📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: SEO Manager
🔹 Company: Matthews International
🔹 Location: Illinois, United States
🔹 Job Type: On-site, Full-time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 15, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing, implementing, and managing search strategies for client listings on retailer product detail pages
- Increasing organic traffic and identifying high-ranking keywords to support paid search strategy
- Performing keyword research, category analysis, and competitive analysis
- Making data-driven recommendations to optimize copy for SEO
- Collaborating with internal teams and presenting to clients
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of retailer search tools and algorithms, as well as excellent analytical and communication skills.
📋 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's 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 a high degree of attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work well autonomously and within a team in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field
Experience: 3+ years of demonstrated SEO experience, with a focus on retailer search (Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc.)
Required Skills:
- 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
- Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with peers and colleagues across the organization, as well as internal and external clients
- 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:
- Occasional travel locally, nationally, and/or internationally
- High degree of proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook, and Internet applications
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the funeral industry or related fields may have an advantage, but it is not required.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 per year (based on industry standards for mid-level SEO roles in the United States)
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 some flexibility for occasional overtime or remote work
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 industry and memorialization products
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees, which means there are multiple teams and departments, offering opportunities for collaboration and growth
Founded: Matthews International was founded in 1850, with the Memorialization division focusing on funeral and cremation products and services since 1992
Company Description:
- Matthews International is a global provider of memorialization products and services, helping families move from grieving to remembrance
- The company offers a wide range of products, including caskets, urns, memorials, and statuary, as well as sales and service support for funeral homes
- Matthews International is committed to helping its customers grow their businesses and serving families in their time of need
Company Specialties:
- Funeral services and products
- Cemetery products and services
- Architectural signage and statuary
Company Website: https://www.matw.com/business-segments/memorialization
ASSUMPTION: Working for a company in the funeral industry may require candidates to be comfortable discussing sensitive topics and supporting families in their time of need.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: This role may report to the Director of Marketing or a similar position within the company's marketing department
Work Arrangement: On-site, with occasional travel required for client meetings or industry events
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to a senior-level SEO role or management position within the marketing department
- Expanding expertise in the funeral industry and related products and services
- Potential opportunities to work on international projects or with global clients
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the company's marketing department and the broader funeral industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office environment with multiple departments and teams
Office Location(s): Two North Shore Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, US (headquarters); Illinois, US (this role)
Geographic Context:
- Illinois is located in the Midwestern United States, with a diverse economy and a strong job market
- The state is home to several major cities, including Chicago, which offers a wide range of cultural, entertainment, and dining options
- Illinois has a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, with some flexibility for occasional overtime or remote work
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable working in an office environment and be prepared to travel occasionally for client meetings or industry events.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the marketing department team
- Final interview with the director or a member of the executive team
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- SEO knowledge and experience
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant SEO experience and achievements in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the funeral industry and the role's requirements
- Prepare for interview questions focused on your SEO expertise, as well as your ability to work collaboratively and adapt to a fast-paced environment
ATS Keywords: SEO, keyword research, data analysis, retailer search, Google Analytics, communication, problem-solving, presentation skills, planning, collaboration, attention to detail, time management, interpersonal skills, copy optimization, competitive analysis, client strategy
ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary depending on the specific needs of the hiring manager or the company's human resources department.
🛠️ 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 for creating reports and presentations
- Project management tools, such as Asana or Trello, for task organization and collaboration
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the company's preferences and the candidate's experience.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all actions and decisions
- Respect: Valuing and appreciating the diversity of our employees, customers, and partners
- Excellence: Striving for continuous improvement and superior performance
- Innovation: Encouraging creativity and embracing change to drive growth and success
Work Style:
- Collaborative: Working closely with internal teams and external clients to achieve common goals
- Adaptable: Embracing change and adjusting to new situations as needed
- Results-driven: Focusing on delivering high-quality work that meets or exceeds expectations
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you demonstrate integrity in your professional and personal life?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment?
- How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects or tasks with competing deadlines?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their alignment with the company's values and their ability to work effectively in a collaborative, results-driven environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with multiple priorities and projects
- Dealing with sensitive topics and supporting families in their time of need
- Occasional travel for client meetings or industry events
- Adapting to changes in the funeral industry and related technologies
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to address these challenges proactively and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a dynamic work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role focuses on retailer search and optimizing client listings on product detail pages, whereas similar SEO roles may focus on broader organic search strategies or specific aspects of SEO, such as on-page optimization or link building
- Working in the funeral industry requires an understanding of the unique needs and sensitivities of families and clients, as well as the ability to navigate the specific regulations and guidelines related to the industry
- This role offers opportunities for growth and development within the company's marketing department and the broader funeral industry, with potential career paths including senior-level SEO roles, management positions, or specialized expertise in funeral industry products and services
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles and the funeral industry to ensure they have a clear understanding of the unique aspects of this position and the potential career paths available.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive SEO strategy for a major funeral home client, including keyword research, on-page optimization, and link building
- Conducting a competitive analysis of the funeral industry and identifying opportunities for a client to improve their search rankings and organic traffic
- Creating and presenting a detailed report on the SEO performance of a client's website, including data-driven recommendations for improvement and a clear plan for implementation
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of tasks and responsibilities associated with this role, and may not represent the specific projects or clients the candidate will work with.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's approach to SEO and how this role fits into the broader marketing strategy?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its SEO team members?
- Can you provide an example of a successful SEO campaign the company has implemented, and what factors contributed to its success?
- How does the company measure the success of its SEO efforts, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) does it track?
- What opportunities are there for collaboration with other departments or teams within the company, and how does this role contribute to the company's overall goals and objectives?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and their understanding of the company's goals and objectives.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant SEO experience and achievements
- Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the funeral industry and the role's requirements
- Prepare for interview questions focused on your SEO expertise, as well as your ability to work collaboratively and adapt to a fast-paced environment
- Follow up with the hiring manager or human resources department within one week of submitting your application, if you have not heard back
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
