📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Head of Website and Conversion Rate Optimisation
🔹 Company: Hargreaves Lansdown
🔹 Location: Bristol (Harbourside)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Financial Services
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-04
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Office and Remote)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Strategic leadership in optimizing the company’s website and app performance
- Collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless digital experiences
- Driving digital transformation initiatives and user-centric design
- Analysis of user data and KPIs to inform decision-making and continuous improvement
- Management of a high-performing digital experience team
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of technical expertise and strategic thinking to align digital goals with business objectives.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the optimization of HL’s public-facing website and app
✅ Develop and execute the company’s digital experience strategy
✅ Oversee the design, development, and continuous improvement of intuitive, responsive, and visually appealing digital experiences
✅ Drive digital transformation initiatives and collaborate with UX/UI teams to create user-centric digital solutions
✅ Leverage user research, analytics, and customer feedback to continually refine digital interfaces
✅ Work closely with marketing, product, digital delivery, IT, and design teams to ensure a unified and consistent digital experience
✅ Coordinate with stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of digital projects across platforms
✅ Use analytics tools to monitor performance, track customer behaviour, and analyse KPIs
✅ Generate reports and insights to guide decision-making for digital initiatives and inform continuous improvements
✅ Drive the implementation of A/B testing and experimentation to optimize user experience and conversion rates
✅ Identify emerging digital trends and technologies that could improve the digital experience
✅ Ensure website optimization aligns with SEO best practices and mobile performance standards
✅ Monitor website indexing, crawlability, and ensure that technical SEO elements are aligned with performance goals
✅ Drive mobile-first development strategies to ensure a smooth and fast user experience for mobile users
✅ Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing digital experience team, including copywriters, designers, CRO and personalisation specialists
✅ Manage external vendors and agencies to support specific digital projects
✅ Communicate digital strategies, progress, and results to stakeholders across the organization
✅ Present and advocate for digital initiatives to drive organizational buy-in and support
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on optimization, and team leadership, requiring a versatile skill set.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Marketing, or a related discipline) or equivalent experience
Experience: Proven track record in digital experience or eCommerce, in a leadership position (5-10 years)
Required Skills:
- In-depth understanding of UX/UI principles, digital technologies, content management systems (CMS), customer journey mapping, CRO, and responsive design
- Familiarity with tools such as Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, heat mapping tools, and A/B testing platforms
- Experience with CRM, e-commerce platforms, and integrations across multiple channels
- Strategic mindset with the ability to drive digital initiatives that align with business objectives
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively articulate ideas and strategies to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Ability to analyze complex data and extract actionable insights
- Strong problem-solving skills and a focus on finding innovative solutions to digital experience challenges
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the financial services industry
- Fluency in multiple languages
ASSUMPTION: While industry-specific experience is not explicitly required, it may be beneficial for understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within the financial services sector.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £70,000 - £90,000 per annum (Estimated based on industry standards for a role of this level and location)
Benefits:
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Annual pay review
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and 1-day additional Christmas closure
- Option to purchase an additional 5 days holiday
- Flexible working options available, including hybrid working
- Enhanced parental leave
- Pension scheme up to 11% employer contribution
- Income Protection and Life insurance (4 x salary core level of cover)
- Private medical insurance
- Health care cash plans - including optical, dental, and out-patient care
- Health screening programme
- Help@hand - confidential support including mental health counselling and remote GP
- Wellhub - unlimited access to fitness provider sessions and wellness coach sessions
- Variety of travel to work schemes with bike storage and shower facilities
- Inhouse barista and deli serving subsidised coffee and sandwiches
- Two paid volunteering days per year
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with flexible working options available
ASSUMPTION: The estimated salary range is based on industry standards for a role of this level and location. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Financial Services - Hargreaves Lansdown is the UK’s number one investment platform for private investors, helping clients save time, tax, and money on their investments.
Company Size: Large (1,001-5,000 employees) - This size allows for diverse opportunities and resources while maintaining a collaborative work environment.
Founded: 1981 - Hargreaves Lansdown has a long history and established reputation in the financial services industry.
Company Description:
- Hargreaves Lansdown is the UK’s number one investment platform for private investors, based in Bristol. For more than 40 years, they have helped investors save time, tax, and money on their investments.
- The company offers a wide range of investment products and services, including ISAs, pensions, funds, shares, annuities, income drawdown, financial advice, company pensions, and savings.
- Hargreaves Lansdown is committed to providing excellent service, quality, innovation, and opportunity in everything they do.
Company Specialties:
- ISAs
- Pensions (SIPPs)
- Funds
- Shares
- Annuities
- Income Drawdown
- Financial Advice
- Company Pensions
- Savings
Company Website: https://www.hl.co.uk
ASSUMPTION: Hargreaves Lansdown's extensive experience and market leadership position provide a stable and reputable environment for employees.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior Management - This role involves strategic decision-making, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.
Reporting Structure: The Head of Website and Conversion Rate Optimisation will report directly to the Chief Digital Officer and work closely with various cross-functional teams, including marketing, product, digital delivery, IT, and design.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid - This role offers a blend of office and remote work, providing flexibility while maintaining a collaborative work environment.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a more senior role within the digital team or the wider organization
- Expanding the team and taking on additional responsibilities
- Developing expertise in emerging digital trends and technologies
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential, both in terms of career progression and team expansion.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with on-site amenities, including an inhouse barista and deli.
Office Location(s): One College Square South, Anchor Road, Bristol, BS1 5HL
Geographic Context:
- Bristol is a vibrant city with a rich history, known for its cultural attractions, independent shops, and diverse food scene
- The Harbourside location offers easy access to public transportation, restaurants, and leisure activities
- Bristol has a mild, oceanic climate with relatively mild winters and warm summers
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, with flexible working options available, including hybrid working
ASSUMPTION: The modern office space and flexible work arrangements contribute to a positive work-life balance and employee satisfaction.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening to assess cultural fit and basic qualifications
- Competency-based interview to discuss job-specific skills and experiences
- Presentation or assessment to evaluate problem-solving and strategic thinking
- Online psychometric assessment
- Final interview with the hiring manager and/or other senior stakeholders
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical expertise in digital experience, UX/UI principles, and conversion rate optimization
- Strategic thinking and ability to align digital goals with business objectives
- Leadership and team management skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Data analysis and problem-solving abilities
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the financial services industry and Hargreaves Lansdown's unique value proposition
- Prepare for competency-based interviews by reflecting on your past experiences and accomplishments
- Research the company and its competitors to showcase your industry knowledge
- Be ready to discuss your approach to digital transformation and innovation
ATS Keywords: Digital experience, eCommerce, UX/UI, CRO, responsive design, Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, A/B testing, CRM, digital transformation, data analysis, problem-solving, communication, presentation skills
ASSUMPTION: Hargreaves Lansdown's interview process is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit, with a focus on strategic thinking and leadership potential.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Content management systems (CMS)
- Analytics tools (Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics)
- Heat mapping tools
- A/B testing platforms
- CRM and e-commerce platforms
- Project management tools
- Design and prototyping tools
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may evolve over time, as the digital landscape continues to change.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Service - Putting customers first and exceeding their expectations
- Quality - Delivering excellence in everything we do
- Innovation - Embracing change and driving progress
- Opportunity - Providing growth and development opportunities for our employees
Work Style:
- Collaborative - Working closely with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals
- Agile - Adapting to change and responding to new challenges quickly
- Data-driven - Making informed decisions based on data analysis and insights
- Customer-focused - Prioritizing the needs and preferences of our customers
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with Hargreaves Lansdown's core values?
- Are you comfortable working in a hybrid environment, balancing office and remote work?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, agile work environment, and how do you contribute to a positive team culture?
ASSUMPTION: Hargreaves Lansdown's values and work style emphasize customer focus, collaboration, and continuous improvement, creating an environment that supports employee growth and success.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Balancing strategic planning with hands-on optimization and team management
- Keeping up with emerging digital trends and technologies in a rapidly evolving industry
- Managing stakeholder expectations and ensuring alignment with business objectives
- Navigating a large, complex organization with multiple teams and priorities
- Adapting to a hybrid work environment and maintaining productivity and collaboration
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other digital experience roles, this position requires a balance of strategic leadership and hands-on optimization, with a focus on driving business results through digital initiatives
- In the financial services industry, digital experience roles often involve unique challenges and opportunities, such as regulatory compliance and customer trust
- Career progression in this role may lead to senior management positions within the digital team or the wider organization, with potential for expansion into new markets or product lines
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic leadership and hands-on optimization, with significant growth potential and a focus on driving business results through digital initiatives.
📝 Sample Projects
- Leading a comprehensive website redesign and optimization project, resulting in improved user experience, increased conversion rates, and enhanced SEO performance
- Implementing A/B testing and personalization strategies to optimize user journeys and drive business growth
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and launch new digital products or services, such as mobile apps or online banking platforms
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic, hands-on, and collaborative nature of the Head of Website and Conversion Rate Optimisation role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall digital strategy for the company, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the digital team, and how can this role help address them?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the digital team?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will success be measured?
- How does the company foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, particularly in the digital space?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions help assess the strategic direction, growth opportunities, and cultural fit of the role and the organization.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for competency-based interviews by reflecting on your past experiences and accomplishments
- Research the company and its competitors to showcase your industry knowledge
- Be ready to discuss your approach to digital transformation and innovation
- Follow up with the Recruitment & Onboarding team one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
