SEO Manager Job Description (Responsibilities, Skills, Duties and Sample Template)

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If you’ve Googled “SEO Manager job description,” you’ve probably noticed they all look the same: dry bullet points, vague wording, and zero insight into what actually attracts a great SEO Manager. Most of these templates are written for checkboxes, not for people.

But here’s the problem: SEO Managers aren’t just task-doers—they’re strategic thinkers who can make or break your online visibility. If your job description reads like every other generic one, the best candidates won’t get excited. They’ll keep scrolling.

👉 That’s why before we dive in, I recommend checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/  . It explains why generic job descriptions fail, and shows you a proven framework that makes your posts stand out.

In this article, we’re going to apply those principles specifically to the SEO Manager role. You’ll learn what the role really is, see two strong job description templates, analyze why they work, and discover how to avoid the common pitfalls that drive top talent away.

Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.

If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.

What A SEO Manager Does - Their Roles

An SEO Manager is the person responsible for making sure your company shows up when potential customers search online. They lead the strategy, execution, and measurement of everything that helps your website rank higher in search engines—from keyword research and on-page optimization to technical fixes and link-building campaigns.

But a great SEO Manager isn’t just about keywords and rankings. They’re part strategist, part analyst, and part collaborator. They work closely with content writers, developers, and marketers to align SEO with your overall business goals. Their job is to turn search visibility into real growth: more traffic, more leads, and ultimately more revenue.

That’s why skills like communication, adaptability, and problem-solving are just as important as technical SEO expertise. After all, SEO is constantly evolving. The right person in this role won’t just manage tasks—they’ll stay ahead of algorithm updates, spot opportunities competitors miss, and keep your brand discoverable in a noisy digital world.

Two Great SEO Manager Job Description Templates

We’ll provide two tailored job description options:

1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.

2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.

✅ Template 1: Job Description For  Experienced SEO Manager

Job Title: SEO Manager (Own Organic Growth at CartPilot)
 Location: Remote (US time zones preferred)
 Compensation: $80,000–$110,000 base + performance bonus

🎥 A quick word from our hiring manager
 Hear from Maya, our Head of Growth, on what success looks like in this role: (Insert Loom/YouTube link)

Who We Are
 CartPilot is a 120-person, remote-first SaaS company helping 12,000+ ecommerce brands optimize their checkout conversion without code. We’re product-led, customer-obsessed, and growing fast (Series B). Our platform runs over 800M checkout sessions a year—tiny SEO wins compound into massive revenue for our customers.

What You’ll Do

  • Own the SEO strategy across product-led, demand-gen, and docs content to drive qualified signups.

  • Lead keyword/topic strategy and content briefs for writers; oversee on-page optimization.

  • Partner with engineering to scope and prioritize technical SEO fixes (Core Web Vitals, IA, schema).

  • Build and manage a sustainable link-earning program (digital PR, partnerships, assets).

  • Define KPIs and reporting (GA4, GSC, Ahrefs/SEMrush, Looker dashboards); tie SEO to pipeline and revenue.

  • Monitor algorithm updates and competitor moves; test, learn, and iterate.

What We’re Looking For

  • 4–6+ years hands-on SEO (B2B SaaS preferred) with measurable growth outcomes.

  • Strong technical SEO fundamentals (site architecture, crawlability, CWV, structured data).

  • Proven content-led growth playbooks and brief creation.

  • Comfortable collaborating with PMM, Dev, and Sales; clear communicator with execs.

  • Bonus: experience with programmatic SEO or marketplace-style IA.

Perks & Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision + 401(k) with 3% match

  • 20 days PTO + 12 company holidays + paid parental leave

  • $1,500 annual learning stipend (courses, conferences)

  • WFH setup budget + quarterly wellness stipend

Why This Role Is a Great Fit
 At CartPilot, SEO isn’t an afterthought—it’s a core growth lever with executive backing. You’ll ship fast, see your work move real pipeline, and lead cross-company initiatives that touch product, content, and conversion. Your roadmap matters here.

Our Hiring Process
 We respect your time. Every application is reviewed. Shortlisted candidates complete a focused, role-relevant skills evaluation via WorkScreen (no busywork), followed by two structured interviews. Finalists complete a short async strategy exercise.

How to Apply
 Apply via WorkScreen.io (skills-first application). We’ll keep you updated at every step.

✅ Template 2: Job Description For Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train SEO Manager

Job Title: SEO Manager (Entry-Level — We’ll Train You)
 Location: Phoenix, AZ or Remote (US)
 Compensation: $45,000–$58,000 base + annual bonus

🎥 A quick word from our hiring manager
 Meet Jordan, our Marketing Director—why this role matters and how we’ll help you grow: (Insert Loom/YouTube link)

Who We Are
 TrailNest is a fast-growing DTC brand for camping and overlanding gear. We design durable, field-tested products and publish trip guides read by 500k+ adventurers a month. We’re a small, mission-driven team that believes great storytelling + useful gear make the outdoors more accessible.

What You’ll Do

  • Learn SEO fundamentals and apply them to real campaigns (we’ll teach you).

  • Research topics/keywords and help shape blog and product-page content.

  • Update on-page elements (titles, meta, internal links) and maintain content hygiene.

  • Track performance in GA4 and Search Console; surface insights for action.

  • Collaborate with writers, designers, and our community team on content that earns links.

What We’re Looking For

  • Strong writing/communication and curiosity about digital marketing.

  • Comfortable with spreadsheets; detail-oriented and organized.

  • No prior SEO experience required—we value potential, grit, and willingness to learn.

  • Bonus: you’ve built a blog/site before or dabbled with SEO tools.

Perks & Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision + employee gear discounts

  • 15 days PTO + flexible schedule + remote-friendly

  • Paid certifications (Google, HubSpot) + mentorship plan

  • Annual $750 education stipend

Why This Role Is a Great Fit
 You’ll get real ownership early, a clear skill-building plan, and tangible results to put in your portfolio. If you’re hungry to learn and want mentorship from experienced marketers, this is a launchpad—not just a job.

Our Hiring Process
 We review every application and reply within 1–2 weeks. Selected candidates complete a short WorkScreen skills evaluation (practical and paid if it requires time), followed by one video interview. Finalists do a small content brief exercise.

How to Apply
 Apply via WorkScreen.io (skills-first application). We’ll keep you in the loop throughout.

Don’t let bad hires slow you down.

WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free. 

Breakdown of Why These SEO Manager Job Posts Work

Let’s break down why the two templates above actually attract great candidates (and don’t just “check the boxes” like generic ones do).

1. Clear & Specific Job Titles

  • Instead of a vague “SEO Manager,” the posts specify context:

    • “SEO Manager (Own Organic Growth at CartPilot)” → tells candidates they’ll lead strategy and signals impact.

    • “SEO Manager (Entry-Level — We’ll Train You)” → instantly appeals to those without direct experience but with drive.

Why this works: Titles that highlight context, mission, or growth potential stand out in crowded job boards and filter for the right applicants.

2. Warm, Human Intros with a Personal Video

Both job descriptions start with a short hiring manager video before the “Who We Are” section.

  • This builds trust and helps candidates connect with real people—not just a faceless job post.

  • A video also differentiates your company immediately from the endless wall of text that candidates usually see.

Why this works: Candidates want to know who they’ll work with, not just what they’ll do.

3. Authentic Company Overviews

  • CartPilot describes itself as a growing SaaS company with 800M+ checkout sessions—a specific, exciting data point.

  • TrailNest Outdoors emphasizes its mission-driven DTC brand with a large, engaged community.

Why this works: Candidates see the company’s size, product, and culture at a glance. It feels real and relatable instead of generic filler.

4. Transparent Responsibilities (Impact-Driven)

Instead of “optimize content” or “manage SEO,” the posts spell out responsibilities in a way that shows why they matter:

  • CartPilot → “Own SEO strategy… tie SEO to pipeline and revenue.”

  • TrailNest → “Learn SEO fundamentals… publish content that earns links.”

Why this works: Candidates see the bigger picture and how their role drives company success.

5. Requirements That Invite, Not Exclude

  • The experienced template sets a high bar (technical SEO + leadership skills).

  • The entry-level template removes the barrier of prior experience, emphasizing potential and curiosity.

Why this works: You expand the talent pool while signaling inclusivity and growth opportunities.

6. Perks & Benefits (Separate and Specific)

Both posts clearly separate benefits (health, PTO, stipends) from why the role is meaningful (executive buy-in at CartPilot; mentorship at TrailNest).

Why this works: Transparency builds trust, and separating perks from culture shows you’re serious about both.

7. Respectful Hiring Process

Each description includes a hiring process that:

  • Explains the steps.

  • Reassures candidates they’ll hear back.

  • Uses io for skill-based evaluation instead of lengthy cover letters.

Why this works: Most candidates hate “black hole” applications. Being respectful and transparent immediately makes your brand more attractive.

Bottom line: These posts work because they combine clarity, transparency, and humanity. They don’t just say “here’s a job”—they show why it matters, who you’ll work with, and what you’ll gain.

Example of a Bad SEO Manager Job Description (And Why It Fails)

Job Title: SEO Manager
 Company: GlobalTech Solutions
 Location: New York, NY (On-site)
 Job Type: Full-Time

Job Summary
 GlobalTech Solutions is looking to hire an SEO Manager to oversee the company’s SEO activities. The role involves managing daily SEO tasks, coordinating with different departments, and ensuring website visibility in search engines.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage SEO campaigns.

  • Monitor website performance.

  • Coordinate with internal teams.

  • Implement SEO best practices.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or related field.

  • 3–5 years of SEO experience.

  • Knowledge of SEO tools.

  • Strong analytical skills.

How to Apply
 Interested candidates should send their resume and cover letter to careers@globaltech.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

❌ Why This SEO Manager Job Post Falls Short

  1. Generic Title

    • Just says “SEO Manager” without context, mission, or focus.

    • Doesn’t stand out in job board listings.

  2. Cold, Vague Introduction

    • The summary is lifeless: “oversee company’s SEO activities.”

    • No mention of company vision, growth stage, or why the role matters.

  3. Responsibilities Are Too Broad

    • “Manage SEO campaigns” and “implement best practices” could mean anything.

    • Fails to show the impact or strategy behind the role.

  4. No Salary or Benefits Transparency

    • Omitting salary, PTO, or perks creates distrust.

    • High-quality candidates are less likely to apply without this clarity.

  5. No Culture or Values Highlighted

    • Nothing about what it’s like to work at GlobalTech.

    • No sense of team dynamics, mission, or values.

  6. Dismissive Hiring Process

    • “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” feels cold.

    • No timeline, no respect for the candidate’s time.

  7. Zero Personality in the CTA

    • A plain email address is not inspiring.

    • No warmth, no encouragement, no sense of being valued.

👉 Bottom Line: This post checks boxes but inspires no one. The best SEO Managers—strategic, mission-driven, and selective—will scroll past it and apply elsewhere.

Bonus Tips to Make Your SEO Manager Job Post Stand Out

Writing a clear, detailed SEO Manager job description already puts you ahead of most companies. But if you want to truly stand out and attract the best candidates, here are a few extra touches you can add:

1. Add a Candidate Privacy & Security Notice

Show candidates you care about their safety. A simple line builds instant trust:

“We take applicant privacy seriously. We will never ask for bank details, payments, or sensitive financial information during our hiring process.”

2. Mention Leave Days or Flex Time

Top talent values balance. Be explicit about it:

“Enjoy 20 days of PTO, plus 12 company holidays. We believe recharging helps you do your best work.”

3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities

SEO is fast-changing—candidates want to know you’ll invest in their growth:

“We invest in your development with an annual $1,500 learning stipend for SEO conferences, certifications, or courses.”

4. Add a Loom or YouTube Video

A short intro from the hiring manager makes your post instantly more personal and credible. It shows the human side of your company.

Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4

5. Share Team Testimonials or Reviews

Link to real Glassdoor reviews or include quotes from employees:

“I love that CartPilot gives SEO a real voice in growth strategy.” — Sarah, Senior SEO Specialist

6. Clarify Your Candidate Experience

Set expectations so applicants know you respect their time:

“We review every application and respond within two weeks. No ghosting—every candidate deserves clarity.”

✅ These small details take minutes to add, but they send a powerful signal: your company values transparency, respect, and growth. And that’s exactly what top candidates are looking for.

Should You Use AI to Write an SEO Manager Job Description?

Lately, every HR tool and ATS seems to have an “AI job description generator.” And while AI can save time, using it the wrong way will hurt your hiring efforts.

❌ The Wrong Way to Use AI

  • Typing “Write me an SEO Manager job description” and copy-pasting the result.

  • Outcome? A bland, generic post that sounds like every other one on Google.

  • Risks:

    • Attracts low-quality, mass applicants.

    • Sends a poor first impression of your brand.

    • Misses your company’s personality and culture.

✅ The Right Way to Use AI

AI works best when you feed it the right ingredients. Think of it as a polishing tool, not a replacement for your input. Here’s how to do it right:

Step 1: Provide real context about your company:

  • What your company does.

  • Your mission and values.

  • The tone you want the post written in.

Step 2: Share specifics about the role:

  • Responsibilities (e.g., “own SEO strategy, tie rankings to pipeline”).

  • Required skills and nice-to-haves.

  • Salary range and benefits.

Step 3: Prompt AI effectively:

“Help me write a job description for an SEO Manager at CartPilot, a SaaS company with 12,000+ ecommerce customers. We’re hiring someone to own our SEO strategy and drive signups through organic growth. Our culture is collaborative, remote-first, and growth-oriented. We offer $80,000–$110,000 salary, 20 PTO days, and a $1,500 learning stipend. Here are some notes I’ve drafted: [paste notes]. Write this in a friendly, conversational tone that inspires candidates.”

Step 4: Edit and customize.

  • Add a video intro.

  • Insert culture and perks.

  • Make the CTA warm and human.

👉 Key Takeaway: AI is a great helper for structure and wording, but if you rely on it blindly, your job posts will look like everyone else’s. The best job descriptions reflect your company’s voice, values, and vision.

Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.

WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.

Copy-Paste SEO Manager Job Description Templates

Sometimes you don’t need to reinvent the wheel—you just need a strong starting point.
 That’s why we’ve included two ready-to-use templates below.

✏️ Important Reminder:
 Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
 This is a foundation, not a final draft.
 Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.

In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.

Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.

  • Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
  • Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.

✅ Option 1: Conversational / Culture-First

Job Title: SEO Manager – Drive Organic Growth at [Company Name] 💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State]) 🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time] 💰 Salary Range: [${X},000 – ${Y},000]/year

🎥 A quick word from our hiring manager
 (Insert Loom/YouTube link — 45–90 seconds on what success looks like in this role)

Who We Are
 [Company Name] is a [brief descriptor: e.g., “remote-first SaaS company” / “DTC brand” / “marketplace”] serving [your audience] in [industry/space]. We help customers [one-line value prop]. With [credible proof point: users/customers/traffic], small SEO wins compound into real business impact. We’re a team that values [3 traits: e.g., ownership, clarity, and fast execution].

What You’ll Do

  • Own end-to-end SEO strategy across content, technical, and authority building.
  • Turn research into briefs and partner with writers/design/dev to ship quickly.
  • Monitor site health (crawlability, IA, Core Web Vitals, schema) and prioritize fixes.
  • Track KPIs (traffic, rankings, conversions) in GA4/GSC/[preferred tool] and tie results to revenue/pipeline.
  • Stay ahead of algorithm updates and test new approaches—scale what works.

What We’re Looking For

  • [3–5/5–7]+ years of hands-on SEO experience (in-house or agency).
  • Strength across on-page, technical, and off-page fundamentals.
  • Comfortable collaborating with cross-functional teams and presenting to stakeholders.
  • Bonus: experience with programmatic SEO / internationalization / ecommerce.

Perks & Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • PTO days + [Y] company holidays + paid parental leave.
  • Annual learning stipend ($[X]) for courses/certifications/conferences.
  • Remote setup stipend and quarterly wellness allowance.

Why This Role Is a Great Fit
 SEO is a core growth lever at [Company Name]—you’ll have ownership, resources, and executive support to make a measurable impact. You’ll ship, learn, and see your work move real business outcomes.

Our Hiring Process
 We review every application and aim to respond within [1–2] weeks. Shortlisted candidates complete a focused, role-relevant skills evaluation via WorkScreen (no busywork), followed by two structured interviews.

How to Apply
 Apply via WorkScreen.io (skills-first application). We’ll keep you updated at every step.

✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements”

Job Title: SEO Manager – Build Discoverability at [Company Name] 💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State]) 🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time] 💰 Salary Range: [${X},000 – ${Y},000]/year

Job Brief
 [Company Name] is hiring an SEO Manager to grow our organic visibility and bring more qualified users to our site. You’ll lead keyword strategy, on-page optimization, and technical SEO improvements while partnering with content and engineering to ship high-impact work.

Responsibilities

  • Plan and execute SEO roadmaps across site architecture, content, and links.
  • Conduct keyword/topic research and create briefs that drive qualified intent.
  • Optimize pages (titles, meta, internal links) and maintain content hygiene.
  • Monitor site health (GSC, crawlers) and resolve technical SEO issues.
  • Report performance (traffic, rankings, conversions) and recommend experiments.

Requirements

  • [2–4/3–5]+ years of SEO experience (content/ecommerce/B2B acceptable).
  • Proficiency with GA4, GSC, and at least one major SEO suite ([Ahrefs/SEMrush/Moz]).
  • Strong analytical skills; comfortable with spreadsheets and basic HTML/CSS.
  • Clear communicator; able to work cross-functionally with marketing and dev.

Perks & Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • PTO days + flexible schedule/remote-friendly.
  • Paid certifications and mentorship plan.
  • [Company-specific perk: e.g., product discounts / volunteer days / tech stipend.]

Our Hiring Process
 We review every application and respond within [1–2] weeks. Selected candidates complete a short WorkScreen skills evaluation, followed by one video interview and a brief take-home (if needed).

How to Apply
 Submit your application via WorkScreen.io. No cover letter required—show us your skills.

Next Step: Let WorkScreen.io Handle the Hard Part

Writing a great job post is just the first step. The real challenge is what comes after: filtering out low-effort applicants, spotting the real talent, and making confident decisions without drowning in resumes.

That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.

Here’s how it helps:

  • Quickly spot your most promising candidates

WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.

  • One-click skill tests that matter

With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.

  • No more spam or low-effort applicants

WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.

  • Smarter, faster hiring decisions
    With clear scoring and structured evaluations, you’ll save hours of guesswork and reduce the risk of costly mis-hires.

Start hiring smarter with WorkScreen.io →

👉 Once you’ve crafted your SEO Manager job description, plug it into WorkScreen.io and let the platform take over.
 You’ll spend less time sifting, more time hiring the right people.

SEO Manager Job Description - FAQs

The best SEO Managers combine technical expertise with strategic and soft skills. Core skills include keyword research, on-page optimization, technical SEO (site structure, crawlability, Core Web Vitals), and analytics (GA4, GSC, SEO tools). Just as important are communication, adaptability, and leadership—the ability to explain SEO’s business impact and collaborate across content, product, and engineering teams.

Compensation varies by location, company size, and industry. In the U.S., most SEO Managers earn between $65,000–$100,000 per year, with higher ranges ($110k+) in major tech hubs or senior-level roles. In smaller companies or early-career roles, salaries often start around $50k. Remote-friendly companies may adjust pay depending on the candidate’s location.

  • An SEO Specialist typically executes tasks—optimizing pages, running audits, or tracking keywords. An SEO Manager, on the other hand, sets the strategy, manages cross-team initiatives, and ensures SEO efforts connect to business goals. Think of specialists as implementers and managers as strategists/leaders.

Look beyond rankings. Key metrics include growth in organic traffic, quality of traffic (conversion rates), improvement in search visibility for priority keywords, technical site health, and revenue impact attributed to organic search. A successful SEO Manager ties SEO outcomes directly to business KPIs.

They don’t need to be full-stack developers, but they should understand HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript well enough to identify issues and collaborate with developers. Strong technical communication is often more important than deep coding expertise.

 

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Author’s Details

Mike K.

Mike is an expert in hiring with a passion for building high-performing teams that deliver results. He specializes in streamlining recruitment processes, making it easy for businesses to identify and secure top talent. Dedicated to innovation and efficiency, Mike leverages his expertise to empower organizations to hire with confidence and drive sustainable growth.

Hire Easy. Hire Right. Hire Fast.

Stop wasting time on unqualified candidates. WorkScreen.io streamlines your hiring process, helping you identify top talent quickly and confidently. With automated evaluations , applicant rankings and 1-click skill tests, you’ll save time, avoid bad hires, and build a team that delivers results.

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