Role Overview: The Group Health, Safety & Security (HSS) Director for the North America (NA) Region is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive HSS programs and risk control measures across all Merlin attractions in the region. This role ensures alignment with the Group’s overarching HSS strategies, priorities, and objectives, while fostering collaboration with other global regions. The post-holder will integrate these programs with broader business goals for the region.

This position ensures effective HSS governance, risk management, and continuous improvement, embedding HSS as a core value and business priority. The role involves working closely with regional and local HSS teams, leaders, and other stakeholders to maintain high standards and a proactive safety culture, safeguarding Merlin’s guests, employees, contractors, and reputation.

In addition to overseeing HSS programs for existing sites, the role supports new business development projects, ensuring their safe design, mobilization, and launch. Collaboration with Merlin Magic Making (MMM) teams is key to integrating operational HSS practices into these projects. For resorts, the post-holder will provide strategic insights into Security and First-Aid/Medical operations, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, policies, and best practices.

Key Accountabilities:

1. HSS Strategy & Leadership:

• Develop and execute HSS strategies across all regional sites, ensuring alignment with Group strategy and regional objectives.

• Foster leadership ownership and accountability for HSS standards and embed a proactive safety culture.

• Champion Merlin’s “Protecting the Magic” campaign and other initiatives that reinforce HSS values.

2. HSS Risk Management:

• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate health, safety, and security risks on a prioritized basis.

• Focus on managing critical safety risks across all sites.

• Ensure effective control measures and procedures are implemented to safeguard guests, employees, and contractors.

3. HSS Governance & Assurance:

• Lead governance processes to ensure compliance with HSS policies, standards, and regulations.

• Oversee monitoring and assurance activities to verify compliance.

• Provide meaningful reports and trend analyses on HSS performance to senior leadership.

4. HSS Culture Change & Continuous Improvement:

• Drive continuous improvement in HSS standards and foster a culture of operational excellence.

• Develop strategies to reduce incidents and enhance safety performance.

• Benchmark regional practices against industry leaders and foster innovation.

5. Team Leadership & Talent Development:

• Lead, motivate, and mentor a high-performing HSS team, ensuring collaboration and excellence.

• Build talent pipelines and succession plans for HSS roles.

• Provide coaching and strategic guidance to senior management on HSS matters.

6. Project Oversight:

• Collaborate with Merlin Magic Making (MMM) to oversee HSS aspects of new projects, ensuring compliance from design to operation.

• Apply learnings and best practices from capital projects to new developments.

• Ensure thorough HSS considerations throughout project lifecycles.

7. Collaboration & Reporting:

• Work closely with Group HSS, regional leadership, and local teams.

• Present regional HSS strategies and performance updates to senior leadership and executive boards.

• Align with global functions to ensure consistency across regions.

8. Stakeholder & Industry Engagement:

• Build relationships with regulatory authorities, inspection bodies, and industry organizations.

• Represent Merlin in industry forums and advocate for HSS excellence.

• Share knowledge, best practices, and innovations across global regions.

Key Responsibilities by Area:

• Existing Attractions: Oversee HSS programs, ensuring robust governance and operational safety standards.

• New Developments: Support safe design and mobilization of new projects, collaborating with MMM and operational teams.

• Resort Operations: Provide insights on Security and First-Aid/Medical compliance for Resort Operations teams.

Experience and Qualifications

• Education & Certification: Graduate-level education with a recognized Health & Safety qualification (e.g., at least Diploma or local equivalent).
• Professional Membership: Active membership in a local or regional Safety Professional Association or Institute (or equivalent).
• Proven Leadership: At least 10 years of experience in senior HSS leadership roles within high-hazard industries.
• Team Leadership: A strong history of leading innovative, high-performing HSS teams in multi-site or regional business units.
• Strategic Implementation: Demonstrable success in developing and implementing HSS strategies that drive cultural transformation and improve safety performance.
• Risk Expertise: Extensive experience in risk management, governance, and assurance processes, ideally within high-hazard industries involving critical engineering elements.
• Project Oversight: Experience with HSS project management, particularly in new builds, refurbishments, and large-scale developments.
• Global Perspective: Adept at working across international, complex, and matrixed organizations.

Skills and Competencies

Leadership and Influence

• A proven ability to inspire, influence, and drive accountability across all levels of the organization.
• Fosters an inclusive, diverse environment that nurtures talent and reinforces a culture of safety.
• Role-models values-driven leadership, embodying and promoting Merlin’s core values.

Risk Management

• Expertise in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating critical risks to ensure safety and compliance.
• Resilient and steadfast in embedding HSS as a fundamental organizational priority.

Strategic and Commercial Acumen

• Strategic thinker with a sharp commercial sense, adept at balancing HSS priorities with operational and financial objectives.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage, influence, and build relationships at all levels.
• Demonstrates a collaborative mindset, fostering partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

Budgetary Management

• Skilled in managing team resources and activities within budget constraints.
• Proficient in interpreting financial reports and forecasting expenditures.

Project and Change Management

• Highly skilled in overseeing complex projects and driving organizational change to deliver measurable outcomes.

Innovation and Results Focus

• Forward-thinking, with a track record of identifying and implementing innovative solutions to enhance HSS performance.
• Detail-oriented and process-focused, delivering results while maintaining governance standards.

Leadership Behaviors

Soulfully Curious

• Continuously seeks new knowledge and explores diverse perspectives to stay ahead of complex challenges.
• Asks insightful questions with a genuine desire to learn and remains open to innovative ideas.

Results Focused

• Sets clear, achievable goals, prioritizes effectively, and regularly evaluates progress to ensure success.
• Demonstrates accountability, learns from both achievements and setbacks, and strives to exceed expectations.

Extraordinary Teammate

• Actively collaborates, shares knowledge, and supports peers to enhance organizational performance.
• Communicates respectfully and clearly, celebrating successes and contributing to a positive team culture.

Develops People

• Committed to fostering growth and development by providing constructive feedback and coaching.
• Creates opportunities for skill enhancement, nurtures talent, and prioritizes the personal and professional growth of others.

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.

🤝 401(k) Matching Plan:

• Your financial goals are important. Benefit from our 401(k) matching plan to help you build a secure future.

🌐 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.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family and Friends Fun:

• Your loved ones are part of the adventure! Share the joy with family and friends as they too enjoy free entry to our magical attractions.