Our specialist marketing recruiters began working with one of the UK’s top online marketplaces, Checkatrade, when they needed to identify SEO talent to help them keep up with evolving search parameters. After an initial discussion with their HR Manager, we were engaged on an exclusive retained search.
Ultimately, we identified an excellent candidate for the role and are continuing to partner with Checkatrade as they grow.
Checkatrade is a leading UK marketplace connecting consumers with vetted tradespeople. Operating in a highly competitive and evolving digital landscape, the business continues to invest heavily in customer acquisition and demand generation to support its next phase of growth.
At a pivotal moment for the industry, shifts driven by AI-powered search and changing consumer behaviours have redefined how businesses generate and convert demand. Checkatrade needed to onboard a strategic, hands-on and knowledgeable SEO Manager to help them navigate the AI/GEO changes to remain competitive.
Checkatrade needed to elevate SEO from a traditional traffic-driving function into a core commercial lever tied directly to revenue outcomes.
This required hiring a Head of SEO with a rare combination of:
The challenge was compounded by a highly competitive and evolving talent market, alongside previous unsuccessful attempts to hire directly.
To hire successfully, Checkatrade required a specialist partner to access a niche and hard-to-reach talent pool. They chose to work with 3Search over other recruitment agencies due to:
We delivered a retained, confidential search designed to balance pace with quality and rigour. The process included:
With multiple stakeholders involved with the search, specialist recruiter, Laura McManus, helped align everyone by advising on what was realistically achievable in a market where AI SEO expertise is still emerging. This ensured a smoother, more efficient process after initial complexity and competing stakeholder views.
We successfully placed a Head of SEO who brings:
This hire represents a critical strategic addition to the business, supporting their primary objective of driving consumer demand and long-term growth through search.
Great communication throughout, set expectations, clear alignment held with the hiring manager throughout the process, great feedback from the hiring manager also. Thanks Laura!
Candidate Thought Count: 1
Huge thank you to Laura McManus for helping me land my new role! She turned what can usually be a stressful process into a really positive experience. Laura’s transparency and genuine support made all the difference. I’ll be recommending her and 3Search to any friends or colleagues looking for their next opportunity. Thanks again, Laura!Head of SEO
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