SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Manager (Remote, Chicago)

Blacksmith Agency; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Blacksmith Agency in the United States is seeking an SEO Manager to scale its marketing division. You will own strategy, performance, and client-facing leadership across paid search, paid social, SEO and conversion optimization.

This remote full-time role collaborates with sales on scope, roadmaps for clients, and oversees campaigns across Google Ads, Meta, Microsoft and organic search, while driving analytics, attribution, and CRO opportunities.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

PPC management

SEO strategy

Multi-channel marketing

Analytics & attribution

Client leadership

Tools

Google Ads

GA4

Google Search Console

Keyword research tools

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 SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Manager at Blacksmith, you own strategy, performance and client-facing leadership across paid search, paid social, SEO and conversion optimization.

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.