Search and AI Optimization Specialist

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Search and AI Optimization Specialist based in Canada.

The Search and AI Optimization Specialist will drive digital discoverability by supporting and executing strategies across traditional SEO, Local SEO, and AI-driven search optimization (AEO/GEO). You will work at the intersection of technical SEO, content strategy, and emerging AI discovery technologies to improve online visibility and business performance. The role involves optimizing ecommerce and content-heavy websites, identifying technical opportunities, and translating search insights into practical recommendations. You will help brands strengthen their presence across traditional search engines, local results, and AI-generated responses. Working within a collaborative digital agency environment, you will partner with strategists, analysts, project managers, and developers to deliver integrated solutions. Your work will connect search performance to measurable outcomes, including revenue, leads, conversions, and business growth.

Accountabilities

• Conduct technical SEO audits focusing on structured content, crawlability, indexability, and website architecture.

• Identify technical errors, performance risks, and optimization opportunities, providing clear and actionable recommendations that can be implemented effectively.

• Support SEO optimization across ecommerce and content management platforms, particularly Shopify and Drupal.

• Improve structured data, schema markup, internal linking, URL structures, and website performance fundamentals.

• Perform keyword research to inform content briefs, identify search opportunities, and prioritize optimization initiatives.

• Execute on-page SEO improvements, including title tags, meta descriptions, headings, and internal linking strategies.

• Support localized and regional content strategies aligned with search intent, audience needs, and market demand.

• Maintain Google Business Profile accuracy, including naming conventions, business information, and citation consistency for multi-location brands.

• Optimize location pages by ensuring accurate Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) information, relevant internal links, and strong local search signals.

• Improve AI discoverability through structured data, schema markup, and technical foundations that support AI-powered search experiences.

• Adapt priority content to increase its visibility and citation potential in AI-generated responses while maintaining strong traditional SEO performance.

• Connect SEO and AI optimization initiatives to meaningful business performance indicators, including revenue, leads, assisted conversions, and customer lifetime value signals.

• Use Google Search Console, Google Analytics 4 (GA4), and reporting platforms to analyze performance, identify trends, and generate actionable insights.

• Collaborate with strategists, analysts, project managers, and development teams to support integrated digital strategies and successful implementation.

• Contribute to internal documentation, operational processes, and the continuous development of SEO and AI optimization best practices.

• Monitor search engine algorithm updates, AI platform developments, and industry trends that may affect online discoverability.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of SEO experience, ideally within a digital agency or consulting environment.

• Demonstrated ability to execute technical, content, and local SEO initiatives end to end, beyond conducting audits and providing recommendations.

• Strong understanding of how search optimization contributes to business performance, with the ability to communicate its impact on revenue, leads, and growth.

• Hands-on experience with analytics and reporting tools, including:

  • Google Analytics 4 (GA4).

  • Google Search Console.

  • Looker Studio.

  • Practical experience with SEO platforms and technical auditing tools, such as:

    • SEMrush.

    • Ahrefs.

    • Screaming Frog.

    • Experience working with content management and ecommerce platforms, particularly Shopify and Drupal.

    • Strong understanding of AI-driven discovery, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO).

    • Knowledge of technical SEO, structured data, schema markup, keyword research, content optimization, and local search strategies.

    • Ability to analyze search performance data and translate findings into practical optimization recommendations.

    • Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and workstreams simultaneously.

    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and clients.

    • Proactive, analytical, and detail-oriented approach, with a strong focus on practical execution and measurable outcomes.

    • Curiosity and willingness to stay current with evolving search technologies, AI platforms, and digital marketing practices.

    • Must reside in Canada and be legally authorized to work in Canada; visa sponsorship is not provided.

    Benefits

    • Competitive salary: Annual compensation ranging from CAD $95,000 to $115,000.

    • Fully remote work: Flexibility to work remotely from within Canada.

    • Local employment support: Employment through an employer-of-record partner, providing local payroll, benefits administration, and employment compliance.

    • Cross-disciplinary collaboration: Opportunity to work with strategists, analysts, project managers, and developers on integrated digital projects.

    • Professional development: Exposure to evolving SEO, AEO, GEO, and AI-driven discovery practices.

    • Meaningful client impact: Opportunity to improve digital visibility and connect optimization strategies to measurable business results.

    • Inclusive environment: Commitment to equal employment opportunities, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

    • Autonomy and ownership: Opportunity to contribute ideas, improve processes, and help shape emerging search and AI optimization practices.