---
title: 'SEO Specialist at VML'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/seo-specialist-vml-chicago-illinois-zhxmx7h1dszs'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-11'
---

# SEO Specialist at VML

- **Company:** VML
- **Location:** Chicago Illinois, United States / Dallas Texas, United States / Detroit Michigan, United States / Kansas City Missouri, United States / Memphis Tennessee, United States / Minneapolis Minnesota, United States / Nashville Tennessee, United States / Rogers Arkansas, United States
- **Compensation:** $60k–$140k
- **Posted:** 2026-08-05
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-11
- **Apply:** https://www.vml.com/careers/job/8654406002?gh_jid=8654406002

## Job description

## Who We Are

VML is a global creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brands that drive growth. Guided by a Human First philosophy, VML is known for its innovative work for brands and consistently ranks among the world’s leading creative companies, including the WARC Creative 100. VML’s global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore.

VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel.

For more information, please visit [www.vml.com](http://www.vml.com/)and follow along on  [LinkedIn](https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__urldefense.com_v3_-5F-5Fhttps-3A_www.linkedin.com_company_vml_-5F-5F-3B-21-21JboVxjCXSME-21OhlpCfbkl1UcWPwns1-2DGtvHOzFh0QwHV49fsPgGw-2DVCCU1bCg8aQFI9vN-2Dy-2DVwaQcITH2j2XKzGKBIFRLYf2AUWVYY1dFGK6-24&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=zouFnm4jZMgDFaYF1uVcRY3rbgHWPca_luUrBUkT6Yc&m=QzcCgXCAOjzj5hiU48_CKOdHRSJ4_YpuqfviT9yjlzH5VrkzySTZ-WaQXlYAnj4W&s=jJ7q5V70u9oUx7ONPm5jC3IK8y6vxDilX6BGTlqlWlA&e=) #WeAreVML.

What you’ll do:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and results-driven SEO specialist to join our team. This role is responsible for organic search analysis, discovery, execution, and performance reporting of search engine optimization (SEO) and AI/GEO strategies and deliverables for clients. The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills, excellent communication abilities, and the ability to collaborate across teams while staying current on industry trends and the ability to own the client work, build the strategy and tackle implementation.

Key Responsibilities:

- Provide strategic recommendations for improving organic search performance on websites in various stages of development.
- Conduct comprehensive keyword research using leading industry tools to identify opportunities for optimization.
- Analyze and optimize on-page SEO elements such as titles, meta descriptions, copy, images, and internal links.
- Conduct thorough site audits and competitive analyses to uncover opportunities for growth.
- Create and deliver monthly organic search performance reports with actionable insights.
- Evaluate and present organic search findings and recommendations to clients and stakeholders.
- Provide Organic Search recommendations for non-website digital assets like videos, social media profiles and others.
- Producing thought leadership pieces like POVs and industry news round-ups.
- Guiding junior team members as necessary.
- Document client history, processes, contact information, major initiatives, past recommendations and projects, and site changes.
- Work with account teams and clients to understand and document business, technical and reporting requirements, and to develop solutions to ensure success.
- Helping coordinate internal team and agency initiatives to achieve team goals.
- Help clients expand their knowledge and use of search engine optimization and drive internal buy-in.
- Provide guidance to the agency, client and other partners on the implementation and use of white hat Organic Search strategies.
- Provide effective and persuasive presentations (both verbal and written) to internal teams and clients.
- Stay current on the constantly changing search, AI and technology industry and inform clients about new industry developments that impact them.
- Collaborate across departments to ensure appropriate inclusion at the correct times in the process for client work.
- Navigate multiple dependencies on technology, content creators, and other connections to ensure the effectiveness of SEO efforts.
- Ensure the delivery of cutting-edge, high-quality SEO work tailored to each client's unique needs.
- Develop case studies based on past work to support new business initiatives and validate client relationships.
- Attend meetings with other company functions necessary to perform duties and organizational development.

What you’ll need:

Hard Skills:

- Strong writing and communication skills.
- 3-5 years of experience
- Proficiency in search engine optimization techniques and strategies.
- Knowledge of AI platforms, optimization techniques and strategies.
- Proficiency with common organic search tools (e.g., SEMrush, Moz Analytics, BrightEdge, SearchMetrics, etc.).
- Ability to conduct research and analyze data effectively.
- Knowledge of web analytics tools (e.g., Adobe Analytics, Google Search Console).
- Familiarity with basic HTML and Excel.
- Proficiency in presentation tools like Keynote or PowerPoint.
- Comfortable with AI platforms like ChatGPT and leveraging automation tools.
- Comfortable with public speaking and giving presentations.
- Ability to create Organic Search Performance reporting and analyze data analytics.

Soft Skills:

- Receptiveness to feedback and a willingness to learn continuously.
- Resourcefulness and self-awareness to navigate challenges independently.
- Ability to balance competing demands and prioritize tasks effectively.
- Strong collaboration skills to work seamlessly across teams and departments.
- Self-awareness and ability to think critically, prioritize and assess what is best for client.
- Embodies executive presence, ability to problem-solve and be adaptable.
- Thinks strategically to better understand the business and be detail-oriented to deliver best in class work.

Preferred Skills:

- Familiarity with technical SEO, including site architecture, crawlability, and indexing.
- Knowledge of advanced web analytics and reporting techniques.
- Experience or familiarity of automotive and financial industry a plus.

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, click [WPP Benefits](https://mybenefits.wpp.com/public/welcome)for more details.

_ $60,000—$140,000 USD

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our [Recruitment Privacy Policy](https://www.vml.com/recruitment-privacy-policy). California residents should read our [California Recruitment Privacy Notice](https://www.vml.com/california-recruitment-privacy-notice). This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.

## About VML

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: VML is a global creative company that helps brands drive growth by seamlessly connecting Brand Experience, Customer Experience, and Commerce through a human-first, tech-enabled approach.
- **Entity Type**: Public (subsidiary of WPP, LSE: WPP)
- **Headquarters**: New York, United States
- **Founded**: 2024 (formed from the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, with legacy agencies dating back to 1864)
- **Founders**: Not applicable – the company was formed by merging two WPP agencies; Global CEO is Jon Cook

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Advertising services, marketing, digital transformation, brand consulting
- **Target customers**: B2B – large enterprise brands across sectors (consumer goods, healthcare, technology, retail, etc.)
- **Mission or purpose statement**: “Create connected brands that become a part of people’s lives and drive growth for client partners” – guided by a “Human First” creative philosophy.

## Products & Services
- **Brand Experience (BX)**: Compelling brand worlds and creative platforms that build emotional connections from the first touchpoint.
- **Customer Experience (CX)**: Intelligent digital platforms, loyalty programs, and data-driven customer journeys that deepen relationships.
- **Commerce**: Seamless, innovative commerce solutions that convert interest into action.
- **Technology Transformation**: Digital infrastructure, platform engineering, and AI-powered marketing via WPP Open.
- **Health**: Specialized healthcare marketing and communications (VML Health).

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed for VML (parent WPP’s market cap is ~£8B as of mid-2025). 
- **Key Metric**: 26,000+ employees across 150+ offices globally (vml.com); some sources report 34,000+ on LinkedIn.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Parent company WPP; key clients include blue-chip global brands (not publicly listed).
- **Growth Signals**: 
  - Formed in 2024 from two major WPP agencies, consolidating over 300 years of combined expertise.
  - 373 active job postings (LinkedIn, as of mid-2026) with +80.2% quarterly growth in postings.
  - Named No. 3 on an unspecified industry ranking (vml.com/expertise).
  - VML Foundation has contributed over $3.2 million to charitable causes.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Human First approach**: A creative philosophy that prioritizes deep understanding of human needs, making campaigns more resonant and effective.
- **Connected capabilities**: Unlike pure creative or tech firms, VML integrates BX, CX, and Commerce into a single, unified offering.
- **Scale and heritage**: 26,000 people in 50+ markets, with legacy from J. Walter Thompson, Y&R, Wunderman, and VML.
- **WPP Open**: Access to WPP’s AI-powered marketing operating system for intelligent, measurable, and scalable solutions.
- **Inclusion Experience**: A dedicated consultancy helping clients design inclusive experiences for people with disabilities.

## Strategic Focus
- Deepening the integration of creativity and technology to deliver “connected brands.”
- Expanding AI-driven marketing and personalization through WPP Open.
- Growing the Health practice and Commerce capabilities.
- Investing in talent development and culture (e.g., Emerge Internship Program, Catalyst Academy, All Win Program).
- Continuing to build a diverse, inclusive workforce and culture of belonging.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Emphasizes “Human First” internally – belonging, continuous learning, and authentic personal branding. The Culture & Belonging team actively fosters understanding and empathy.
- **Career Development**: Bespoke platforms for career mapping, feedback coaching, and skills building. Programs like Catalyst Academy (12-month global program) and Emerge US Internship (10-week) provide structured growth.
- **Work Environment**: Hybrid and office-based roles; 150+ offices worldwide offer global mobility. The Detroit Experience Studio and All Win Program show community engagement.
- **Perks & Benefits**: VML Foundation (employee-led giving), wellness resources, and a focus on mental and physical health.
- **Engineering Culture**: For tech roles, exposure to large-scale digital transformation projects, WPP Open AI platform, and modern data/tech stacks.

## Sources
1. [vml.com/careers](https://www.vml.com/careers) – Careers page with culture, programs, and values.
2. [vml.com/about-us](https://www.vml.com/about-us) – About page with company overview, leadership, and history.
3. [vml.com/expertise](https://www.vml.com/expertise) – Description of core services and capabilities.
4. [linkedin.com/company/vml](https://www.linkedin.com/company/vml) – LinkedIn company page with employee count, job postings, and recent departures.

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