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Search Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AI Search & SEO Manager

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$140 - $174/hr

What you'll Be Doing: We're looking for an AI Search & SEO Manager to own Vagaro's organic search presence and lead our strategy across the rapidly evolving AI search landscape. This is a high-impact ...

Position Overview**We're looking for a curious, analytical, and detail-oriented Search Intelligence Manager to help power the next generation of Organic and Agentic Search with AI-driven insights at ...

New

Job Requisition ID # 26WD98619 Position Overview We're looking for a curious, analytical, and technically fluent Search Intelligence Manager to help Autodesk understand how customers discover ...

As an SEO Manager , you'll be responsible for managing all aspects of your clients' organic search program. When we say all, we mean everything, so you can't be afraid to get your hands dirty. From ...

As an SEO Manager , you'll be responsible for managing all aspects of your clients' organic search program. When we say all, we mean everything, so you can't be afraid to get your hands dirty. From ...

The Opportunity Adobe is looking for a SEO Manager to drive organic discovery for Firefly, Adobe's outstanding generative AI product. This position is responsible for Firefly's comprehensive SEO ...

The Opportunity Adobe is looking for a SEO Manager to drive organic discovery for Firefly, Adobe's outstanding generative AI product. This position is responsible for Firefly's comprehensive SEO ...

SEO Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$75K - $85K/yr

Mindgruve is seeking an SEO Manager to join our growing SEO team. This is an individual contributor role with high impact: you'll help lead strategies across new and existing accounts, own technical ...

The Opportunity Adobe is looking for a SEO Manager to drive organic discovery for Firefly, Adobe's outstanding generative AI product. This position is responsible for Firefly's comprehensive SEO ...

SEO Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$75 - $85/hr

Mindgruve is seeking an SEO Manager to join our growing SEO team. This is an individual contributor role with high impact: you'll help lead strategies across new and existing accounts, own technical ...

Showing results 21-40

Search Manager information

See California salary details

$56.3K

$81.8K

$118.9K

How much do search manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for search manager in California is $81,760.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,700.00 and $98,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a search manager?

Search Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing and optimizing a company's search engine marketing (SEM) and sometimes search engine optimization (SEO) strategies. They manage campaigns on platforms like Google Ads and Bing Ads, analyze performance data, and adjust tactics to improve visibility, traffic, and conversions. Their role often involves keyword research, budget management, ad copywriting, and collaborating with marketing teams to achieve business goals.

How does a search manager typically collaborate with other departments to optimize campaign performance?

Search Managers frequently work cross-functionally, partnering with content, analytics, and creative teams to ensure campaigns are aligned with overall marketing goals. They often collaborate with data analysts to review performance metrics and identify optimization opportunities, as well as with designers to refine ad creatives. Regular communication with account managers and clients is also common to share insights and adjust strategies based on evolving business objectives. This collaborative approach helps ensure that search campaigns are both effective and integrated with broader digital marketing efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a search manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Search Manager, you need expertise in search engine marketing (SEM), pay-per-click (PPC) campaign management, data analysis, and a relevant degree in marketing or business. Familiarity with tools such as Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising, Google Analytics, and SEMrush, along with certifications like Google Ads Certification, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and project management skills help drive effective campaigns and foster collaboration across teams. These skills are crucial for optimizing search performance, maximizing ROI, and staying competitive in the rapidly evolving digital marketing landscape.

What is the difference between Search Manager vs SEO Specialist?

AspectSearch ManagerSEO Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or related field; experience in digital marketingBachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or related field; SEO certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees search marketing strategies, manages teams, collaborates with marketing departmentsFocuses on optimizing website content, keyword research, and link-building strategies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in digital marketing agencies, e-commerce, and large corporationsCommon in marketing teams, digital agencies, and SEO firms

The Search Manager oversees overall search marketing strategies, including paid and organic search, managing teams and campaigns. The SEO Specialist concentrates on optimizing website content and improving organic search rankings. While both roles require marketing knowledge and familiarity with search engines, the Search Manager has broader responsibilities, including strategy development and team management, whereas the SEO Specialist focuses on technical and content optimization tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Search jobs in California?

The most popular types of Search jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Search Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Search Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Search Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,760 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

AI Search & SEO Manager

Vagaro Inc

Pleasanton, CA • On-site

$140 - $174/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Vagaro rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

223rd of 247 rated software companies


Job description

Why Vagaro?

At Vagaro, we believe in fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment where every team member can thrive. Our culture is built on innovation, continuous learning, and a passion for making a positive impact. We support our employees' growth and vision for themselves, offering opportunities for professional development and career advancement. Join us and be part of a team that values creativity, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence. Plus, we know how to have fun while getting the job done!

What you'll Be Doing:

We're looking for an AI Search & SEO Manager to own Vagaro's organic search presence and lead our strategy across the rapidly evolving AI search landscape. This is a high-impact, cross-functional role sitting at the intersection of marketing, content, product, and growth.

Traditional search remains critical, but the way people discover products and services is fundamentally changing. AI-generated answers, generative search experiences, and LLM-powered assistants are increasingly the first (and sometimes only) touchpoint between a user and our brand. You'll ensure Vagaro shows up — and shows up well — everywhere that matters: classic SERPs, AI Overviews, generative engine results, and LLM responses.

This role is based onsite in Pleasanton, CA Monday through Friday.

Compensation
  • Base Annual Salary: $140,000 - $174,000
  • Annual Bonus: Up to 10% annual
Your Impact: AI Search (AEO · GEO · AIO)
  • Develop and own Vagaro's strategy across answer engine optimization (AEO), generative engine optimization (GEO), and AI overview optimization (AIO)
  • Optimize content to be cited, summarized, and recommended by AI-powered search surfaces including Google AI Overviews, Perplexity, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude
  • Build entity authority and structured knowledge so Vagaro is accurately and favorably represented across LLMs and generative experiences
  • Manage the technical foundations of AI search visibility — including structured data implementation, entity optimization across third-party data sources, content formatting for AI parseability, and crawler access policies for LLM bots
  • Define and track emerging AI search metrics — LLM citation frequency, AI overview inclusion rate, share of generative voice — and develop internal reporting frameworks as measurement standards mature
  • Monitor the AI search landscape proactively and adapt strategy as new surfaces, models, and behaviors emerge
SEO
  • Own the end-to-end SEO strategy for vagaro.com, across both B2B (attracting business owners) and B2C (consumer marketplace) surfaces
  • Lead technical SEO — crawlability, core web vitals, schema/structured data, site architecture — in close collaboration with engineering
  • Conduct keyword research and competitive analysis to identify high-value organic opportunities across the beauty, fitness, and wellness verticals
  • Partner with content to build topic clusters, optimize existing pages, and brief net-new content that ranks and converts
  • Support local SEO strategy, given Vagaro's marketplace model connecting consumers with nearby service providers
Cross-Functional
  • Collaborate with paid, product marketing, product, brand, and lifecycle teams so AI search and SEO insights flow into broader go-to-market strategy
  • Translate technical priorities into clear product tickets and content briefs
  • Educate internal stakeholders on Google search updates and AI search developments and what they mean for Vagaro's visibility
  • Regularly monitor and report on AI search & SEO KPIs, providing visibility to cross functional stakeholders and executives.
What you Bring:
  • 5+ years of SEO experience, ideally at a SaaS company, marketplace, or high-growth tech brand
  • Proven track record of building strategies and executing tactics that drive measurable organic growth
  • Hands-on experience with AI search optimization — AEO, GEO, and/or AIO — and a genuine curiosity about where the space is heading
  • Strong technical SEO fundamentals: crawl analysis, schema markup, Core Web Vitals, canonicalization
  • Strong AI-fluency — you use AI tools (LLMs, AI-powered SEO platforms, content intelligence tools) as a natural part of your workflow, and you have leveraged these to increase the impact of domain tactics
  • Proficiency with tools like Google Search Console, Semrush, Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, and BI tools
  • Strong cross-functional communicator who can work fluidly with engineering, content, and marketing
  • Experience in the beauty, wellness, or fitness industry is a bonus, not a requirement
Why You’ll Love Working Here:
  • Attractive Compensation & Performance Bonuses: Enjoy a competitive salary paired with performance-based bonuses
  • Generous PTO: 15 accrued days, plus 10 company holidays annually.
  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive healthcare, dental, and vision plans for you and your family.
  • Exclusive Perks: Discounts on attractions, theme parks, shows, sports events, movies, hotels, and more through TicketsAtWork.
  • Beauty Perks: $30/month reimbursement for any Vagaro service, including health, beauty, or wellness treatments.
  • Food Perks: $50 monthly stipend for our onsite microkitchen and a complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription.
  • Growth Opportunities: College Assistance Reimbursement, access to EAP & Work/Life Programs, and a LinkedIn Learning account.
  • Financial Security: 401k program with 4% matching and optional life/supplemental insurance.
  • Stay Active: Access to our on-site gym, flavored water dispenser, and basketball court to keep you fit and energized!
Equal Opportunity Employer:

Vagaro is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We foster an inclusive environment where individuals are evaluated without discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Privacy Policy:

Your privacy matters! At Vagaro, we are committed to protecting your personal information. Before proceeding with your application, please review our Employee and Applicant Privacy Notice here. By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Privacy Notice, which outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information during the recruitment and employment process.

Vagaro is an E-Verify employer. Learn more at www.e-verify.gov.

Learn More About Vagaro:

Visit us at vagaro.com/pro and vagaro.com to learn more.

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