SEO Manager job description.
An SEO manager leads organic search strategy to grow a company's website visibility, traffic, and rankings. They oversee keyword research, on-page and technical optimization, and content strategy, and analyze performance data to guide ongoing improvements across the organization's digital presence.
The SEO Manager job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: SEO Manager Reports to: Marketing Director or Head of Marketing
An SEO manager leads organic search strategy to grow a company's website visibility, traffic, and rankings. They oversee keyword research, on-page and technical optimization, and content strategy, and analyze performance data to guide ongoing improvements across the organization's digital presence.
- Develop and execute organic search strategy across the website
- Conduct keyword research to identify growth opportunities
- Oversee on-page optimization including metadata, content, and site structure
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
4 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
3 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
5 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Marketing Director or Head of Marketing
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Develop and execute organic search strategy across the website
- Conduct keyword research to identify growth opportunities
- Oversee on-page optimization including metadata, content, and site structure
- Manage technical SEO audits and coordinate fixes with development teams
- Analyze search performance data and report on key metrics
- Guide content teams on SEO best practices for new content
- Monitor algorithm updates and competitor search strategies
- Build and manage relationships for link-building and digital PR efforts
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- 3+ years of hands-on SEO experience, including technical SEO
- Proficiency with SEO tools such as Google Search Console, Ahrefs, or SEMrush
- Strong analytical skills and experience with web analytics platforms
- Working knowledge of website structure, HTML, and content management systems
- Experience managing SEO for a large or multi-site portfolio
- Familiarity with JavaScript SEO and site migrations
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or related field
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the SEO Manager job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this SEO Manager job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The mid band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Marketing Director or Head of Marketing) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- What tools should an SEO manager candidate be experienced with?
- Look for hands-on experience with Google Search Console, Google Analytics, and a third-party platform such as Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz.
- How is an SEO manager different from an SEO specialist?
- An SEO specialist typically executes tactical tasks like keyword research or on-page edits, while an SEO manager owns overall strategy, reporting, and cross-team coordination.
Other documents in this neighbourhood.
SEO Specialist
An SEO specialist improves a website's visibility in organic search results through keyword research, on-page optimization, and technical audits.
Digital Marketing Specialist
A Digital Marketing Specialist plans and executes online marketing campaigns across channels such as email, social media, search, and paid advertising.
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager owns the marketing programme for a product line, segment, or geography.
This SEO Manager job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.