Head of Business Development - Events

Job Description

What you'll bring to the team

Head of Business Development - Events

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 is dedicated to driving corporate event sales, expanding market share, and securing high-value business across corporate clients, agencies, and international channels.

You will develop and deliver a UK-wide growth strategy aligned to revenue targets, identifying opportunities across key sectors including finance, technology, and luxury. Working closely with General Managers, Marketing, and revenue teams, you will ensure alignment across commercial priorities.

A core focus will be leading proactive outbound sales, including campaigns, outreach, RFPs, and high-value conversions. You will build strong relationships with corporate clients, global agencies, and event partners, while leading pitches, presentations, and client showcases.

You will also develop strategic partnerships, represent Merlin Venues at industry events, and oversee CRM-led sales operations, ensuring strong pipeline management, forecasting, and performance reporting.

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