Summary

Onward Search is hiring an SEO Specialist for a full-time, fixed-term hybrid role in Ventura, California. This role supports the Senior SEO & SEM Manager in advancing SEO strategy through research, ideation, and tactical implementation. The specialist will be hands-on with technical SEO, content optimization, competitor analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure higher rankings and drive organic traffic. The position requires working onsite three times per week and remotely on other days, following a 9/80 schedule.

Must Have

Conduct ongoing and ad hoc page, topic, and keyword trend analysis
Perform continuous keyword research; monitor and track keyword and page ranking progress
Review onsite traffic pathing, user behavior, and cross-channel search entry patterns
Partner with third-party agencies to research and develop technical SEO requirements
Document and create tech tickets in JIRA
Prepare content briefs that reflect SEO best practices and keyword needs
Ensure SEO requirements are met before launch; audit experiences in staging environments
Provide SEO inputs for site taxonomy files
Collaborate with merchandising and web teams on category audits, URL recommendations, and seasonal product page optimizations
Define seasonal SEO asset needs to support product and brand launches
Stay current with industry updates; proactively document program impacts; analyze competitor search landscapes and SERP experiences
Proficiency in Google Search Console, Google Ads Keyword Planner, and keyword tracking tools
Strong understanding of on-page, off-page, and technical SEO best practices
Experience with schema markup, HTML, and metadata optimization
Skilled in Google Analytics 4, Adobe Analytics 4, and other analytics platforms
Ability to translate data insights into actionable recommendations
Experience creating and briefing SEO-optimized content
Familiarity with content management systems
Ability to document SEO requirements and create tickets in JIRA
Experience with QA and UAT processes
Ability to conduct competitor SERP audits
Knowledge of emerging SEO trends, AI in search, and evolving algorithms
Proven ability to work cross-functionally
Strong communication skills

Good To Have

Experience in eCommerce or retail brand environments

Perks

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
401(k) Program
Commuter Benefit
eLearning & Ongoing Training
Education Reimbursement

Onward Search is a specialized staffing and talent solutions company that helps professionals find top jobs with the nation’s leading brands. We’re hiring an SEO Specialist for a full-time, fixed-term hybrid role. The selected candidate will work onsite at our client’s headquarters three times per week, with remote work on Mondays and every other Friday, following their 9/80 schedule.

In this role, you’ll support the Senior SEO & SEM Manager in advancing the search engine optimization strategy through research, ideation, and tactical implementation. You’ll be hands-on with technical SEO, content optimization, competitor analysis, and cross-functional collaboration, ensuring the brand consistently ranks higher and drives meaningful organic traffic.

SEO Specialist Responsibilities

Conduct ongoing and ad hoc page, topic, and keyword trend analysis; perform continuous keyword research; monitor and track keyword and page ranking progress.
Review onsite traffic pathing, user behavior, and cross-channel search entry patterns across Google, Bing, social search, and AI platforms.
Partner with third-party agencies to research and develop technical SEO requirements, document and create tech tickets in JIRA, and prepare content briefs that reflect SEO best practices and keyword needs.
Ensure SEO requirements are met before launch; audit experiences in staging environments before going live; document discrepancies and required changes.
Provide SEO inputs for site taxonomy files on an ongoing basis and during seasonal site updates.
Collaborate with merchandising and web teams on category audits, URL recommendations, and seasonal product page optimizations.
Define seasonal SEO asset needs to support product and brand launches, including copy blocks, metadata, and article content.
Stay current with industry updates; proactively document program impacts; analyze competitor search landscapes and SERP experiences.

SEO Specialist Qualifications

Proficiency in Google Search Console, Google Ads Keyword Planner, and keyword tracking tools such as SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Moz.
Strong understanding of on-page, off-page, and technical SEO best practices.
Experience with schema markup, HTML, and metadata optimization.
Skilled in Google Analytics 4, Adobe Analytics 4, and other analytics platforms to interpret organic traffic patterns, site pathing, and engagement metrics.
Ability to translate data insights into actionable recommendations for content, UX, and development teams.
Experience creating and briefing SEO-optimized content aligned with keyword strategy.
Familiarity with content management systems such as Adobe Experience Manager, WordPress, or Shopify.
Ability to document SEO requirements and create tickets in JIRA or similar project management tools.
Experience with QA and UAT processes, identifying SEO issues before launch.
Ability to conduct competitor SERP audits, monitor industry changes, and adapt strategies accordingly.
Knowledge of emerging SEO trends, AI in search, and evolving algorithms.
Proven ability to work cross-functionally with marketing, web development, UX, and merchandising teams.
Strong communication skills to convey SEO recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Experience in eCommerce or retail brand environments (preferred).

Perks & Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
Life Insurance.
401(k) Program.
Commuter Benefit.
eLearning & Ongoing Training.
Education Reimbursement.
Eligibility requires working over 30 hours per week on an assignment lasting at least 10 weeks.

If you meet the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, apply today! Our team will connect with you to discuss next steps, support you through the interview process, and advocate for your success.

About Onward Search

Onward Search is a nationwide staffing agency and talent solutions provider specializing in creative, marketing, and technology professionals. We work with our nationwide clients to continuously pipeline and fill specialized roles. As such, not all jobs contain an application deadline.

Equal Opportunity Employment

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected category. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment.

EOE/M/F/D/V/SO

Inclusive Hiring Practices

We’re committed to making every part of our hiring process accessible and inclusive. If you need any accommodations or adjustments to support you during the application or interview process, please contact us at inclusivehiring@onwardsearch.com.

Employment Eligibility

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. We are unable to support 1099 / Corp-to-Corp / Independent Contractor arrangements. All freelancers will be hired as W2 employees.

Benefits

We offer medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a 401(k) retirement plan to all eligible full-time temporary employees. Onward Search is a drug-free workplace.

Virtual Interview Process

To help streamline the hiring process and ensure a more flexible and accessible experience for all candidates, we’ve partnered with Apriora, a virtual interviewing platform. For select job openings, you may receive an invitation to interview with Alex, our virtual interviewer, via email at alex@onwardsearch.com.

Alex will guide you through a brief set of questions to help us better understand your background and interests. The virtual interview can be completed on your own time, and your responses will be reviewed by our recruiting team as part of the screening process.

To learn more about the platform, visit Apriora’s website.

Job Seeker Scam Alert

We’ve become aware of fraudulent recruiters impersonating Onward Search representatives to collect personal or financial information from potential job seekers. Please be vigilant and always protect your information. Learn more about potential threats and how to protect yourself by visiting our job seeker scam alert page.

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