The Role

OVERVIEW
The Core Search team sits within our Performance Practice and is responsible for managing and optimising search engine performance for our clients. We manage the strategy, planning, implementation, optimisation, reporting and analysis of search activity across Paid Search and SEO.

Within the Search team, we have both Paid Search and SEO specialists working collaboratively to ensure some of Ireland’s leading brands achieve the best possible outcomes from their investment in search.

The purpose of the SEO Client Associate role is to support the SEO team in the day-to-day delivery of effective SEO strategies for our clients. The role will provide hands-on experience across technical SEO, content optimisation, keyword research, reporting and analysis, while building an understanding of how SEO contributes to wider client and business objectives.

The role will also work collaboratively with other Practices across Core to help create integrated campaigns and solutions that deliver real results for our clients.

This role requires someone who is analytical, curious and highly organised, with excellent attention to detail. Strong written and verbal communication skills, an interest in digital media and a willingness to learn will be critical to success.

RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Central to this role is supporting SEO Client Managers and Senior SEO Managers in delivering high-quality SEO / GEO work across a range of clients.
With appropriate training and guidance, responsibilities will include:

Supporting keyword research and search demand analysis to inform SEO and content recommendations.
Assisting with technical SEO audits and implementation reviews.
Supporting on-page SEO optimisation, including content, metadata and internal linking recommendations.
Learning to use SEO tools and platforms including Semrush, Moz, Ahrefs, Screaming Frog or equivalent.
Using Google Analytics, including GA4, and Google Search Console to analyse organic search performance and AI platform performance.
Supporting site speed and page performance analysis.
Assisting with local SEO optimisation, including Google Business Profile.
Developing an understanding of link acquisition and digital authority techniques.
Supporting the preparation of regular and ad hoc SEO reports.
Interpreting performance data and identifying insights and opportunities with guidance from senior team members.
Keeping up to date with developments and changes within SEO, GEO and the wider search and discovery landscape.
Supporting client servicing through meeting preparation, follow-ups and delivery of agreed actions.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across SEO, Paid Search and the wider Core business.

Success will be defined through the quality and accuracy of work delivered, development of SEO knowledge and capability, contribution to client performance and positive feedback through Core's performance and development processes.

PRACTICE PERFORMANCE

Develop an understanding of SEO and GEO best practice through training and hands-on experience.
Produce accurate analysis and reporting that helps identify actionable insights for clients.
Listen actively to understand client and stakeholder needs.
Build knowledge across technical SEO, content optimisation, analytics and digital authority.
Develop proficiency in the platforms and technology used by the SEO team.
Understand clients' businesses, objectives and KPIs and how SEO can contribute to them.
Know where to source reliable information and proactively develop knowledge of the industry.
Demonstrate excellent attention to detail across all areas of work.
Think creatively when identifying solutions to client and SEO / GEO challenges.
Keep abreast of developments in search behaviour, search engines, AI platforms and the wider industry.
Communicate clearly, concisely and professionally.

COMMERCIAL PERFORMANCE

Deliver high-quality work for clients through consistent quality-control processes.
Produce accurate, well-presented reports demonstrating excellent attention to detail.
Complete assigned client work within agreed timelines and flag potential issues or delays appropriately.
Work with SEO Client Managers and Senior SEO Managers to identify opportunities to add value to client activity.
Respond promptly to requests and effectively manage agreed priorities.
Ensure timesheets are completed accurately and on time each week.
Follow agreed team processes and proactively flag where support or escalation is required.

TALENT MANAGEMENT

Commit to Core Learning programmes and relevant training to support ongoing development.
Take ownership of developing technical and strategic SEO / GEO knowledge.
Work closely with SEO Client Managers and Senior SEO Managers to identify personal development requirements.
Understand and actively engage with your career development plan, biannuals, monthly catch-ups and goals.
Contribute positively to team culture and the wider working and learning environment.
Uphold Core's values through words and actions.
Proactively build relationships across the wider company.
Participate in knowledge sharing within the SEO team and across Core.

Be open to feedback and demonstrate the ability to apply learning to future work.

Your profile

EXPERIENCE
No previous professional SEO / GEO experience is required, although an interest in SEO, search, Ai discovery, digital media and marketing is essential.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

An interest in how search engines work and how people discover information online.
An analytical mindset and confidence working with data and numbers.
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
An interest in developing knowledge of SEO / GEO tools and platforms.
An interest in analytics and measurement.

Experience or familiarity with any of the following would be beneficial but is not essential:

Google Analytics / GA4.
Google Search Console.
Semrush, Moz, Ahrefs or similar SEO platforms.
Screaming Frog or similar crawling tools.
WordPress or other content management systems.
Basic HTML, CSS or JavaScript.
Keyword research or content optimisation.
Digital marketing through study, internships, personal projects or previous employment.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Highly analytical and comfortable working with data.
Excellent attention to detail.
Curious and motivated to learn new skills quickly.
Demonstrates a genuine interest in SEO, GEO, search and digital media.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build positive relationships with colleagues across Core.
Good listener with the ability to understand stakeholder objectives and instructions.
Able to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
Organised and able to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
Responsive and reliable in completing agreed actions.
Able to think creatively and contribute ideas.
Understands the importance of processes and quality control.
Proactively seeks opportunities to develop knowledge and skills.
Knows when to ask for support or escalate an issue.
Demonstrates a positive, collaborative approach to working as part of a team.

Why us?

Why us?

Work your way – Flexible, hybrid working that gives you the freedom to do your best work while fitting around your life.
Keep growing – Invest in your development with 24/7 internal learning programme access, structured mentoring and clear opportunities to progress your career.
Work that keeps things interesting – Partner with leading brands across sport, retail, food & drink, alcohol, insurance, banking and many more, with no two days the same.
Time to switch off – Enjoy 21 days' annual leave with an additional increment with your time with us. Separate to this celebrate your birthday off, Christmas closure days and early finishes before bank holiday weekends.
A culture that supports balance – We genuinely value work–life balance and encourage you to take the time you need to perform at your best.
Support for every stage of life – From enhanced maternity and paternity leave & other family leaves, to fertility support, phased returns, we're here for life's important moments.
Your wellbeing matters – Access mental health and wellbeing support, plus paid private health insurance for you and your dependants under 18, an Employee Assistance Programme, annual wellness contributions, free flu vaccinations, wellness events, fresh fruit, subsidised massages and more.
Plan ahead with confidence – Benefit from a contributory pension, life assurance cover and access to professional financial advice.
Make an impact beyond your role – Join our Diversity & Inclusion, CSR, Green, Social or Great Place to Work committees and even earn an extra day's annual leave for your contribution.
Join an award-winning workplace – Proudly recognised as a Great Place to Work® Certified organisation, ranked 4th in the Great Place to Work® Best Large Workplaces, and awarded Gold accreditation for our commitment to creating an exceptional employee experience.
A genuinely inclusive culture – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion isn't just a policy here; it's part of who we are. Through our dedicated D&I initiatives, employee networks and inclusive policies, we strive to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered.
We know how to have fun – From summer and Christmas parties to team socials, fundraising activities, birthday celebrations and company-wide events, we make time to celebrate our people.

And that's just the start...

OUR COMMITMENTS
Our industry relies on creativity and innovation – these are skills that are not bound by gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, membership of the Traveller community, marital or family status, disability, age, socio-economic background, or any other attributes. Core is committed to diversity in its workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to all applicants. If you need reasonable accommodation for any reason at any part of the interview process, please contact us and let us know the nature of your request and we will do our best to help.

Salary Range

30.000 - 31.000 DOE

About us

Core is Ireland's largest marketing communications company with over 400 people working across the key areas of marketing communications - research, data science, strategy, planning, creative development and implementation. We are now a collective of nine practices, working towards a single purpose - to expand the possibilities of what brands can achieve. At Core, we believe that change can move us forward and compel us towards new possibilities. Our wonderful people are at the centre of our success. It is essential that we keep building a high-trust working environment that supports our people and enables them to flourish. There is no magic formula for becoming a great place to work. Instead, it involves working together, through constant change, to match the personal dreams and ambitions of our people with the aspirations of the organisation.

Over the years, we have cemented our position as a great place to work, with 2026 being voted 4th Best Large Workplace in Ireland. Additionally, we are recognised as a Best Workplace for Women, and Best Workplace for Health & Wellbeing. 2026 is our best year yet, and we're excited to have you join us and our continued success.

Client Associate - SEO

Benefits

Job Description