Search Engine Marketing Manager

Unit 5-6 Silverglade Business Park, Leatherhead Road
Chessington, SURREY, KT9 2QL
United Kingdom

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. 

Due to continuing growth and development of Merlin’s attractions and brands on a global scale, we are looking for SEM Managers to join our Global Digital team.  These roles will be based at either our Merlin Business Support Office in Chessington or within our Merlin Digital Office in London.

Reporting into the Regional e-Comm Lead, you will work closely with local attraction Marketing teams to optimise their SEM performance.  

The level of support you provide will depend upon the size and level of revenue generation of the attractions.  In some cases you will be responsible for managing SEM including budgets and performance; delivering the solution to the relevant attraction Marketing Director.  With others you will act more as a consultant to advise and support with SEM planning, projects and challenges working with local attractions and external agencies to identify and develop relevant SEO strategy, audit, plan and optimise PPC performance. 

Key objectives include...

• Budgeting, forecasting and reporting on attraction online traffic KPIs according to agreed budgets to help identify additional opportunities.
• Close liaison with relevant Marketing Directors of attractions as part of the team to deliver the relevant marketing support (focusing on SEM). 
• Liaison with other Marketing Directors / teams to ensure appropriate planning / sharing of best practise / being on hand to answer any questions, where required. 
• Liaison with the Regional DM and Admissions Revenue Manager as well as Local Web Managers to ensure that all are kept in the loop and that we have cohesive plan, where required.  
• Effective communication with other Regional SEM Managers – to ensure sharing of best practice, etc. 
• Maintain ongoing relationship with central SEM Lead for guidance re: best practise, specific problem-solving around key specialist areas and sharing findings.
• Develop a close working relationship with central Insight / analytics team to deliver consistent reporting and clear insight, where required.
• Weekly reporting will be required to continually track performance against target.
• Partner with key attraction stakeholders on a local basis specifically the local Marketing Directors and their marketing teams to deliver a cohesive solution in line with requirements.

We are looking for the following skills and experience…

• Exceptional working knowledge of Google AdWords, Google Display Network, Google Analytics, Google Places, Google Search Console and organic visibility tools.
• Working knowledge of HTML, Web CMS, social platforms and tools such as STAT / Bright edge.
• Proficient use of Excel to create and update reports and work with large data sets to draw insight from.
• Have demonstrable experience of working within a similar role.
• Be an excellent communicator and influencer. 
• Budgeting and financial management experience. 
• Passionate and driven individual, who can demonstrate their enthusiasm for digital.
  
• A data driven, proactive and creative approach to problem solving.
• Flexibility in adapting to fast-changing priorities and fast paced work environment.
• Strong organisation skills, with the ability to multi-task and hit the ground running within a hands-on role.
• You thrive on ownership and accountability – and have a proven track record of acting on your own initiative to deliver change.
• Experience with the Accesso platform would be beneficial as would leisure / entertainment experience.

The 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 can quickly 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.