Search Manager

About the Role

As a search manager, you may work for an organisation or agency but could also work freelance as an advisor for ad-hoc projects.

It is your role to assist in the development of an organisational search engine management (SEM) strategy by researching, reviewing and analysing organic and paid search activities, identifying opportunities to improve their performance and implementing search campaigns at a departmental level.

Typical Responsibilities for the Search Manager

You responsibilities as search manager will vary depending on the scale and requirements of your employer or client, but they generally fall into the following three categories:

Leadership

As the search manager, you will be expected to have an in-depth knowledge of organic and paid search marketing tools and their applications, and will be relied upon to inform the decision making of your senior managers, clients and marketing personnel.

You will be an effective leader who can direct, motivate and secure the collaborative efforts of individual specialists in SEO, PPC, content, social and design, and delegate tasks to ensure that search campaign performance targets are met on time and within budget.

You may also be involved in recruitment and should be able to identify, retain and nurture talent, facilitate training and conduct appraisals.

Strategy

You may need to manage several search campaigns at a time and a strategic approach to all aspects of your research, planning and delivery is essential.

You must be a tactical, analytical and creative thinker who can research the market, identify opportunities and make efficient use of the latest organic and paid search tools and techniques to enhance existing search campaigns and implement new ones. Those strategies must be tested, monitored and revised where necessary to optimise performance and maximise ROI.

Communication

You must be a skilled written and verbal communicator who can work with business leaders, clients and marketing personnel to discuss business objectives, explain complex processes, establish performance goals and develop and implement effective search strategy action plans which are challenging yet achievable.

You will need to create style and search strategy guidelines for various marketing personnel and write progress reports detailing the effectiveness of your campaigns for senior management. You may also need to represent your employer or client at new business pitches or industry conferences.

Salary Range

As a search manager your salary will vary depending on your responsibilities, experience and work location but you can expect to earn £22k to £50k+, and enjoy additional benefits and bonus packages.

Skills & Qualifications

In-depth understanding of organic and paid search tools and methods
Strategic, analytical and creative thinking
Excellent personnel management and leadership
Excellent verbal and written communications
Budget management
Strong KPI and ROI focus
Problem solving
Relationship building
Report writing
Ability to work under pressure
Flexibility to travel or work outside of regular office hours

Qualifications

Although formal qualifications are not essential, it is usually advantageous to hold a degree or equivalent professional certifications in marketing, communications or business management.

Experience & Career Progression

As a search manager, you will be expected to demonstrate a clear, successful track record of search campaigns that you have planned, developed and implemented as well as experience of personnel and budget management.

Career Progression

As the search manager, your organic and paid search expertise could help your career progress naturally into any of the following roles:

Head of Search
Head of SEO
Freelance Specialist Search Advisor
Search Director

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Building your career in Preston

At the heart of Lancashire lies Preston, a city built on one thousand years of history. You can explore Preston’s rich past by visiting its many museums, such as the The Harris Museum and the Lancashire Infantry Museum. The city centre itself has been revived in recent years and there is plenty on offer for a fun afternoon or evening out.

Preston has exceptional transport links. A train to Manchester, Leeds or Liverpool takes an hour at the most. You also have easy access to the stunning Lake District or the Yorkshire Dales - Preston is a brilliant base for those who want to head out and explore the countryside on a sunny weekend.

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