Head of Business Development

Job Description

What you'll bring to the team

Head of Business Development

Location: London, Arbor

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent, salaried

We are recruiting for a commercially driven Head of Business Development to lead national growth across the Merlin Venues UK portfolio. This strategic role focuses on proactive sales, market expansion, and driving new business across corporate, agency, and international channels.

You will develop and deliver a UK-wide growth strategy aligned to revenue goals, identifying new market opportunities and leading multi-year planning informed by data and insights. Working closely with General Managers, Marketing, and revenue teams, you will ensure alignment across commercial priorities while shaping long-term business direction.

A key focus will be leading a proactive outbound sales programme, including campaigns, cold outreach, RFPs, and high-value conversions. You will build strong relationships with corporate clients, global agencies, DMCs, and strategic partners, while driving growth in sectors such as luxury, tech, finance, and international markets. You will also lead pitches, showcases, FAM trips, and presentations.

In addition, you will develop senior partnerships with agencies, industry bodies, corporate planners, tourism organisations, and premium brands, and represent Merlin Venues at key industry events. You will oversee CRM-led sales operations, ensuring accurate forecasting, pipeline management, and reporting, while using market insight to inform strategy, pricing, and innovation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ senior business development or commercial leadership experience within the events industry
• Proven track record of driving growth through proactive sales
• Strong negotiation, pitching, and relationship-building skills
• Highly analytical with strong strategic planning and financial interpretation capability
• Dynamic and resilient leader who thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments

Benefits

• A competitive annual salary
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• ‘Enjoy the Ride’ Merlin Annual Passes - 6 in total per year, 1 for you, plus 5 to gift to loved ones!
• Merlin Magic Pass - 20 free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all of our Merlin Attractions across the world rising to 40 after a year’s service
• Company bonus
• Private pension scheme
• 40% discount online off LEGO
• 25% discount in our on-site retail shops and restaurants
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Plus, many more…

Pay Range

Competitive