Senior SEO Manager

🚀 Job Overview

Single Grain is seeking a Senior SEO Manager to manage multiple client accounts across B2B and B2C industries. In this role, you'll develop and implement comprehensive SEO strategies, build client relationships, and drive measurable performance through tactical optimization. As a key member of an award-winning digital marketing agency, you'll work with high-profile clients while staying at the forefront of SEO trends and algorithm changes.

ASSUMPTION: Based on the job description mentioning 4-6 client accounts and referencing client NPS scores, this appears to be a client-facing role rather than purely internal SEO work.

📋 Key Responsibilities

• ✅ Manage 4-6 client accounts with effective client communication
• ✅ Develop and optimize SEO strategies aligned with clients' core business goals
• ✅ Conduct comprehensive site audits and prioritize recommendations by impact
• ✅ Perform ongoing keyword research and competitor analysis
• ✅ Transform research findings into content strategies and optimizations
• ✅ Plan and implement link-building campaigns using competitors as benchmarks
• ✅ Evaluate the value of backlinks earned
• ✅ Maintain, troubleshoot, and analyze data insights (Traffic, ROI, CTR, conversions)
• ✅ Build insightful reports with actionable recommendations for clients
• ✅ Monitor latest trends and changes in SEO and digital marketing
• ✅ Proactively identify frameworks and tools to increase work efficiency
• ✅ Integrate AI into SEO workflows

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Not specified

Experience: 4-6 years of SEO experience with demonstrable results

Skills:

• Strong understanding of search engine algorithms and ranking methods
• Expertise in Technical, On-Page, and Off-Page SEO strategy development
• Proficiency with SEO tools: Moz, Ahrefs, SEMRush, Google Analytics 4, Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, GTM, and Looker Studio
• Knowledge of WordPress or other content management systems
• Basic/working knowledge of HTML, CSS, Java, and CMS platforms (WordPress, AEM, Drupal, Webflow)
• Experience with project management systems like Asana and Basecamp
• Experience or interest in integrating AI into SEO workflows
• Familiarity with other marketing aspects (customer growth, paid media, social, CRO) is a plus

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, the role likely requires strong analytical, communication, and client management skills given the client-facing nature and reporting requirements.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,000-100,000

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible PTO
• Home Office Stipend
• MacBook Provided
• 100% Remote Work

Industry Comparison: This compensation is generally competitive for a Senior SEO Manager position in the US, though it may be on the mid-range depending on specific location. Major tech hubs like San Francisco or New York typically see higher ranges, while the remote nature of this position allows for geographic flexibility.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is competitive based on typical industry standards for similar roles across the United States, though regional variations exist.

🔍 Company Context

Industry Position: Single Grain is an award-winning digital marketing agency established in 2009 that works with notable enterprise clients including Amazon, Uber, and Salesforce. The company positions itself as a leader in digital marketing services including Paid Media, SEO, Content Marketing, and CRO.

Company Size: Not specified

Company Stage: Established growth company with significant industry presence

ASSUMPTION: Based on their client roster (Amazon, Uber, Salesforce), digital presence (200,000+ monthly blog visitors, podcast with 100M+ downloads, YouTube channel with 140,000+ subscribers), Single Grain appears to be a well-established agency with significant market presence, though exact employee count is not provided.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior

Reporting Structure: Not specified

Team Size/Composition: Not specified

Growth Opportunities: Potential for career advancement through demonstrated client success and retention; opportunity to work with enterprise-level clients across diverse industries

ASSUMPTION: The senior-level designation and requirement to manage multiple client accounts suggests this is an experienced individual contributor role with significant autonomy but likely reporting to a director or VP of SEO/client services. Clear KPIs around client NPS scores, profitability, and retention suggest potential growth paths through demonstrated success.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: 100% Remote

Geographic Context: United States-based position with flexibility on specific location

Work Schedule: Not specified, likely standard business hours with flexibility to accommodate client needs

Regional Considerations: Remote position eliminates commuting concerns but may require occasional time zone adjustments to accommodate clients in different regions

ASSUMPTION: As a 100% remote role working with clients across the country, there may be occasional need for schedule flexibility to accommodate different time zones for client meetings, though standard business hours are likely the norm.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process: For senior SEO positions, expect initial screening, technical assessment of SEO knowledge, case study or strategy presentation, and team/culture fit interviews

Key Assessment Areas: Technical SEO expertise, strategic thinking, client management skills, analytical capabilities, results orientation, ability to translate technical concepts for clients

Application Tips: Include "SEO is cool" as the first line of your cover letter or headline (explicitly required). Highlight measurable SEO achievements with previous clients, demonstrate technical expertise, and showcase client relationship management skills.

ATS Keywords: SEO Manager, SEO strategy, technical SEO, on-page optimization, off-page optimization, link building, Google Analytics, Search Console, keyword research, content strategy, client management, Ahrefs, SEMRush, Screaming Frog

ASSUMPTION: The interview process and assessment focus areas are based on industry standards for similar roles. The explicit instruction about including "SEO is cool" appears to be a screening mechanism to identify detail-oriented applicants.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• SEO Analytics: Moz, Ahrefs, SEMRush, Google Analytics 4, Google Search Console, Screaming Frog
• Reporting: Looker Studio, Google Tag Manager
• Project Management: Asana, Basecamp
• Technical Skills: HTML, CSS, Java
• Content Management Systems: WordPress, AEM, Drupal, Webflow
• AI Tools: Experience with AI integration into SEO workflows

ASSUMPTION: While specific AI tools aren't mentioned, the requirement for AI integration suggests familiarity with tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, MarketMuse, or other AI content and SEO analysis platforms would be beneficial.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values: Single Grain explicitly looks for team members who are "humble, hungry, and smart." They emphasize staying ahead of industry trends and algorithms, education, and moving the marketing industry forward.

Work Style: Fast-paced, innovation-focused, results-oriented, educational mindset, and client-success driven

Self-Assessment: Potential applicants should consider:

• Do you thrive working with enterprise-level clients with high expectations?
• Are you comfortable balancing multiple clients (4-6) simultaneously?
• Do you enjoy staying on the cutting edge of SEO trends and algorithm changes?
• Can you translate technical SEO concepts into business value for clients?
• Are you proactive about finding efficiency improvements and process innovations?

ASSUMPTION: The emphasis on being "humble, hungry, and smart" suggests a collaborative team culture that values continuous learning and improvement while maintaining client service excellence.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing 4-6 client accounts simultaneously requires strong prioritization and time management skills
• Balancing client expectations across varied industries (B2B and B2C) may require versatility and quick context-switching
• Being measured on client retention and profitability creates dual pressure to keep clients happy while maintaining efficient operations
• Staying current on rapidly evolving SEO best practices while maintaining day-to-day client deliverables
• Remote work environment may require self-discipline and proactive communication

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inferred from the job responsibilities and KPIs mentioned in the posting, which emphasize both client satisfaction and business profitability goals.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

This Senior SEO Manager role differs from similar positions in several ways:

• Compared to in-house SEO Manager: Agency environment means managing multiple client SEO strategies rather than a single company's SEO program
• Compared to SEO Specialist: Greater strategic responsibility, client management, and business outcome accountability rather than purely tactical implementation
• Compared to Digital Marketing Manager: More specialized focus on SEO rather than broader marketing channels, though familiarity with other channels is valued
• Compared to Content Strategist: Stronger technical SEO focus beyond content planning, including technical audits and backlink strategies

ASSUMPTION: This comparison is based on standard industry role definitions and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description.

📝 Sample Projects

• Technical SEO Audit & Roadmap: Conducting comprehensive technical SEO audits for client websites, prioritizing issues by business impact, and creating implementation roadmaps
• Competitor Backlink Analysis: Analyzing competitor backlink profiles to identify high-value link building opportunities and executing targeted outreach campaigns
• Content Gap Analysis: Identifying keyword opportunities by comparing client rankings against competitors and developing content strategies to target those gaps
• SEO Performance Reporting: Creating monthly/quarterly performance reports with actionable insights that connect SEO metrics to business outcomes
• AI-Enhanced SEO Workflow Development: Implementing AI tools to streamline keyword research, content optimization, or technical auditing processes

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are derived from the responsibilities listed in the job description and represent typical work a Senior SEO Manager would undertake for agency clients.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

1. "Could you describe the typical client onboarding process and how the SEO team collaborates with other service areas within Single Grain?"
2. "What are some examples of successful SEO strategies the team has implemented for clients in the past year?"
3. "How does Single Grain approach client education around SEO best practices and algorithm changes?"
4. "What types of AI integration have you found most effective in your SEO workflows so far?"
5. "How are client account teams structured, and what collaboration typically occurs between team members?"
6. "What professional development opportunities are available to stay current with evolving SEO best practices?"

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed based on the job responsibilities and company information provided, and would help candidates better understand the work environment and expectations.