Global Head of SEO

Merlin Entertainments Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job description

What you'll bring to the team

A job with Merlin isn’t like a job anywhere else. With attractions around the world, from rollercoasters to wax figures, we don’t trade in suits, handshakes or briefcases. We trade in fun. In smiles, shrieks and spine-tingles. In Memories. In magic. But there are no tricks behind our magic. Instead, there are people like you. Passionate, dedicated people who are committed to making sure our worldwide attractions and guests’ experiences are the best they can be.

The Global Head of SEO will be responsible for leading the global strategy, execution, and optimisation of all Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) efforts for Merlin Entertainments. This role will focus on improving organic search visibility, driving traffic, and increasing conversions across our global digital platforms. The Global Head of SEO will lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams (ecommerce, digital and data and marketing) to deliver content, customer experience and technical excellence ensuring the continuous growth of our organic search performance in competitive markets worldwide.

Main Responsibilities

• SEO Strategy: Develop and execute a global SEO strategy aligned with Merlin Entertainments' digital marketing goals to drive organic traffic and conversions.
• On-Page SEO: Lead optimisation of meta tags, headings, structured data, internal linking, and multimedia across digital properties.
• Technical SEO: Collaborate with Digital and Data teams to enhance site architecture, mobile performance, page speed, crawlability, and indexing.
• Content Strategy: Align keyword strategy and content roadmap with SEO growth objectives.
• SEO Audits & Analysis: Conduct regular audits to identify and implement optimisation opportunities.
• Link Building: Develop a scalable strategy to acquire high-quality backlinks and improve domain authority.
• Earned Media: Work with Corporate Affairs and Social teams to leverage press, influencer partnerships, and earned media for SEO gains.
• Performance Tracking: Establish KPI frameworks, providing data-driven reports and recommendations to leadership.
• SEO Tools: Maximise insights and performance using tools like Google Analytics, Search Console, SEMrush, and Screaming Frog.
• Collaboration: Align SEO efforts with content, social, ecommerce, and Digital & Data teams while managing external agencies.
• Innovation: Drive SEO innovation, staying ahead of AI SERP trends and digital advancements.
• Leadership: Build and mentor a high-performing SEO team, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and continuous development.

Qualifications & Experience

• 8+ years of experience in SEO, digital marketing, or web optimisation, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role managing global SEO strategies.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale SEO campaigns, driving organic traffic, and improving search engine rankings for consumer-facing brands, ideally in the entertainment, leisure, or hospitality sectors.
• Strong experience in technical SEO, on-page optimisation, content strategy, and link-building.
• Experience with enterprise-level SEO tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Ahrefs, SEMrush, Screaming Frog, etc.).

Benefits

We’re growing fast and alongside a fun and friendly environment, we offer a fabulous package and amazing prospects – ideal if you’re already fantastic and want to become even better (our magic can help here). Benefits include Pension, Life Assurance, discretionary company bonus, 25 days’ holiday and, of course, a Merlin Magic Pass which gives you and your friends and family free admission to all of our attractions worldwide, as well as 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants and 40% discount on LEGO.

If you have any questions or if you require any assistance, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at [e-mail] and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Pay Range

Competitive