Global Live Experience Account Director

London (with international travel) | Global Operations | B1

A job with Merlin isn't like a job anywhere else.

We're the world's leading family entertainment company, creating unforgettable experiences for millions of guests every year. From iconic theme parks and resort destinations to immersive attractions and world-famous brands, we bring joy, create connections and make memories.

Our purpose is simple: to bring every family closer through play.

Our vision is ambitious: to be the world's most loved family escape.

And behind every magical moment is a team of talented people making it happen.

We're now looking for a Global Live Experience Account Director to lead one of Merlin's most strategic global partnerships and help shape the future of live entertainment across our worldwide portfolio.

About the Role

This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of Merlin's global outsourced entertainment and events partnership with RWS, ensuring world-class live experiences are designed, built and delivered across our attractions and resorts around the globe.

Acting as the single global owner of the partnership, you'll drive strategic alignment, operational excellence, governance, commercial performance and continuous improvement across a complex and high-profile portfolio of entertainment experiences.

You'll work at the centre of our business, bringing together teams across Growth, Creative, Operations, Finance and Local Sites to ensure every project delivers exceptional guest experiences while maximising value and performance.

The role will work closely and align with F&B and Food Games and Photos to ensure we build out an end-to-end event experience through RWS. You'll be required to work partner closely with the Procurement team.

What You'll Be Doing

• The role will work closely and align with F&B and Food Games and Photos to ensure we build out an end-to-end event experience through RWS.
• You'll be required to work partner closely with the Procurement team.

Lead a Global Strategic Partnership

• Own and develop Merlin's global relationship with RWS.

• Build strong executive and operational partnerships that drive innovation, performance and value.

• Lead executive governance reviews and strategic planning sessions.

• Ensure contractual commitments are delivered while identifying opportunities for growth and optimisation.

Drive End-to-End Entertainment Delivery

• Oversee governance across the full entertainment lifecycle, from proposition development through to operational delivery.

• Ensure robust planning, feasibility assessment and cost modelling.

• Support the delivery of creative and technical outputs that meet Merlin's quality standards.

• Ensure seamless transition from project delivery into operational execution at site level.

Establish Best-in-Class Governance

• Develop and manage clear decision-making frameworks, planning cycles and approval processes.

• Align strategic priorities across Growth, Creative, Operations and Finance teams.

• Create clarity around responsibilities, accountability and escalation routes across global and local stakeholders.

Deliver Commercial Excellence

• Manage significant budgets, forecasts and financial performance across the partnership.

• Drive cost efficiency while maintaining exceptional guest experiences.

• Support investment cases for major projects and events.

• Ensure robust financial oversight and reporting.

Connect Teams Across Merlin

• Act as the central point of integration between multiple global functions.

• Build alignment between creative vision, operational feasibility and commercial objectives.

• Support local teams in navigating processes and maximising partnership value.

• Foster collaboration and communication across a complex global organisation.

Drive Continuous Improvement

• Define and track performance metrics across quality, delivery, guest satisfaction and commercial outcomes.

• Lead post-event reviews and lessons-learned processes.

• Identify opportunities to improve speed, efficiency and innovation.

• Help shape the future evolution of Merlin's live entertainment strategy.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a commercially minded leader who thrives in complex, fast-moving environments and knows how to build high-performing partnerships.

You'll bring:

• Significant experience in global vendor, supplier or account management.

• Experience within live entertainment, events, experiential, attractions, leisure or related industries.

• Strong understanding of end-to-end event, entertainment or production delivery lifecycles.

• Proven success operating within large, matrixed international organisations.

• Strong commercial acumen, including contract management, budget ownership and investment evaluation.

• Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills.

• The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational execution.

• Excellent communication skills with confidence engaging at executive level.

The Leadership Profile

You'll be someone who:

• Thinks globally and acts with an enterprise mindset.

• Takes ownership and accountability for outcomes.

• Builds trust and strong relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.

• Brings structure, clarity and discipline to complex environments.

• Champions innovation, creativity and continuous improvement.

• Leads through collaboration, influence and partnership.

Why Merlin?

At Merlin, you'll have the opportunity to shape experiences that create lifelong memories for families around the world.

You'll work with talented teams, iconic brands and industry-leading attractions while helping us deliver on our vision to become the world's most loved family escape.

In return, we offer a competitive salary, bonus opportunity, excellent benefits and the chance to make a real impact on a global stage.

If you're ready to lead world-class partnerships and help deliver unforgettable experiences across Merlin's global portfolio, we'd love to hear from you.