Global Director – Technical Services & Asset Management Full Time NEW

Global Operations | London hybrid

Join the team behind the world’s favourite places to play.

At Merlin, every moment of magic is powered by brilliant people and world-class engineering. From adrenaline-fuelled rides to unforgettable guest experiences, what we do only works because of the expertise, passion and innovation behind the scenes.

We’re now looking for a Director of Technical Services & Asset Management to lead how we care for, evolve and future-proof our global estate — ensuring our attractions run smarter, safer, and better than ever.

The role

This is a global leadership position at the heart of our operational excellence.

You’ll shape and lead our approach to asset management, smart engineering, quality assurance and maintenance systems, working in close partnership with technical teams across our attractions and central functions.

Your focus? Building a truly joined-up, forward-thinking strategy that improves ride availability, drives performance, and embeds industry-leading engineering standards across Merlin.

What you’ll be doing

Shape the future of our assets

Create and embed a global asset management strategy covering short, medium and long-term planning. You’ll define how we track, maintain and replace assets across diverse markets — ensuring consistency, visibility and performance.

Lead smart engineering at scale

Partner with Continuous Improvement, Digital & Data, and external partners to bring innovation into how we operate. You’ll champion smarter, data-led engineering that keeps us ahead of the curve.

Raise the bar on quality & performance

Build and evolve our quality assurance framework to enhance ride availability, strengthen engineering risk management, and elevate technical services standards across the estate.

Drive availability where it matters most

You’ll lead initiatives that directly impact guest experience — improving ride uptime through better asset strategies, stronger vendor partnerships, and smarter maintenance approaches.

Create a centre of excellence

Capture, share and scale best practice globally. You’ll look both inside and outside our industry to bring fresh thinking into Merlin.

Partner across the business

Work closely with delivery teams on new attractions and refurbishments, influencing design and asset choices while ensuring seamless handover into operations.

Champion sustainability & safety

Collaborate with Energy & Sustainability teams to embed environmental best practice, while always leading with a safety-first mindset across all engineering activities.

Lead and inspire people

Build, coach and develop a high-performing global team. You’ll play a key role in shaping culture across technical services — collaborative, curious and always improving.

Qualifications & Experience

What we’re looking for

You’re a strategic engineering leader who thrives in complex, multi-site environments and knows how to turn big ideas into practical outcomes.

• Proven leadership experience in theme parks, attractions, or similarly complex engineering environments
• Strong track record managing large-scale asset programmes
• Deep understanding of mechanical and electrical systems impacting operational performance
• Experience driving change and influencing senior stakeholders globally
• Confident communicator, able to simplify complex ideas for executive audiences
• Skilled in data-led decision making and continuous improvement (Lean / Six Sigma mindset)
• Experience working with external vendors and partners
• Relevant technical qualification (HNC/HND/Degree or equivalent)
• NEBOSH or equivalent (desirable)

How you’ll lead

You’ll Embody The Behaviours That Define Merlin Leaders

• Soulfully Curious – always learning, always exploring better ways
• Results Focused – setting clear goals and delivering real impact
• Extraordinary Teammate – collaborating across boundaries to win together
• Develops People – investing in others to unlock their potential

Why Merlin?

This is more than an engineering leadership role. It’s an opportunity to shape how millions of guests experience joy, every single day.

Create the worlds people love to play in. Make your next move a playful one and step into a career where play powers possibility. Ready to be part of it? Explore your future with Merlin. It starts with play !

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, 33 days’ holiday including bank holidays, a Merlin Magic Pass which gives you and your friends and family free admission to all of our attractions worldwide, an Enjoy the Ride pass which entitles you and 5 loved ones unlimited entry into your regional attractions, 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants and 40% discount on LEGO, plus lots more!