Role Summary

The Resort Health & Safety Director is a strategic and operational leader responsible for shaping, embedding, and advancing a world-class safety culture across the resort.

This role goes beyond compliance—it is about protecting guests, colleagues, and the Merlin brand by proactively identifying risks, driving continuous improvement, and embedding “Safety First” as a core value in everything we do.

As a trusted advisor to the Resort Leadership Team, you will provide expert guidance, thought leadership, and governance, ensuring all health and safety practices are robust, forward-thinking, and aligned with both regulatory requirements and Merlin’s global standards.

You will lead a risk-based, data-driven approach to safety—prioritizing what matters most, influencing decision-making, and enabling the business to operate safely while achieving its commercial ambitions.

What You’ll Own

Strategic Leadership & Culture

• Champion and embed a proactive, high-performance safety culture across the resort
• Position Health & Safety as a core business value, not just a function
• Partner with senior leaders to drive accountability, ownership, and behavioral change
• Lead the “Protecting the Magic” vision—bringing safety to life across all teams

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify, assess, and mitigate critical safety risks impacting guests, employees, and operations
• Ensure full compliance with OSHA and all local/state regulatory requirements
• Own and evolve the Health & Safety Risk Register and Annual Action Plan
• Lead governance, assurance, and audit processes to maintain best-in-class standards

Operational Excellence

• Design and implement scalable, effective safety programs and procedures
• Ensure safe operations across rides, attractions, accommodation, and facilities
• Oversee key safety programs including:
  • Fall Protection
  • Lockout/Tagout
  • Electrical Safety
  • Confined Space
  • Powered Industrial Trucks
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce incidents and enhance performance

Project & Development Support

• Partner with Merlin Magic Making to ensure safety is embedded from design through delivery
• Provide expert oversight across capital projects, new attractions, and operational changes
• Ensure safe design, construction, commissioning, and launch of all new developments

Leadership & Capability Building

• Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing Health & Safety team
• Develop talent pipelines and succession plans for long-term capability
• Coach leaders and teams to own safety within their operations
• Foster a culture of learning, accountability, and continuous growth

Governance, Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement

• Deliver clear, data-driven reporting on KPIs, trends, and risk exposure
• Present insights and recommendations to senior leadership forums
• Act as the primary liaison with:
  • Regulatory authorities
  • Industry bodies
  • External partners
• Represent Merlin as a leader in safety excellence across the industry

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Reduce incident rates and strengthen risk mitigation strategies
• Elevate safety culture maturity across all departments
• Ensure audit-ready compliance at all times
• Enable safe, sustainable growth across resort operations and development

Key Relationships

You will operate as a true business partner, influencing across a complex, matrixed environment:

• Resort Leadership Team
• Regional & Global Health & Safety Teams
• Technical Services & Operations
• Merlin Magic Making
• Legal, Compliance & Risk
• External Regulatory Authorities & Industry Bodies

Experience

• Proven leadership experience in Health & Safety within high-risk environments
• Track record of delivering measurable safety improvements and cultural transformation
• Experience operating in complex, multi-site or large-scale environments

Capabilities

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness
• Exceptional ability to influence, partner, and lead through others
• Deep expertise in risk management, compliance, and safety systems
• Strong communicator with the ability to translate insight into action
• Change leader who can drive innovation and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Health & Safety (or related field)
• Professional certifications (e.g., ASP, CSP) preferred
• Minimum 6+ years in a senior Health & Safety leadership role

Leadership Expectations

Soulfully Curious

You challenge the status quo, seek new perspectives, and continuously learn.

Results Focused

You take ownership, deliver outcomes, and drive measurable impact.

Extraordinary Teammate

You collaborate, influence, and elevate those around you.

Develops People

You invest in others—building capability, confidence, and future leaders.

Your Adventure Awaits! 🌟🌍

At Merlin Entertainments North America, we believe in not just rewarding your work but enhancing your journey with an exhilarating array of benefits that go beyond the ordinary. Get ready for a ride of a lifetime as we unveil the extraordinary perks waiting for you!

🚀 Your Benefits Odyssey Begins Here:

💰 Competitive Salary:

• Brace yourself for a salary that not only recognizes your talents but propels you to new heights.

🏝️ Generous PTO:

• Time off is your passport to recharge. Enjoy a generous PTO policy to explore, relax, and rejuvenate.

👩‍⚕️ Affordable Health Plans:

• Dive into the comfort of affordable medical, vision, and dental plans that prioritize your well-being.

🌍 Global Access Pass:

• Picture this – free entry to all Merlin attractions worldwide! Your golden ticket extends to family and friends, unlocking a world of wonder.

🛡️ Secure Your Future:

• Safeguard your legacy with company-paid life insurance – because we care about your peace of mind.

🌐 Continued Growth:

• Joining Merlin isn't just a job; it's a thrilling expedition. Expect continuous growth in an exciting, global organization that values your journey.