Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Manager

Ovative Group • Minneapolis, MN

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Ovative Group is hiring an SEO Manager to lead enterprise SEO programs and client relationships, drive organic search performance, and manage and develop a high-performing team. The role combines technical, content, local, off-page, analytics, and AI-search optimization work across a portfolio of large clients. It includes setting program strategy and roadmaps, coordinating with client implementation teams, monitoring results, and communicating performance and recommendations to stakeholders ranging from day-to-day contacts to C-suite audiences.

The SEO Manager will own and grow relationships with some of Ovative Group’s largest clients, setting program objectives, tactics, and KPIs and managing client communications and project progress. The role also leads direct reports through feedback, development check-ins, training, and recruitment support.

The position is based out of Ovative’s Minneapolis, Chicago, or New York office on set days each week, with remote work available on other days. Compensation for the Manager position ranges from $90,000 to $132,000 annually, inclusive of an annual bonus opportunity of 20% of base salary. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future visa sponsorship.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience directly responsible for enterprise-level SEO programs.
• A proven track record of driving strong positive results through SEO programs.
• Demonstrated excellence in performance-based, direct-response SEO strategies.
• Expertise with analytics tools, including Adobe Analytics, Google Analytics 4, Google Search Console, and server log analysis.
• Experience with visibility-monitoring tools such as STAT, Conductor, or BrightEdge; auditing tools such as DeepCrawl, Screaming Frog, or Botify; and keyword research tools such as Adwords, Ahrefs, or SEMrush.
• Deep understanding of critical crawling, indexing, and rendering factors.
• Understanding of schema.org structured markup, page-speed optimizations, and other scalable technical tactics.
• Experience with local search optimization platforms such as Yext or Rio.
• Experience optimizing websites to be eligible, accessible, and trusted sources for AI-generated answers, summaries, and recommendations.
• At least 1 year of experience managing direct reports.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer on a full-time basis, without current or future need for visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to write and read code such as HTML and JavaScript.
• Previous experience in enterprise SEO programs, performance marketing, retail, or eCommerce.
• Understanding of paid search platforms, strategies, and tactics.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-impact SEO strategies to grow clients’ organic search performance.
• Lead day-to-day management of client SEO programs across an enterprise portfolio, including strategy development and roadmap management.
• Conduct technical audits and recommend optimizations for large websites, including sites with more than 100,000 pages.
• Manage on-page optimization, including keyword research, metadata development, and internal linking.
• Develop and execute content strategies, including content audits, gap analyses, and implementation.
• Optimize local search programs across websites, partners, and tools such as Yext and Google Business Profile.
• Automate analytics reporting views to identify performance drivers and deliver weekly and monthly insights.
• Manage off-page optimization, including link building, link reclamation, and outreach.
• Work with client development, product/UX, content, and other implementation teams to define requirements and solutions for SEO recommendations.
• Analyze program performance at granular levels and communicate results effectively to stakeholders, including C-suite audiences.
• Own, manage, and grow relationships with some of Ovative Group’s largest clients; establish trust and credibility and influence client stakeholders.
• Define client program objectives, tactics, and KPIs; deliver client communications; and manage project status and progress against initiatives.
• Translate evolving AI search behaviors into actionable guidance, roadmaps, and measurable outcomes for stakeholders.
• Lead, manage, and develop direct reports, providing proactive feedback, reviewing deliverables, aligning on strategies, acting as a thought partner, and removing roadblocks.
• Conduct regular development check-ins, including quarterly 360-degree feedback sessions; manage, train, and support recruitment efforts.
• Foster open communication and 360-degree feedback and help team members achieve quarterly, annual, and long-term goals.
• Deliver Ovative’s client experience and help make client interactions a positive part of their day.

Benefits

• Annual bonus opportunity of 20% of base salary.
• Health insurance options, inclusive of same-sex partners.
• Generous paid vacation policy.
• 401(k) match program.
• Family formation benefits, including reimbursement options for fertility, pregnancy, and parenting needs.
• Monthly stipend for mobile phone and data plan.
• Sabbatical program.
• Charitable giving through time and a financial match program.
• Access to office spaces in Minneapolis, New York City, and Chicago.
• Paid travel to the Minneapolis headquarters for company, team, and collaboration events.
• Flexible work arrangement with set office days and the option to work remotely on other days.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed