Role Summary

The Senior Project Manager plays a critical leadership role in delivering world-class capital projects across Merlin’s regional portfolio, ensuring the successful execution of ride, park, and hotel developments that enhance guest experience and support long-term business growth.

This role provides strategic project leadership, operational oversight, and technical guidance across complex, high-value developments, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to Merlin’s exceptional quality standards.

Acting as a key connector between operational teams, consultants, contractors, creative teams, and senior stakeholders, this individual drives execution excellence while championing innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the project lifecycle.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Project Leadership

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of major regional capital projects, including ride installations, park developments, and hotel expansions.
• Establish structured project governance frameworks to ensure consistent delivery excellence across all project phases.
• Provide strategic direction and support to Project Managers across multiple active developments.
• Drive alignment between project execution and broader business strategy.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Develop, manage, and oversee project budgets exceeding £1M+, ensuring financial discipline and cost efficiency.
• Provide accurate forecasting, cost planning, and budget recommendations for both new and existing projects.
• Ensure effective procurement strategies are implemented to optimize cost and quality outcomes.
• Maintain strict budgetary control while balancing quality and operational expectations.

Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong relationships with operational leadership, internal stakeholders, and regional site teams.
• Partner closely with Creative Directors and Marketing teams to ensure project vision aligns with brand objectives.
• Manage consultant and supplier relationships, ensuring best-in-class delivery partnerships.
• Foster strong communication channels across all project stakeholders to drive alignment and execution.

Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Mentor, coach, and support Project Managers and wider delivery teams, helping strengthen internal project management capability.
• Create development opportunities for team members through exposure to innovative and complex project initiatives.
• Promote collaboration, accountability, and high-performance standards across project teams.
• Act as a leadership role model, inspiring excellence and professional growth.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve project delivery processes and operational efficiencies.
• Lead problem-solving initiatives to address complex project challenges and remove barriers to execution.
• Stay at the forefront of emerging industry practices, technologies, and construction methodologies.
• Drive innovative thinking across design, engineering, and construction delivery.

Compliance, Risk & Safety

• Ensure all project delivery follows Merlin protocols, local legislative requirements, and health & safety standards.
• Manage project risk proactively, mitigating issues before they impact delivery.
• Oversee compliance with procurement, construction, and ride safety regulations.
• Champion a safety-first culture across all project activities.

What Success Looks Like

• Major capital projects delivered on time and within budget
• High-quality attraction and hotel developments enhancing guest experience
• Strong financial governance across all project portfolios
• Effective stakeholder alignment across operational and creative teams
• Improved project delivery efficiency and innovation
• Strong internal project management capability development

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Significant senior-level experience in construction and capital project management
• Strong understanding of ride installation, construction planning, and project delivery processes
• Proven experience managing large-scale capital budgets and project financials
• Deep knowledge of procurement, cost control, and construction sequencing
• Strong stakeholder management and leadership capability
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Understanding of local authority regulations and legislative requirements
• Experience in themed entertainment, hospitality, leisure, or large-scale destination development preferred

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.