Head of SEO London

IG Group in London shows solid financial health and growth, with FY25 profit before tax around £535.8m (continuing operations), more than £397m of capital returned to shareholders, and the strategic Freetrade acquisition, plus a formal ESG framework (Brighter Future) and recognition as a Living Wage employer and Top Employer in the UK and SA. From reviews, strengths cited by employees and clients include a supportive, collaborative culture, good benefits, and a reliable, client‑focused platform with strong educational content. Common criticisms include limited career progression for non‑English staff, concerns about senior management and leadership turnover, and a perceived gap between technology teams and traders. Overall ratings cluster in the mid‑3s (around 3.4–3.5/5) with roughly 45–48% of employees recommending IG Group, indicating mixed sentiment and potential self‑selection bias; cross‑checking with the annual report and sustainability disclosures suggests a financially healthy and ESG‑driven business, albeit with ongoing culture and advancement challenges.

What is the Head of SEO role at IG Group and where is it located?

The Head of SEO leads the geo-focused organic search and ASO strategy for IG Group’s UK market, with a strong emphasis on turning organic traffic into measurable commercial outcomes (traffic, applications, and first trades). The role is based in London and follows a hybrid model requiring 3 days in the office. You’ll report to the Director of Performance & Lifecycle Marketing and partner with IG’s central SEO hub in Poland for technical performance, while owning the strategy and execution in UK markets. A strategic pivot is underway to grow volumes via investing (Share Dealing) and crypto products, and you’ll help realign organic search to capture high-intent users in these segments.

What would I be responsible for on a day-to-day basis?

• Develop and own the geo-level SEO and ASO strategy to drive customer acquisition and growth for the UK market.
• Align content, product, and marketing initiatives to commercial goals (traffic, sign-ups, applications, and first trades).
• Realign and future-proof the organic strategy to adapt to AI-driven search platforms and conversational AI query behavior.
• Partner with the central SEO hub in Poland on technical performance while leading on-site, content, and optimization efforts in the UK.
• Work cross-functionally with product, content, performance marketing, and analytics teams to ensure integrated SEO outcomes.
• Monitor, report, and optimize key metrics (organic traffic, conversion rate, first-trade volume, share of voice, and ROI) and manage SEO budgets.
• Mentor and lead SEO practitioners, fostering a data-driven, collaborative culture within the UK marketing team.

What qualifications and experience are required or preferred?

• Extensive SEO leadership experience (typically 8+ years) with a proven track record of growing organic traffic and conversions, preferably in FinTech, financial services, or regulated industries.
• Demonstrable success in geo-targeted SEO and ASO, with a commercial mindset that links SEO activity to revenue and growth.
• Strong analytics and data skills (GA4, SQL or equivalent, data visualization) and the ability to translate data into executable strategy.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and managing relationships with external partners or central hubs (e.g., a hub in another country).
• Familiarity with evolving search landscapes, including AI-driven search and answer engines, and the ability to adapt strategies accordingly.
• Excellent communication and leadership capabilities, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and mentor teammates.
• Solid understanding of regulatory considerations in financial services and robust attention to compliance and risk.

What does the application process look like and what is the timeline?

• Step 1: Online application and resume submission.
• Step 2: Initial screening interview with HR and the hiring manager to assess fit and experience.
• Step 3: Case study or practical assignment related to geo SEO and strategy planning (may be part of an interview loop).
• Step 4: In-depth interviews with senior marketing leaders and cross-functional partners.
• Step 5: Offer and negotiation if there is a mutual fit. Timelines can vary, but a typical process for senior roles like this ranges from 4 to 6 weeks from application to decision, depending on interview availability and internal review.

What about culture, benefits, and growth opportunities at IG Group?

• IG Group is a publicly traded FTSE250 FinTech with a global footprint (offices in 18 countries, products in 16 regions) and a large user base (over 340,000 daily users). The company emphasizes autonomy, cross-functional collaboration, and delivering fast, customer-focused product improvements.
• The role offers significant visibility within the UK leadership team and a chance to shape organic growth strategies for its largest market.
• Benefits and compensation are discussed during the interview process and aligned with the candidate’s experience and the role’s impact.
• There are clear growth opportunities to broaden responsibilities within performance marketing and product areas across IG’s markets, given the global scale and ambitious growth trajectory.