📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: SEO Manager
🔹 Company: Matthews International
🔹 Location: Michigan, United States
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 15, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing search strategies for client listings on retailer product detail pages
- Increasing organic traffic and identifying high-ranking keywords to support paid search strategy
- Performing ongoing keyword discovery, expansion, and improvement
- Conducting category and competitive analysis
- Making data-driven recommendations to optimize copy for SEO
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong focus on data analysis and continuous learning to stay updated with the latest SEO trends and retailer algorithms.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Defines high-ranking keywords and performs ongoing keyword discovery, expansion, and improvement
✅ Researches keywords on search tools and performs category and competitive analysis
✅ Makes data-driven recommendations to optimize copy for SEO
✅ Ensures accurate, consistent, and timely completion of search assignments
✅ Presents and participates in internal planning meetings and client meetings/presentations
✅ Meets quality standards for all assigned deliverables and makes recommendations for improvements
✅ Supports company profitability efforts by focusing on efficient, accurate, and timely completion of assigned activities
✅ Develops client search strategies and analysis for retail eCommerce
✅ Performs additional duties as assigned
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure to meet deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field
Experience: 3+ years of demonstrated SEO experience, with a focus on retailer search platforms
Required Skills:
- Expertise in retailer search (Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc.)
- Solid understanding of retailer space and conversion
- In-depth experience with retailer search tools and Google Analytics
- Knowledge of retailer scorecards and search algorithms
- Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, and planning skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills (including analysis, interpretation, and reasoning)
- Ability to work well autonomously and within a team in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment
- Ability to work with and influence peers and management
- Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines, and reporting
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with additional marketing channels (e.g., PPC, social media, content marketing)
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the consumer goods industry and familiarity with funeral services or related products may have an advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 per year (based on industry standards for mid-senior level SEO roles in Michigan)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee assistance program
- Tuition reimbursement
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for project demands
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Consumer Goods, specifically focused on the funeral services and memorialization industry
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth
Founded: Matthews International was founded in 1850, with the Memorialization division focusing on funeral services and related products
Company Description:
- Matthews Memorialization is a leading provider of funeral services, cemetery products, and architectural signage and statuary
- The company is committed to helping families move from grieving to remembrance by providing high-quality products and exceptional service
- Matthews Memorialization is a Matthews International company, operating as a public company with a strong focus on customer growth and family support
Company Specialties:
- Funeral services and caskets
- Cemetery products, including bronze and granite memorials, cremation products, and mausoleums
- Architectural signage and statuary
Company Website: Matthews Memorialization
ASSUMPTION: Working for Matthews Memorialization offers candidates the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful industry that supports families during difficult times.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-Senior level, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the marketing department and the company as a whole
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Marketing Manager and works closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, product management, and creative services
Work Arrangement: On-site, with occasional travel required for client meetings, industry events, or company initiatives
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to a senior SEO role or management position within the marketing department
- Expansion into related marketing roles, such as PPC or content marketing management
- Opportunities to work on diverse client projects and contribute to company-wide initiatives
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a balance of strategic planning and hands-on execution, providing opportunities for professional growth and development.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office environment, with a focus on collaboration and open communication
Office Location(s): Two North Shore Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, US
Geographic Context:
- Pittsburgh, PA, offers a diverse cultural scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and sports teams
- The city is known for its affordable cost of living, with a variety of housing options and excellent public transportation
- Pittsburgh is home to several major corporations and has a thriving tech industry, providing ample networking opportunities
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, with flexibility for project demands and occasional overtime as needed
ASSUMPTION: Working in Pittsburgh offers candidates the opportunity to live in a vibrant, affordable city with a strong sense of community and a rich history.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the HR department
- In-depth interview with the Marketing Manager and a member of the marketing team
- Case study or project presentation, focusing on SEO strategies and keyword research
- Final interview with the Marketing Director or another senior leader within the company
Key Assessment Areas:
- SEO knowledge and experience
- Data analysis and interpretation skills
- Communication and presentation abilities
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant SEO experience and achievements in your resume and cover letter
- Tailor your application materials to demonstrate your understanding of the funeral services industry and retailer search platforms
- Prepare for the case study or project presentation by researching the company and its competitors, and developing a strategic SEO plan
- Demonstrate your ability to work well within a team and adapt to a corporate office environment
ATS Keywords: SEO, keyword research, retailer search, Google Analytics, data analysis, marketing, funeral services, consumer goods
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, cultural fit, and ability to contribute to the company's mission and values.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- SEMrush, Ahrefs, or other SEO tools for keyword research and analysis
- Google Analytics for tracking website performance and user behavior
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reporting and presentation
- Project management tools, such as Asana or Trello, for task organization and collaboration
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard SEO tools and platforms is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all actions and decisions
- Customer Focus: Understanding and meeting the needs of customers and stakeholders
- Innovation: Encouraging creativity and continuous improvement
- Collaboration: Working together to achieve common goals and objectives
- Accountability: Taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions
Work Style:
- Data-driven: Making decisions based on data analysis and insights
- Collaborative: Working well with others to achieve common goals
- Adaptable: Embracing change and adjusting to new situations as needed
- Results-oriented: Focusing on achieving measurable outcomes and driving success
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Matthews International's commitment to helping families move from grieving to remembrance?
- How have you demonstrated your ability to work well within a team and adapt to a corporate office environment in previous roles?
- How do you approach data analysis and interpretation to inform your SEO strategies and recommendations?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with Matthews International's company values and work style will be most successful in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Balancing multiple client projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Keeping up with the constantly evolving SEO landscape and retailer algorithms
- Adapting to a corporate office environment and working with diverse teams
- Occasional travel requirements for client meetings, industry events, or company initiatives
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are organized, adaptable, and able to manage their time effectively will be best equipped to overcome these challenges.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other SEO roles, this position focuses specifically on retailer search and eCommerce, requiring a deep understanding of retailer search tools and algorithms
- Working in the funeral services industry offers unique challenges and rewards, as candidates will be supporting families during difficult times
- This role provides opportunities for growth and advancement within the marketing department and the company as a whole, with a clear career path for high-performing candidates
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are interested in the unique aspects of this role and the funeral services industry will be most satisfied and successful in this position.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive SEO strategy for a new product launch, including keyword research, on-page optimization, and link building
- Conducting a competitive analysis of a major competitor's SEO strategy and identifying opportunities for improvement
- Creating and presenting a quarterly SEO performance report to the marketing team and senior leadership, highlighting key trends, insights, and recommendations
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and initiatives that the SEO Manager may undertake in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall marketing strategy for the company?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the SEO team in the next 6-12 months, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
- How does Matthews International support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does the company measure the success of the SEO team and this role specifically?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions demonstrates the candidate's interest in the role and the company, and provides valuable insights into the work environment and expectations.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant SEO experience and achievements
- Prepare for the case study or project presentation by researching the company and developing a strategic SEO plan
- Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the interview process
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
