SEO Manager – $65,000-80,000/year
The SEO Manager (Player-Coach) owns the strategic direction and quality of SEO work delivered to TCMS clients while also carrying a portfolio of accounts they execute on directly. This is a working-manager role: roughly 60% of time is spent on strategy, leadership, and QA; the remaining 40% is hands-on SEO execution for assigned accounts.
This role exists because the SEO function is not yet large enough to support a pure people manager. The Player-Coach version is appropriate when the team is small (1–2 direct reports) or when client volume requires the most senior SEO person to also be billable.
Like the standard SEO Manager role, this position is the SEO subject matter expert for the agency, partners with the Marketing Strategist on client roadmaps, and is accountable for the performance of the SEO function as a whole. The difference is that the Player-Coach also owns and executes work on a defined set of accounts — typically the most strategic, complex, or sensitive ones.
2. Core Accountabilities
This role is accountable for delivering results in five key areas:
1. SEO Strategy & Roadmap Ownership
Set the SEO direction for each client and ensure execution aligns with their business goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and own the SEO strategy for each client account, integrating local SEO, technical SEO, content recommendations, and emerging AEO/AI search opportunities
- Translate client business goals into measurable SEO objectives and quarterly roadmaps
- Partner with the Marketing Strategist to ensure SEO strategy aligns with broader marketing plans
- Stay current with algorithm updates, AI search developments, and tree-care-industry-specific local search trends
Success Metrics
- Documented, current SEO strategy in place for 100% of assigned clients
- Quarterly roadmap reviews completed for all accounts
- Measurable (YoY/MoM) improvement in local search visibility and organic lead volume across the client portfolio
2. Direct Account Execution
Personally own and execute SEO work for a defined portfolio of accounts.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry a portfolio of approximately 5–10 client accounts directly (size varies by complexity); execute the same scope of work expected of the SEO Specialist for these accounts
- Conduct local SEO and technical SEO audits, GBP optimizations, citation cleanup, on-page recommendations, and reporting for assigned accounts
- Take the most complex, highest-value, or most-at-risk accounts as a priority
- Use direct execution experience to inform team standards, SOPs, and training
Success Metrics
- Assigned accounts hit their individual scorecard targets
- Execution quality on direct accounts sets the bar for the rest of the team
3. Team Leadership & Quality Assurance
Direct, develop, and QA the work of the SEO team to ensure consistent high-quality execution.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the SEO Specialist and SEO Assistant: assign work, set priorities, review deliverables, and provide coaching and feedback
- Establish and maintain QA standards for all SEO deliverables across the team
- Identify skill gaps and capacity issues; communicate proactively with the Head of Operations about hiring or training needs
- Document SOPs and refine processes as the team grows
- Conduct regular 1:1s with direct reports
Success Metrics
- 100% of team-executed client deliverables QA-reviewed before they go to client or CSM
- Direct reports meeting or exceeding their individual scorecard targets
- SOPs maintained and current; new SOPs created within two weeks of identifying a process gap
4. Client-Facing Strategic Communication
Serve as the SEO subject matter expert in client conversations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead SEO strategy calls for direct portfolio accounts; join calls for team-managed accounts as the SEO expert when needed
- Translate SEO performance data into executive-ready narratives that connect SEO activity to leads and revenue
- Support the Sales team with site analysis, SEO audits for prospects, and participation in sales calls
- Handle escalations involving SEO performance, ranking issues, or client concerns
Success Metrics
- Client retention for SEO-driven accounts at or above agency average
- Sales support requests responded to within 1 business day
- Monthly and quarterly reports delivered on time for 100% of accounts
5. Performance Measurement & Reporting
Own the SEO function’s data infrastructure and ensure reporting tells a clear story about value delivered.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and maintain the SEO scorecard
- Oversee monthly and quarterly client reporting; review reports prepared by the team for accuracy
- Build and maintain reporting dashboards (TCMS Analytics Dashboard, Looker Studio, GBP Insights)
- Conduct portfolio-level analysis to identify patterns, risks, and opportunities
Success Metrics
- Portfolio-level performance dashboard live and reviewed weekly
- Monthly reports delivered to all clients on schedule
- At least one portfolio-wide insight surfaced per quarter that drives a strategic change
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
5+ years of hands-on SEO experience with at least 2 years managing or mentoring SEO team members. Must be able to do the work, not just direct it. Agency experience strongly preferred. Tree care, home services, or other local-service-business industry experience is a significant plus.
Technical Skills
Skill & Proficiency Level
- Local SEO strategy and implementation: Advanced
- Google Business Profile management at scale (multi-location): Advanced
- Technical SEO fundamentals (site architecture, indexation, schema, Core Web Vitals): Advanced
- AEO / AI search optimization (Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Perplexity): Intermediate–Advanced
- Google Analytics (GA4): Advanced
- Google Search Console: Advanced
- Google Tag Manager: Intermediate
- Looker Studio / Data Studio: Intermediate
- Citation and review management tools (BrightLocal or equivalent): Advanced
- Third-party SEO tools (Ahrefs, SEMrush, Screaming Frog): Advanced
- Project management tools (Monday.com, Notion, Slack): Advanced
- Written and verbal English communication: Excellent
- Team management and people development: Intermediate–Advanced
Core Competencies
- Hands-On Capability: Genuinely able to execute the work — not someone who has only managed others doing it
- Strategic Thinking: Sees the bigger picture; connects SEO tactics to client business outcomes
- Leadership: Develops team members, sets clear expectations, gives direct and useful feedback
- Time Management: Can balance execution work with leadership responsibilities without dropping either
- Analytical Rigor: Uses evidence to drive decisions; not gut feel
- Client-Facing Communication: Can present to business owners and executives with confidence
- High Agency: Identifies broken processes and fixes them; proactive rather than reactive
- Adaptability: Stays current with rapidly changing search landscape
- Quality Standards: Will not let work go out the door that does not meet TCMS quality standards
Compensation
Salary range (US-Based Candidates): $65,000 – $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience and demonstrated track record.
Includes standard TCMS benefits package.
Work Environment
This is a remote position with the following requirements:
- Fast and reliable wired internet connection (minimum 25 Mbps)
- Updated computer with a quality headset, microphone, and working webcam for video calls
- Quiet, private home office free from distractions
- Apple OS (iMac or MacBook) preferred
- Availability for client calls during US business hours
We are accepting applications globally, but can only offer W-2 status for those living in the following US states:
- Arizona
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Florida
- Illinois
- Maryland
Pay: $65,000.00 – $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Remote