SEO Associate Director

The RoleWe are seeking a forward-thinking Associate Director (SEO) to lead advanced organic growth strategies across the MENA region, based in Dubai.This is a strategic leadership role requiring deep expertise in international and multilingual SEO, regional search behaviours, and the rapidly evolving search landscape — including AI-driven discovery, large language models (LLMs), and cross-channel integration.You will drive measurable business impact for high-profile clients while positioning SEO as a core engine of digital growth.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Team Management● Define and execute regional SEO strategies aligned to client business and digital transformation goals● Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing SEO team across technical, content, and AI-driven search disciplines● Foster innovation through adoption of emerging tools, automation, and AI-led optimisationAdapting to the Future of Search● Lead strategies addressing AI-driven discovery, conversational search, and zero-click environments● Optimise for AI-generated answers, Featured Snippets, and LLM visibility across evolving platforms● Identify opportunities for responsible use of generative AI in content creation and optimisationTechnical SEO Excellence● Conduct enterprise-level technical audits across large, multilingual, and international websites● Optimise site architecture, crawlability, indexing, and Core Web Vitals performance● Implement structured data and technical frameworks to enhance AI-driven search visibilityData & Performance Leadership● Translate complex SEO data into strategic insights tied to business outcomes● Develop advanced reporting frameworks and dashboards tracking regional and global KPIs● Continuously refine strategy based on performance trends, algorithm shifts, and market changesCross-Channel Integration● Partner with Paid Media, Content, PR, and Social teams to embed SEO into integrated campaigns● Align SEO with regional Martech ecosystems to drive personalisation and customer experienceClient & Stakeholder Leadership● Act as a senior strategic advisor to enterprise clients and C-suite stakeholders● Present performance, strategy, and growth opportunities with clear commercial impact● Navigate complex market dynamics including AI disruption, competition, and evolving search behavioursThought Leadership● Represent Assembly at regional industry events, conferences, and forums● Stay at the forefront of search innovation including AI, LLMs, and algorithm evolution● Drive market-leading thinking across the agency and client ecosystemQualifications & Experience● 8+ years’ experience in SEO, including senior leadership roles● Proven success managing enterprise, international, and multilingual SEO programmes● Strong technical SEO expertise (JavaScript frameworks, Core Web Vitals, structured data)● Deep understanding of MENA search behaviour, regional markets, and localisation strategy● Advanced experience with enterprise SEO and analytics platforms (OnCrawl, Ahrefs, Semrush, Screaming Frog, etc.)● Exceptional stakeholder management and presentation skills, with experience influencing senior leadership and C-suite● Fluent in English (Arabic is a strong advantage)Why Join Assembly● Lead transformational SEO programmes for globally recognised brands● Shape the future of search in an AI-driven landscape● Work within a global, innovation-led, data-first organisation● Collaborate with world-class talent across strategy, media, data, and technology● Be part of a network redefining modern marketing