Search Marketing Manager (Remote, Chicago)

Blacksmith Agency LLC; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Blacksmith Agency is expanding its marketing division to support a growing roster of PPC and SEO clients across multifamily, B2B and technical verticals. As Search Marketing Manager, you own strategy, performance and client-facing leadership across paid search, paid social, SEO and conversion optimization.

This hybrid role blends strategic thinking with hands-on execution and client accountability. You will join sales calls to shape strategy, oversee internal and external specialists, and build

Qualifications

• 4–7 years of PPC/SEO or multi-channel strategy experience.
• Experience running paid and organic channels concurrently.
• Proficiency with Google Ads, GA4, Search Console and keyword tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy for all PPC and SEO clients across multiple industries.
• Join sales calls with account executives to validate scope and pitch recommendations.
• Build 90 day, 6 month and annual growth roadmaps for every client.
• Own client performance across Google Ads, Meta, Microsoft and organic search.
• Audit PPC campaigns, keyword strategies, bidding structures and CRO opportunities.
• Oversee technical SEO and on-page SEO campaigns, and AI-driven content initiatives.
• Own KPI tracking, attribution and analytics accuracy.
• Coordinate priorities with the marketing project manager and provide weekly direction.
• Present monthly and quarterly performance summaries to clients.

Skills

PPC Strategy

SEO Strategy

Multi-channel

Analytics

Client Leadership

Google Ads

Tools

GA4

Search Console

Google Ads Editor

Job description

About The Role

Blacksmith Agency is scaling its marketing division to support a growing portfolio of PPC and SEO clients across multifamily, B2B and technical verticals. As Search Marketing Manager at Blacksmith, you own strategy, performance and client-facing leadership across paid search, paid social, SEO and conversion optimization. This is a hybrid strategic and operational role. You join sales calls to shape strategy, oversee internal and external specialists, build performance roadmaps and make sure client campaigns deliver measurable outcomes. You own results, reporting, QA and continual improvement. It is a senior seat that blends analytical depth, strong communication and execution oversight.

Blacksmith Agency

• Marketing
• Full time
• Remote (USA, Canada or South Africa)

What You Will Own

• Lead strategy for all PPC and SEO clients across multiple industries.
• Join sales calls with account executives to validate scope, pitch technical recommendations and help close deals.
• Build 90 day, 6 month and annual growth roadmaps for every client.
• Own client performance across Google Ads, Meta, Microsoft and organic search.
• Audit PPC campaigns, keyword strategies, bidding structures, landing pages and CRO opportunities.
• Oversee technical SEO, on-page SEO, link building, programmatic pages and AI-driven content.
• Own KPI tracking, conversion attribution and analytics accuracy.
• Give weekly direction and QA, and coordinate priorities with the marketing project manager.
• Present monthly and quarterly performance summaries to clients.

What You Bring

• 4 to 7 years in PPC, SEO or multi-channel full-funnel strategy.
• Strong experience running paid and organic channels at the same time.
• Expertise with Google Ads, GA4, Google Search Console, keyword research tools and paid media optimization.
• Ability to build and articulate strategic recommendations for clients and account executives.
• A track record of overseeing execution teams and managing deliverable quality.
• Sharp analytical skills and the ability to diagnose performance issues fast.

Nice to have

• Agency experience managing multiple clients at once.
• Experience joining sales calls and influencing close rates.
• Familiarity with multifamily, real estate or high-intent lead generation.
• Experience with AI SEO, programmatic SEO, technical SEO audits and CRO.

Who Succeeds Here

• People who think strategically and manage execution.
• People who simplify complex marketing ideas for clients.
• People who own results and take full accountability.
• People who work well with distributed teams.
• People who enjoy building rather than inheriting polished systems.