Freelance Process Optimization Jobs in Chicago, IL

Culligan North America is looking for a hands-on SEO- and content expert to own how our industry-leading brand gets discovered across traditional, AI and generative search (GEO). You'll set and execute our organic search strategy, and you'll own the content engine behind it: the workflows, editorial standards, and review process that turn subject-matter expertise and third-party writing into accurate, on-brand content that drives organic growth and lead generation. This is a role for someone who pairs strong search strategy with rigorous editorial judgment and the ability to build processes that scale quality content.

Primary responsibilities:

Search & GEO strategy

• Own SEO, GEO, and AI search strategy end to end, from keyword and search-intent research to on-page, technical, and generative-search optimization - directing and getting leverage from agency partners.
• Develop and manage SEO-driven content plans, editorial calendars, and content workflows that support organic growth and lead-generation objectives.
• Optimize content to be cited and surfaced in AI-generated answers (Google AI overviews, ChatGPT, Perplexity, and similar), not just to rank in traditional results.
• Develop and execute a local SEO strategy across Culligan's dealer network, optimizing Google Business Profiles, location pages and other local listings to drive visibility and qualified traffic.

Content production & editorial ownership

• Own the SEO content-development workflow: intake, briefing, SME engagement, drafting, review, fact-checking, and publishing.
• Partner with subject-matter experts to source accurate technical and water-quality information; edit and elevate content from third-party writers and partners to meet our quality and SEO standards.
• Write and develop original content as needed (outlines, briefs, posts, scripts, and supporting copy) using AI to accelerate relevant processes.
• Develop content playbooks and frameworks to scale SEO content production, using AI as applicable to increase speed and consistency.

Collaboration & Analytics

• Partner with the social, website, PR and performance teams to optimize content for SEO/GEO across channels, with particular focus on YouTube and Reddit
• Stay ahead of search and AI algorithm shifts, testing new approaches to keep Culligan competitive in organic visibility.
• Set organic performance targets, monitor results, and translate data into a prioritized content and optimization roadmap.

Skills

• 5+ years in SEO and content strategy, with demonstrated ownership of organic growth.
• Proven editorial chops: strong writing, editing, and fact-checking; experience directing writers; and turning SME input into polished content.
• Hands-on with SEO tools (e.g., Ahrefs, Semrush, Google Search Console, Google Analytics) and familiar with E-E-A-T principles.
• Experience managing agency/freelance partners.
• Comfort building and running content workflows and review processes (not just executing tasks).

Strong pluses

• Demonstrated GEO / AI-search optimization experience — or clear evidence you're already experimenting and eager to own it.
• Regulated- or technical-category content experience (health, science, home services) where accuracy and compliance matter.
• CMS and content-ops platform experience.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies in this position:

Resourcefulness                                  Customer Focus                                Team Player

Passion                                                  Integrity                                             Creativity   

Communication (Written & Oral)     Organizational/Planning                 Adaptability 

Judgement/Decision Making            Analytical                                           Experience

Target Salary Range: $85,000 – $100,000 salary a year.  Exact pay will be based on factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, level, geographic location, and business and organizational needs.  Full-time positions are eligible for competitive benefits, including paid time off, health, dental, vision, life, disability benefits and 401(k).