Job Description

SEO Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced SEO Manager to join our growing SEO agency based in Southampton.

About Targeted SEO

Targeted SEO is a specialist SEO and web design agency based in Southampton, working with ambitious businesses across competitive industries including finance, renewable energy, marine, and professional services. Since 2017, we've built a reputation for honest, results-driven SEO and websites designed to perform in search.

Our approach is rooted in technical expertise, creative content, and data-led strategy. We don't believe in short-term fixes or vanity metrics. Instead, we focus on driving meaningful growth through targeted traffic, higher visibility, and measurable ROI.

We're a collaborative team of strategists, SEO consultants, designers, and content specialists who care deeply about the work we do. Every client relationship is a partnership built on transparency, expertise, and trust.

For the right candidate, joining Targeted SEO means working on exciting projects, solving complex SEO challenges, and helping shape the future of a growing, ambitious agency.

As our clients' point of contact, you'll oversee their needs and actively contribute to strategising their campaigns to achieve their long-term goals. You will collaborate closely with our in-house SEO, Content and Web Design teams to deliver work to an exceptional standard.

Please note that Targeted SEO operates a hybrid working model with a minimum of

3 days a week based in our Southampton office

(after probation) and the remaining days working from home (if you would like to). You must be within easy commuting distance.

SEO Manager Role Overview

As SEO Manager, you'll be passionate about delivering professional SEO and have a proven track record of generating results for clients. You will own the strategic direction of SEO as a channel, mentor and manage SEO staff, and collaborate closely with our wider team to ensure joined-up 360 delivery.

This role also supports new business opportunities, helps shape agency-wide SEO processes, and ensures SEO is well represented across client pitches, planning, and delivery.

You'll be a confident communicator who can lead client conversations, translate complex SEO performance data into actionable insights, and represent SEO both internally and externally with clarity and passion.

SEO Manager Key Responsibilities

Team Management & SEO Leadership

Lead and manage our growing SEO team (SEO Strategist and SEO Content Strategist). Report directly to the Operations Manager and Co-Founders. Provide thought leadership and perspective on emerging trends, including the impact of core updates and AI on client websites. Support project management across our 360 SEO approach, coordinating effectively with SEO, web design, and content teams to ensure smooth delivery. Mentor and develop team members, providing regular feedback, and career progression support. Help oversee performance reviews and set clear objectives for the SEO team. Shape and refine SEO processes, ensuring the agency remains efficient, innovative, and competitive.

Client Management & New Business Support

Manage a portfolio of SEO clients, ensuring strategies are tailored, effective, and aligned with long-term growth. Lead client calls and meetings with confidence, reporting on performance and highlighting opportunities. Build and maintain trusted client and stakeholder relationships. Support new business pitches, discovery calls, proposals, and recommendations. Lead the activation of new client strategies, creating timelines and ensuring seamless delivery with the team.

SEO Strategies and On-Page SEO

Deliver a 360 approach to SEO, covering all core SEO principles. Oversee on-page optimisation across client websites, including metadata, schema, page structure, and internal linking. Sign off on client SEO strategies and roadmaps, ensuring content plans enhance performance and align with objectives.

Technical SEO

Lead technical audits and oversee site architecture improvements. Support new website launches with pre- and post-launch SEO checks. Provide direction on page speed, indexing, schema markup, mobile performance, and site health. Own and refine processes for site migrations and technical delivery.

Analytics & Performance Tracking

Combine Google Search Console and third-party data to deliver actionable insights. Analyse performance metrics, identify opportunities, and report against KPIs. Evolve reporting to focus on meaningful impact - including traffic growth, featured snippets, AI Overviews, and LLM visibility, alongside traditional SEO metrics. Oversee and support the delivery of SEO reports to clients.

Innovation & Trend Analysis

Stay ahead of SEO developments, algorithm updates, and emerging best practices. Explore the role of AI in search and how it affects SEO strategy. Share innovations in internal meetings and apply learnings to client accounts. Contribute towards marketing content such as LinkedIn posts or agency blog articles. Attend industry events such as BrightonSEO and relevant client sector conferences.

Skills and Competencies

5+ years' SEO experience (agency experience preferable). Proven track record of delivering measurable SEO growth for clients. Skilled in GA4, GSC, SE Ranking, Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, Looker Studio (or similar). Knowledge of CRM systems (Hubspot experience desirable). Excellent skills in WordPress CMS, including on-page optimisation and plugins such as RankMath Pro, Elementor Pro, and the Block Editor. Strong leadership and people management skills, including mentoring and delegation. Experienced project manager with knowledge of tools such as Asana. Exceptional communication skills - able to simplify complex technical concepts for clients. Ability to build strong client relationships and maintain high retention. Apple Mac OS literate, with high attention to detail and reliability.

Why Join the Targeted SEO Team

Career growth:

We're a small but ambitious agency, so you'll have genuine influence over SEO direction and room to shape your career.

Recognition:

We celebrate effort and results, ensuring your contributions never go unnoticed.

Perks:

Generous holiday scheme, your birthday off, and early Friday finishes for six weeks during the summer.

Great location:

Free parking and excellent transport links, near Ocean Village. Cycle to Work scheme also available.

Friendly culture:

Join a vibrant team of SEO, content, and design specialists united by a passion for doing great work.

Flexibility:

Hybrid working with 2 days remote per week after probation.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: Competitive depending on experience

Package:

Job Type: Full-time Salary: Depending on experience 28 days holiday (excluding bank holidays) Birthday day off Company pension & sick pay Free on-site parking Cycle to work scheme Casual dress code Bereavement leave Death in service (after 2 years service) Company MacBook Pro with full software licences Work from home 2 days per week (optional after 6 months probation)

How to Apply

If this sounds like the next step in your career, please send your CV and a short covering letter telling us why you'd be a great fit for Targeted SEO.

No recruitment agencies.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Canteen Casual dress Company pension Cycle to work scheme Free parking On-site parking Sick pay Transport links Work from home
Ability to commute/relocate:

Southampton SO14 5FE: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

SEO: 5 years (preferred) Account management: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person