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Job profile

SEO manager (m/f/d)

Around 80% of search engine users click on one of the first three search results on Google. Only very few get lost on page two. It is therefore important for websites that want to be found via Google to invest in SEO (search engine optimization). And this is where SEO managers come into play. Because they know what it takes to ensure that websites are rated well by Google and are therefore displayed by the algorithm. 

In this job profile, you can find out exactly what SEO management means, what the salary of SEO managers can be and how you can become an SEO manager yourself. 

Are you looking for an SEO Manager job (m/f/d)?

Are you familiar with keywords, click-through rates and dwell time? As an experienced SEO manager, you are in high demand on the job market. Take a look at our job board now and find a new challenge.

Are you looking for an experienced and competent SEO Manager (m/f/d)?

Are you looking for the person who can rank all your pages at number 1? Professional search engine optimization will not only boost your reach, but also strengthen your expert status in your industry. We can help you find the right person for your team.

Are you looking for an exciting project as SEO Manager (m/f/d)?

Do your rankings speak for themselves? Do you develop SEO strategies like a pro and understand the search intent behind every keyword? All you need now is the next exciting project? We support you with the acquisition!

What is an SEO manager? Meaning and overview

The SEO manager plans and manages all measures required to optimize websites. They ensure that domains achieve the best possible ranking with the major search engines and are therefore easy to find on the internet. SEO managers are particularly in demand in marketing today, as they make a significant contribution to the success of a company. 

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization and describes all processes that are intended to improve the performance of a website in search engines. 

SEO managers therefore take care of all measures - both content-related and technical - to ensure that certain pages are ranked as high as possible on popular search engines. It is important to identify the right keywords that are being searched for. The SEO manager therefore tries to understand the searchers' intentions as well as possible and then creates the appropriate content for the respective websites. 

The SEO manager must also be technically adept. In addition to good content (SEO content), it is also important to set up the website correctly from a technical perspective (technical SEO). Because only if the search engine can find and "understand" the website will the content be listed in the search results. 

The goal of SEO managers is to get their pages to the top of the Google search results. This is why they develop a sophisticated and number-based strategy for their company and create high-quality and optimized content. They also need to regularly review and update this content to ensure they don't lose out on good results. This requires a good analytical understanding, as key figures such as CTR (click-through rate), dwell time, domain authority or visibility index are part of the SEO manager's everyday work. 

The major advantage of SEO is the organic (unpaid) "traffic", i.e. the visitors that reach a website as a result. In this way, companies create visibility, can position themselves as experts on certain topics and address potential customers. 

SEO Manager salary:
a comprehensive overview

SEO managers in Germany can expect a gross salary of between €42,000 and €48,000 per year. However, the salary level depends heavily on factors such as company, location and professional experience. 

Starting salary as an SEO manager:
Junior SEO manager salary

As a starting salary, Junior SEO Managers in Germany earn around €35,000 gross per year.  

Senior SEO Manager salary:
your earnings with more professional experience

With increasing professional experience, higher salaries of between €50,000 and €60,000 per year are achievable. Senior SEO managers who are employed in large media companies and take on management functions can earn €70,000 and more per year. 

What does an SEO manager do?
Tasks and activities

The SEO manager's range of tasks is very diverse. They not only take care of search engine optimization and the visibility of domains, they are also responsible for improving user-friendliness.  

The SEO manager improves the structure of websites and is familiar with the search mechanisms of Google, Bing, YouTube and Amazon. As these mechanisms and algorithms change and are adapted on a regular basis, SEO managers must always stay up to date and keep themselves informed. 

In order to rank (be listed) as well as possible and constantly improve the user experience, SEO managers carry out regular analyses. In this way, they identify potential for improvement, both in the technical and content-related SEO areas of responsibility. Together with their colleagues who are responsible for websites or texts, they take care of the necessary measures to achieve the top rankings. 

Specific tasks of SEO managers are:
  • SEO strategy development and consulting for the other teams
  • Keyword research and creation of text briefings
  • Creation of SEO texts and other content
  • Technical improvement of the websites
  • Regular as-is analyses of the various pages
  • Creation of website architectures
  • Backlink generation

SEO managers are needed in a wide variety of industries and often work in search engine optimization agencies. There they take care of improving the web presence of various client companies.

The following areas of application also arise for SEO managers:

  • Advertising and communication agencies
  • Editorial offices
  • Software company
  • Media houses
  • E-commerce stores
According to a study by B2B SEO agency Siegers Media, B2B SEO is particularly attractive for companies that meet the following criteria:

  • Scalable business model: Companies that want to expand their business benefit from SEO. It enables greater reach and visibility in the digital space.
  • Low competitive pressure: When there is little competition in the field of search engine optimization, companies can achieve good rankings more easily.
  • Established Domain: Companies with a long-standing, well-connected web presence have an advantage. The history of the domain and the links play a role.

Examples of such companies include IT and SaaS companies, B2B e-commerce, materials trading and industrial manufacturers. In-house SEO managers in B2B are therefore advised to choose companies that meet these criteria in order to achieve long-term success.

Become an SEO manager
- SEO training, studies and courses

If you want to learn SEO, there are various ways to do so. Although many SEO managers have studied communication sciences, marketing or business administration, an academic background is not essential. Many SEO career changers have completed an SEO course and developed their skills through professional experience. 

There is no official and legally prescribed training for SEO managers. Nevertheless, employers look above all for professional experience and proof of theoretical knowledge. Completed SEO training is therefore an advantage for all prospective "SEOs". 

SEO manager training

A multi-day SEO course is the best way to learn search engine optimization. There are numerous providers who offer SEO training both online and in person.

Possible courses are:

SEO Manager studies

There is no relevant SEO degree course in Germany. Instead, SEO is part of various degree courses such as marketing, communication, journalism or IT. As search engine optimization is often only one aspect of a holistic (online) marketing strategy, it is also advisable for SEO managers to learn about other sub-areas. As a scientific and empirical understanding of this professional field is also required, a degree is recommended.

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Skills of an SEO manager

SEO manager is not a skilled profession and the requirements for these experts are diverse. The SEO manager must have a good technical understanding of how search engines and ranking algorithms work. 

At the same time, soft skills are important, as the SEO expert must also be able to function in a larger team. Because the requirements of search engines are constantly changing, the SEO manager must have a high willingness to learn.  

The following skills are particularly important: 

  • Knowledge of search engines
  • Excellent SEO knowledge
  • Marketing knowledge
  • High affinity with the Internet
  • IT skills/software development
  • Confident handling of e-services
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Strong communication skills
  • quick comprehension
  • Load capacity
  • High willingness to learn

SEO Manager career:
opportunities on the job market  

SEO managers are currently more in demand in Germany than ever before. Although this role is still a comparatively young profession, many companies have understood the importance of SEO and are therefore looking for experienced specialists. 

As practically all companies now have an online presence and their own websites and content play an important role in marketing, SEO managers are becoming increasingly important. The employment opportunities for SEO experts are correspondingly good. SEO specialists are particularly sought after in advertising and communications agencies. SEO managers are usually academics and have studied communication sciences, media informatics or related courses. 

The Hays Specialist Index 2024, which analyzes all job advertisements on the most important job portals, also underlines the high demand for SEO managers. After a slight drop in demand in 2022, job advertisements rose rapidly in the first quarter of 2024. 

Top Vacancies: SEO Manager Jobs (m/f/d)

FAQ

In Germany, SEO managers earn on average between €42,000 and €48,000 gross per year. This salary can increase depending on responsibility and employer. 

In Germany, SEO managers earn on average between €42,000 and €48,000 gross per year. This salary can increase depending on responsibility and employer. 


An SEO manager takes various measures to ensure that a website can be found by popular search engines and is placed high up in the search results. This contributes to the visibility and success of the respective company. 

An SEO manager takes various measures to ensure that a website can be found by popular search engines and is placed high up in the search results. This contributes to the visibility and success of the respective company. 


An SEO manager takes care of the optimization of various websites with the aim of ranking high on popular search engines.  

An SEO manager takes care of the optimization of various websites with the aim of ranking high on popular search engines.  


SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization and describes the various measures used to make a website more attractive to search engines. The result is that this page is placed high up in the search engines and can be found by users. 

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization and describes the various measures used to make a website more attractive to search engines. The result is that this page is placed high up in the search engines and can be found by users. 


To become an SEO manager, we recommend an SEO course lasting several days in which the most important basic SEO skills are taught. A high level of professional experience is also an advantage. Many SEO managers have also previously studied.

To become an SEO manager, we recommend an SEO course lasting several days in which the most important basic SEO skills are taught. A high level of professional experience is also an advantage. Many SEO managers have also previously studied.


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