Role Summary

The Facilities Director is a critical senior leader responsible for driving the performance, reliability, and safety of all technical and infrastructure assets across the resort.

This role sits at the intersection of engineering excellence, operational delivery, and commercial performance—ensuring that every ride, facility, and system operates safely, efficiently, and in a way that enhances the overall guest experience.

You will lead a complex, multi-disciplinary technical organization, partnering closely with senior stakeholders to shape asset strategy, capital investment, and long-term sustainability. Your impact will be seen in improved uptime, reduced risk, optimized spend, and a consistently high-quality guest environment.

What You’ll Own

Strategic & Technical Leadership

• Define and execute a forward-looking Technical Services strategy aligned to business goals
• Act as the senior advisor on asset reliability, engineering risk, and infrastructure planning
• Drive alignment between technical operations and commercial outcomes (guest experience, uptime, cost efficiency)

Asset Management & Operational Excellence

• Ensure all rides, facilities, and infrastructure operate at best-in-class reliability and safety standards
• Lead proactive maintenance strategies, improving availability, lifecycle performance, and cost control
• Oversee compliance with all regulatory and internal standards, partnering with Health & Safety teams

Opex & Capex Ownership

• Own and manage operating and capital budgets, ensuring strategic allocation of resources
• Lead long-term asset replacement and investment planning
• Ensure all spend delivers maximum ROI, safety assurance, and operational sustainability

Capital Projects & Development

• Oversee major capital programs, including ride installations, infrastructure upgrades, and refurbishments
• Evaluate and influence investment decisions based on technical feasibility, lifecycle value, and risk mitigation
• Partner with Merlin Magic Making to embed technical excellence into new developments

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure full alignment with Global Technical Services standards and statutory requirements
• Act as escalation point for critical technical risks, system failures, and performance issues
• Maintain strong audit readiness and ensure closure of non-conformities

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Drive innovation across engineering and facilities operations
• Introduce new technologies, maintenance strategies, and cost efficiencies
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence

People Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead and develop a large, multi-functional technical workforce
• Build capability across teams, ensuring strong succession planning and talent development
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and high performance

Sustainability & Environmental Leadership

• Partner with sustainability teams to reduce environmental impact and energy consumption
• Integrate sustainability into asset lifecycle planning and capital strategy
• Lead initiatives that align with Merlin’s long-term environmental commitments

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Own key supplier relationships, ensuring performance, safety, and service excellence
• Influence senior stakeholders across operations, finance, and global technical teams
• Operate confidently at executive level, translating technical insight into business decisions

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Improve asset uptime and operational reliability across the resort
• Deliver high-value capital programs that support growth and guest experience
• Strengthen compliance, reduce risk, and enhance safety performance
• Build a high-performing technical organization capable of sustained excellence

What We’re Looking For

Experience

• Significant senior leadership experience in engineering, facilities, or asset-intensive environments
• Proven track record managing large-scale maintenance and capital programs
• Experience operating in complex, fast-paced, multi-site environments

Capabilities

• Deep technical expertise across mechanical, electrical, and infrastructure systems
• Strong commercial acumen—able to link technical decisions to business outcomes
• Exceptional stakeholder management and executive-level communication skills
• Proven ability to lead change, transformation, and continuous improvement
• Data-driven mindset, using KPIs and insights to drive performance

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent (HNC/HND) in Engineering or related field
• NEBOSH or equivalent safety certification preferred
• Experience in theme parks, hospitality, or service-led environments advantageous

Leadership Expectations

Soulfully Curious

You challenge the status quo and continuously seek better ways to operate.

Results Focused

You deliver measurable outcomes and take accountability for performance.

Extraordinary Teammate

You collaborate across boundaries and elevate those around you.

Develops People

You build capability, nurture talent, and create 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.