Media Relations Director

Job Description

What you'll bring to the team

Director Media Relations 📍London (hybrid) | 💼 Corporate Affairs, People | Contract: FTC until end of 2026 (possible to go to permanent) Bring Joy. Create Connections. Make Memories. A job with Merlin isn’t like a job anywhere else. With attractions across the globe from rollercoasters to iconic experiences, we don’t trade in suits and briefcases. We trade in fun, in unforgettable moments and in magic.But behind that magic? Exceptional people. We’re looking for a Director, Media Relations to protect and elevate Merlin Entertainments’ global reputation, someone who thrives in high-profile environments, influences easily at the top and leads with confidence during both opportunity and challenge. The RoleReporting to the VP Corporate Affairs, you will lead Merlin’s global corporate media relations strategy, overseeing a high-performing press office capability that drives proactive storytelling, safeguards reputation and ensures best-in-class issues and crisis management.You’ll be a trusted advisor to our CEO and Executive team, shaping how Merlin shows up in the media, during key financial moments and when it matters most. What You’ll Be Doing

• Shape the narrative: Develop and deliver a proactive global corporate communications strategy that brings Merlin’s business performance, strategy, and progress to life.
• Elevate leadership visibility: Create and execute a high-impact media and thought leadership plan for the CEO across media, social and speaking platforms.
• Lead in moments that matter: Own issues preparedness and crisis communications, acting as the go-to advisor on media strategy during critical situations.
• Be the voice of Merlin: Serve as the lead in-house spokesperson, representing the organisation with credibility and authority.
• Build powerful relationships: Establish and nurture strong connections with tier one media.
• Financial communications: Partner with Finance to deliver clear, compelling messaging that builds investor and lender confidence.
• Coach and influence: Support and develop colleagues and an international PR network to elevate media performance globally.
• Maximise external partnerships: Manage third-party agencies and advisors to deliver exceptional value and impact.

Who You’ll Work WithYou’ll collaborate across the highest levels of the organisation, including:

• CEO and Executive Team – as a trusted media advisor
• Global Corporate Affairs, Communications & Marketing teams
• Key partners across Finance, People and Legal
• Operations teams during issue management scenarios
• External agencies, investors and partner organisations

Qualifications & Experience

What We’re Looking For

• 15+ years’ experience in corporate media relations, ideally within complex, high-profile, consumer-facing organisations
• Proven success managing tier one media relationships and protecting corporate reputation
• Experience leading international media functions and networks
• Strong track record as a credible and confident company spokesperson
• Comfortable advising C-suite leaders and influencing key decisions
• Financial literacy with the ability to communicate complex topics simply
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Calm, composed and decisive under pressure
• A natural coach and mentor who elevates those around them

Our Leadership Behaviours At Merlin, our leaders are: Soulfully CuriousOpen-minded, inquisitive and always seeking to learn. Results FocusedClear on priorities, accountable for outcomes, and driven to deliver. Extraordinary TeammatesCollaborative, supportive and committed to collective success. Developers of PeoplePassionate about coaching, mentoring and growing talent. Health & SafetySafety is a top priority at Merlin. All employees are responsible for ensuring safe working practices, protecting themselves, colleagues and guests, and adhering to all health and safety policies and procedures. Why Join Merlin?This is a rare opportunity to shape the global reputation of one of the world’s leading entertainment brands - working at the heart of the business, influencing at the highest level and making a real impact.

Benefits

We’re growing fast and alongside a fun and friendly environment, we offer a fabulous package and amazing prospects – ideal if you’re already fantastic and want to become even better (our magic can help here). Benefits include Pension, Life Assurance, discretionary company bonus, 33 days’ holiday including bank holidays, a Merlin Magic Pass which gives you and your friends and family free admission to all of our attractions worldwide, an Enjoy the Ride pass which entitles you and 5 loved ones unlimited entry into your regional attractions, 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants and 40% discount on LEGO, plus lots more!