Finance Director - UK Attractions

Job Description

What you'll bring to the team

Finance Director – UK Attractions

Division: FinanceCareer Level: B1Location: UK Merlin Attraction or Resort (with weekly travel to the Southeast & London)

At Merlin, we bring joy, create connections, and make memories. Our vision is to be the global leader in branded entertainment destinations and the greatest place to work and play.

We’re now looking for an exceptional Finance Director – Attractions to provide strategic financial leadership across our UK Attractions business, while taking the divisional lead for one of our attractions.

This is a high-impact, visible leadership role at the heart of our UK operation.

The Role

Reporting to the VP Finance UK, the Finance Director – Attractions will shape and deliver the financial strategy for the UK Attractions division. You will oversee financial planning, performance management and governance, while driving commercial decision-making that maximises profitability and operational excellence.

The role can be based at any UK attraction; however, you’ll spend at least three days per week in London or the Southeast, with regular travel to attractions across the region and to our Head Office in Arbor.

You will also lead and develop a team of Senior Finance Business Partners (SFBPs), strengthening finance capability and collaboration across the UK estate.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute financial strategies aligned to divisional and UK business objectives.
• Provide strong financial leadership to your attraction and across the division.
• Embed robust financial controls, governance and risk management frameworks.
• Lead, coach and develop a team of Finance Business Partners, building a high-performing finance community.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Own budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning for the Attractions division.
• Deliver insightful analysis including variance reporting, scenario modelling and performance tracking.
• Identify and implement opportunities to optimise margins and improve cost efficiency.

Business Partnering & Commercial Support

• Partner with senior stakeholders, General Managers and operational leaders to drive performance.
• Support pricing strategy, investment appraisals and cost control initiatives.
• Provide financial oversight and guidance on capital investment and expansion projects.
• Collaborate with the Regional Finance team to share best practice and enhance shareholder value.

Compliance, Governance & Reporting

• Ensure full compliance with statutory requirements, internal controls and financial regulations.
• Oversee accurate and timely reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Work closely with auditors and tax authorities to maintain best-in-class governance standards.

Qualifications & Experience

About You

You’ll be a commercially astute, strategically minded finance leader who thrives in a fast-paced, operational environment.

Experience & Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Significant senior finance leadership experience.
• Strong background in financial planning, analysis and commercial finance within leisure, tourism or hospitality.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle) is desirable.

Skills & Capabilities

• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to translate data into clear, actionable insight.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills, with credibility at senior level.
• Advanced financial modelling and reporting capability.
• Commercially driven, with a track record of improving financial performance.
• Comfortable operating in dynamic, complex environments.

The Leadership We’re Looking For

At Merlin, we value leaders who are:

Soulfully CuriousYou seek out diverse perspectives, ask thoughtful questions and stay open to new ideas.

Results FocusedYou set clear goals, hold yourself accountable and consistently deliver outcomes.

An Extraordinary TeammateYou collaborate across boundaries, communicate with clarity and elevate those around you.

A Developer of PeopleYou coach, challenge and invest in the growth of your team and wider colleagues.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the financial future of a diverse and dynamic Attractions portfolio, playing a pivotal role in driving sustainable growth and operational excellence.

If you’re ready to combine strategic leadership with commercial impact and help us continue to create unforgettable experiences for millions of guests - we’d love to hear from you.

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!