Search Optimization Manager; SEO & AEO

Overview

Who We Are We’re not in the wing business. We’re in the flavor business. It’s been our mission to Serve the World Flavor since we first opened in 1994, and we’re just getting started. 1997 saw the opening of our first brand partner operated Wingstop location, and by 2002 we had served the world one billion wings. It’s flavor that defines us and has made Wingstop one of the fastest growing brands in the restaurant industry.

Above all else – our success is largely due to our people and our core values, or what we call The Wingstop Way of being entrepreneurial, service-minded, fun, and authentic. We believe having a strong people foundation centered on these collective values creates a crave-worthy culture and talented team, as well as ensures our brand is poised for accelerated growth. We all win together.

We’re seeking a Manager of Organic Search who can leverage Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to lead Wingstop’s enterprise-wide organic search strategy to improve traffic trends, drive sustainable guest acquisition, and increase digital revenue. This role will own the vision, roadmap, and execution of all organic search initiatives across web, app, local listings, and all other emerging search platforms.

This role requires a strategic and hands-on search expert with deep technical AEO & SEO expertise, strong business acumen, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams including Digital, Technology, Marketing, Analytics, Content, and external agency partners. The ideal candidate combines analytical rigor with operational execution and has a proven track record of driving measurable business impact through organic research.

• 5-8 years of experience in SEO
• Proven track record of reversing organic traffic declines and driving significant growth.
• Experience in multi-location, retail, QSR, or franchise environments is strongly preferred.
• Deep technical AEO & SEO expertise including site architecture, JavaScript SEO, structured data, and page experience optimization.
• Experience managing enterprise-level websites with large content libraries and location pages.
• Strong understanding of how organic search impacts full-funnel performance and digital revenue.

• Expertise in Google Search Console, GA4, enterprise SEO platforms (e.g., Bright Edge, Conductor, SEMrush, Ahrefs), and analytics tools.
• Strong understanding of HTML, CSS, JavaScript fundamentals as they relate to SEO.
• Experience with site auditing, log file analysis, and performance diagnostics.
• Familiarity with AI search trends, zero-click search environments, and evolving SERP features.

• Strong business acumen with ability to tie SEO performance directly to revenue and profitability.
• Excellent executive communication skills, including presentation to leaders
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Strategic thinker who is also willing to operate hands-on when needed.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

No job is too small. You recognize that the real work happens in the restaurants, and everything we do should support their success. You stay humble, roll up your sleeves, and always look for ways to support. You learn from others and contribute wherever you can.

You care deeply about doing great work and driving results. You’re curious, ask questions, and seek out opportunities to improve. You don’t just point out problems—you bring solutions, ideas, and perspectives that move the team forward.

You take full responsibility for your work and see things through to completion. You aren’t afraid to fail because you know that failure is a part of learning and growth. You take action, move fast, and keep pushing forward.

You lead with empathy, respect, and emotional intelligence. You collaborate effectively, fostering a culture of trust and constructive feedback. You understand the importance of teamwork and ensure that your actions build others up rather than break them down.

You push yourself and others to be better. You embrace healthy conflict,…