About the role
An SEO Manager job description covers planning and running the SEO strategy that improves organic search rankings and drives traffic to a company’s digital platforms. The role delivers a lasting, cost-efficient source of visitors and customers when organic search is measured and managed well. Hiring managers should assess marketing strategy, data analysis, analytical thinking, and AI fluency.
An SEO Manager researches keywords, tracks KPIs, and turns performance data into regular reports. The work also means staying current with search trends and aligning goals with other marketing professionals.
Strategy. Plan, develop, and implement the SEO strategy to increase web traffic.
Research and KPIs. Run keyword research, identify key SEO KPIs, and monitor performance.
Reporting. Prepare and present reports that highlight successes and areas to improve.
What are the essential SEO Manager skills?
The essential SEO Manager skills are marketing strategy and SEO campaign management, data analysis and reporting, analytical thinking, clear communication of results, and AI fluency.
Skill | Why it matters | Bryq assessment and level |
|---|---|---|
Marketing strategy and SEO campaign management | Guides the plan that grows organic traffic and ROI. | |
Data analysis and SEO reporting | Turns performance data into clear findings. | Data Analysis (intermediate) |
Analytical thinking for keyword research and KPI monitoring | Supports sound keyword choices and KPI tracking. | Analytical Skills (intermediate) |
Written and verbal communication of results | Helps reports and plans land with marketing colleagues. | Strategic Communication (intermediate) |
AI Fluency | AI tools now shape keyword research and content work. | AI Fluency Assessment (functional) |
The core work is researching keywords, tracking KPIs, and interpreting performance data. The manager then presents results so other marketers can act on them.
Levels are a starting point. Bryq lets you set the level each role needs.
Which nice-to-have skills help an SEO Manager stand out?
Spreadsheet analysis, dashboard building, basic HTML, and project management add value but are not needed on day one.
Spreadsheet analysis. Supports performance tracking, and can be assessed with Microsoft Excel.
Dashboard building. Makes data easy to visualize, and can be assessed with Microsoft Power BI.
Basic HTML. Helps with on-page optimization, and can be assessed with HTML.
Project management. Helps run multi-channel initiatives, and can be assessed with Project Management.
Use these skills as tie-breakers between candidates who are equally strong on the essentials. Never screen out candidates who can learn them on the job.
Which competencies predict success as an SEO Manager?
The essential competencies are Communication and Learning Agility.
Communication. Reports are presented and goals aligned with other marketers.
Learning Agility. Search algorithms and best practices keep changing.
Empathy adds an understanding of audience needs, and Leadership Potential adds the ability to influence colleagues.
What AI skills does an SEO Manager need?
An SEO Manager should use AI to speed up search research, content optimization, and performance analytics, while verifying the results.
AI fluency matters because AI tools already assist with keyword clustering, content briefs, and reporting, so the manager uses them daily. Search engines are also changing how results appear, which affects strategy. AI output used without checking can mislead decisions, so the manager verifies accuracy and follows search engine guidelines.
Keyword clustering. Cluster large keyword lists by search intent and draft content briefs for writers to review.
Performance analysis. Analyze ranking and traffic exports, flag anomalies, and draft the summary for regular performance reports.
AI search results. Evaluate how AI-generated search results affect visibility and adjust the SEO strategy and content formats accordingly.
How do you assess SEO Manager candidates with Bryq?
Bryq measures all the essential skills and traits for an SEO Manager in one integrated candidate profile: cognitive ability, personality traits, soft and hard skills, including AI fluency. Bryq builds an ideal profile for the role and matches candidates against it.
Profile Fit. Profile Fit measures cognitive ability and personality, matched against the ideal profile for the role.
Marketing Roles. Marketing Roles tests marketing strategy and SEO campaign management.
Data Analysis. Data Analysis tests data analysis and SEO reporting.
Analytical Skills. Analytical Skills tests analytical thinking for keyword research and KPI monitoring.
Strategic Communication. Strategic Communication tests written and verbal communication of results.
AI Fluency Assessment. The AI Fluency Assessment tests how well candidates apply and check AI tools.
Optional add-ons. Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power BI, HTML, and Project Management cover the nice-to-have skills.
Competency profile. Communication and Learning Agility are essential, with Empathy and Leadership Potential as additions, through competency mapping.
All Bryq assessments are validated by I/O psychologists. Profile Fit is independently bias-audited under New York City Local Law 144 (code4thought, April 2026). The AI Fluency Assessment is built on peer-reviewed and subject-matter expert research. A person makes every hiring decision.
SEO Manager job description template
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SEO Manager |
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About [Company name][Add a short description of your company.] About the roleAs our SEO Manager, you will develop, run, and manage our SEO strategy to improve organic search rankings and bring more visitors to our digital platforms. You will use search knowledge, SEO tools, and data analysis to guide marketing decisions. Your work helps us grow organic traffic and maximize return on investment. Responsibilities
Qualifications
Skills and competencies we look for
Working with AI
What we offer
Equal opportunity[Add your equal opportunity statement.] |
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Author
The Bryq I/O Team
Bryq’s I/O Psychology Team is a group of industrial-organizational psychologists who design and validate the science behind our assessments. They write about what research says on hiring, skills, personality, and performance, and how HR leaders can apply it to make fairer, evidence-based decisions.
