A job with Merlin isn’t like a job anywhere else. With attractions around the world, from rollercoasters to wax figures, we don’t trade in suits, handshakes or briefcases. We trade in fun. In smiles, shrieks and spine-tingles. In Memories. In magic. But there are no tricks behind our magic. Instead, there are people like you. Passionate, dedicated people who are committed to making sure our worldwide attractions and guests’ experiences are the best they can be.

Due to continuing growth and development of Merlin’s attractions and brands on a global scale, we are looking for a Product Design & Research Director to join our Technology department on a permanent basis. The role will be based at London, Bankside office, with a hybrid element for those looking for more flexibility. Please see details of the role below:

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Lead and execute a product design strategy that seamlessly integrates digital and physical experiences, aligning with business goals and customer needs.
• Build and nurture inclusive, high-performing teams in Product Design, User Research, and Content Design.
• Advocate for design thinking and human-centered methodologies across the organization.
• Define success metrics and frameworks to measure design impact and outcomes.

Research & Insights

• Develop and scale a research strategy that informs product decisions with rich user insights.
• Blend qualitative and quantitative research to drive data-informed design.
• Create scalable research operations that empower teams with actionable insights.

Design Excellence

• Cultivate a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in design.
• Lead the evolution of design systems and tools for consistent, high-quality experiences.
• Balance user needs, business goals, and technical feasibility to deliver optimal solutions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with product, tech, marketing, and operations to ensure cohesive experiences.
• Advocate for the user, communicating design concepts and research findings with clarity and impact.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with stakeholders, aligning priorities and delivering strategic outcomes.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Stay ahead of industry trends, exploring and adopting new tools, technologies, and best practices.
• Foster a culture of experimentation, rapid iteration, and agile design processes.
• Lead initiatives that drive innovation in both digital and physical experiences.

• Degree or equivalent experience in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, or a related field; advanced degree welcomed
• 10+ years in design, with at least 5 years in leadership roles
• Experience building and scaling design teams in dynamic, fast-paced environments
• Expertise in user research, design systems, and modern design practices
• Proven success in delivering product development and digital transformation projects
• Experience in agile environments with cross-functional teams
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of mentoring and inspiring design professionals
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders
• Analytical mindset, translating user insights into practical solutions
• Strategic thinker with a focus on driving design innovation
• Proficiency in design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) and research/analytics tools (e.g., Hotjar, UserTesting)
• Experience with scalable design systems and processes
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills

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, 28/33 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!

If you have any questions or if you require any assistance, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at Recruitment@Merlinentertainments.biz and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.