Wundermanthompson
Catalyst Academy – Netherlands – SEO
Salary
Job description
Who We Are
VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.
About WPP
WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.
At VML Netherlands, our SEO team helps brands grow their visibility in search, from Google to AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT. We work for national and international clients such as Etos, Praxis, Ford & Dyson, ensuring they are visible wherever people search for information, inspiration or products.
SEO today goes far beyond “ranking in Google.” We focus on the full search ecosystem: technical SEO, content strategy, authority building and the rapidly evolving landscape of AI search and Large Language Models (LLMs). This means we optimize not just for search engines, but also for how brands appear in AI-generated answers.
As an SEO trainee, you’ll be part of the SEO team with 10 specialists. You will collaborate closely with specialists in paid media, social, data, UX and development. Together, we build integrated strategies that directly impact business results.
What you’ll do during the traineeship:
During this 12-month traineeship, you’ll develop into an SEO consultant by combining structured training with hands-on client work. From day one, you’ll actively contribute to real projects.
Examples of what you’ll work on:
- Performing technical SEO analyses (e.g. site structure, indexing, page speed)
- Conducting search intent research using tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush and Google Search Console
- Optimizing website content for both traditional search engines and AI-driven search experiences
- Analyzing performance data and translating insights into actionable recommendations
- Exploring how LLMs and AI tools impact SEO and how brands can stay visible in this space
What you'll need:
- Analytical thinking
- Results-driven and curious mindset
- Proactive communication
What you'll learn:
- Project & stakeholder management: working with clients and internal teams Technical
- SEO expertise: from website audits to implementation AI & search innovation: understanding how LLMs and AI tools influence search and how to optimize for them
- Strategic thinking: how to connect SEO within broader marketing strategies
What you'll get from us:
Be part of an exceptional industry-leading entry-level programme that combines training modules with practical work experience, where you will receive:
- Competitive salary
- Real work and responsibilities
- In-depth training curriculum
- 1 week onboarding including training, eLearning and group projects
- Bespoke client briefs throughout the 12 months
- Access to the wider WPP network
- A multitude of groups and communities you can be part of
- The opportunity to make your mark
#LI-EMEA #LI-HYBRID
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.
VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information, please visit www.vml.com, and follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
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. California residents should read our 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.
