions, sexes, sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, ages, national origins and disabilities. Everyone deserves an equal chance to thrive here, and we’re committed to making our hiring process - and our workplace - accessible, inclusive, respectful, and supportive for all.