Merlin Entertainments

Media Relations Director

Location (Country-County-City) UK-Greater London-London
Job Locations UK-Greater London-London
ID
2026-12081
Employment Type
Full-Time
Offer/Contract Type
Fixed End Date/Seasonal
Location Name
Arbor Building - London

What you'll bring to the team

Director Media Relations 
đź“ŤLondon (hybrid) | đź’Ľ Corporate Affairs, People | Contract: FTC until end of 2026 (possible to go to permanent)
 
Bring Joy. Create Connections. Make Memories.
 
A job with Merlin isn’t like a job anywhere else. With attractions across the globe from rollercoasters to iconic experiences, we don’t trade in suits and briefcases. We trade in fun, in unforgettable moments and in magic.
But behind that magic? Exceptional people.
 
We’re looking for a Director, Media Relations to protect and elevate Merlin Entertainments’ global reputation, someone who thrives in high-profile environments, influences easily at the top and leads with confidence during both opportunity and challenge.
 
The Role
Reporting to the VP Corporate Affairs, you will lead Merlin’s global corporate media relations strategy, overseeing a high-performing press office capability that drives proactive storytelling, safeguards reputation and ensures best-in-class issues and crisis management.
You’ll be a trusted advisor to our CEO and Executive team, shaping how Merlin shows up in the media, during key financial moments and when it matters most.
 
What You’ll Be Doing
  • Shape the narrative: Develop and deliver a proactive global corporate communications strategy that brings Merlin’s business performance, strategy, and progress to life.
  • Elevate leadership visibility: Create and execute a high-impact media and thought leadership plan for the CEO across media, social and speaking platforms.
  • Lead in moments that matter: Own issues preparedness and crisis communications, acting as the go-to advisor on media strategy during critical situations.
  • Be the voice of Merlin: Serve as the lead in-house spokesperson, representing the organisation with credibility and authority.
  • Build powerful relationships: Establish and nurture strong connections with tier one media.
  • Financial communications: Partner with Finance to deliver clear, compelling messaging that builds investor and lender confidence.
  • Coach and influence: Support and develop colleagues and an international PR network to elevate media performance globally.
  • Maximise external partnerships: Manage third-party agencies and advisors to deliver exceptional value and impact.
Who You’ll Work With
You’ll collaborate across the highest levels of the organisation, including:
  • CEO and Executive Team – as a trusted media advisor
  • Global Corporate Affairs, Communications & Marketing teams
  • Key partners across Finance, People and Legal
  • Operations teams during issue management scenarios
  • External agencies, investors and partner organisations

Qualifications & Experience

What We’re Looking For
  • 15+ years’ experience in corporate media relations, ideally within complex, high-profile, consumer-facing organisations
  • Proven success managing tier one media relationships and protecting corporate reputation
  • Experience leading international media functions and networks
  • Strong track record as a credible and confident company spokesperson
  • Comfortable advising C-suite leaders and influencing key decisions
  • Financial literacy with the ability to communicate complex topics simply
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Calm, composed and decisive under pressure
  • A natural coach and mentor who elevates those around them
Our Leadership Behaviours
 
At Merlin, our leaders are:
 
Soulfully Curious
Open-minded, inquisitive and always seeking to learn.
 
Results Focused
Clear on priorities, accountable for outcomes, and driven to deliver.
 
Extraordinary Teammates
Collaborative, supportive and committed to collective success.
 
Developers of People
Passionate about coaching, mentoring and growing talent. 
 
Health & Safety
Safety is a top priority at Merlin. All employees are responsible for ensuring safe working practices, protecting themselves, colleagues and guests, and adhering to all health and safety policies and procedures.
 
Why Join Merlin?
This is a rare opportunity to shape the global reputation of one of the world’s leading entertainment brands - working at the heart of the business, influencing at the highest level and making a real impact.

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!

 

 

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At Merlin we welcome the world to our magical attractions and resorts every day and we want to reflect that same multicultural mix inside our business too. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse workplace where people can be themselves, have the same opportunities and thrive together. Because at Merlin, everyone matters!

Together, we work to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, no matter their age, race, gender, disability or sexual orientation. Although we understand that we'll always be learning and growing, we aim to be the most inclusive and flexible employer in our industry.