Regional Technical Services and Engineering Director

Job Description

What you'll bring to the team

ROLE OVERVIEW

This is a pivotal regional leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering Merlin’s Technical Services strategy across a diverse portfolio of world-class attractions. You will lead the safe, reliable and commercially effective performance of all technical assets—ensuring rides, infrastructure and facilities are maintained to the highest standards of compliance, availability, and guest experience.

As a senior functional leader, you will partner closely with SVPs, Attraction Vice Presidents, Technical Directors, and the Health, Safety & Security (HSS) team to provide expert leadership across asset management, engineering operations, capital investment, supplier performance, and regulatory compliance. You will also play a critical role in influencing global initiatives, ensuring regional insight informs enterprise-wide strategy.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic Leadership

Provide clear, future-focused leadership for Technical Services across the region. Define and execute short-, medium- and long-term strategies that enhance safety, asset reliability, guest experience, and financial performance. Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on technical risk, investment priorities, and operational resilience.

Opex & Capex Stewardship

Lead the development, submission, and ongoing management of regional Opex and Capex budgets. Ensure capital and operating spend is aligned to functional strategy, delivers value for money, and supports long-term asset sustainability. Maintain full accountability for fixed assets and inventory in line with Merlin governance.

Capital Projects & Asset Renewal

Oversee rolling Capex programmes for infrastructure, rides, and critical asset replacement. Evaluate business cases for technical viability, cost efficiency, and lifecycle value, ensuring investment decisions protect safety, reliability, and future growth.

Asset Management & Compliance

Ensure regional asset management frameworks align to Global Technical Services (GTS) standards and statutory requirements. Partner with HSS to maintain full regulatory compliance, proactively identifying and mitigating risks across the attraction estate.

Technical Assurance & Operational Support

Provide senior technical leadership on complex faults, systemic risks, and operational challenges. Drive rapid resolution of issues that could impact guest experience, brand reputation, or safety.

Governance, Risk & Reporting

Work with SVPs, HSS Directors, and GTS to ensure effective audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and closure of non-conformities. Serve as the regional escalation point for technical risk, performance issues, and long-term asset concerns.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

Champion innovation, standardization, and best practice across the region. Partner with Central Technical Services to embed new technologies, asset strategies, and performance improvements that elevate reliability and guest satisfaction.

People & Leadership

Lead and develop the Technical Support Director and provide strong matrix leadership across regional technical teams. Build capability, reward high performance, and address under-performance with clarity and care—creating a culture of ownership, safety, and excellence.

Major Projects & Development

Support Merlin’s Development pipeline by embedding GTS standards, technical insight, and operational learnings into new builds, ride installations, and major refurbishments.

Sustainability & Environmental Engineering

Partner with Energy and Sustainability teams to reduce Merlin’s environmental footprint. Lead the deployment of green Capex and integrate sustainability into asset lifecycle planning and engineering standards.

Vendor & Partner Management

Own key supplier relationships across the region, driving performance, safety compliance, and service delivery that supports attraction uptime and operational excellence.

Health, Safety & Wellbeing

Act as a visible champion of Merlin’s safety-first culture. Ensure safe systems of work, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement in technical safety standards across all sites.

Communication & Performance Management

Lead regular regional Technical Services forums, ensuring Technical Directors are aligned on strategy, policy, and performance priorities. Partner with Quality Assurance teams to track and improve KPIs including PPM compliance, fault resolution, and work order completion.

Qualifications & Experience

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Significant senior leadership experience in theme parks, critical engineering, or complex asset-intensive environments

• Level 5+ technical qualification (HNC, HND, Degree or equivalent) in engineering or technology

• Proven leadership of large-scale asset replacement and infrastructure programmes

• Strong stakeholder management capability in fast-paced, change-driven environments

• Exceptional communication skills, including presenting complex technical issues at executive level

• Demonstrated experience managing engineering, technology or facilities suppliers

• NEBOSH General Certificate (or equivalent) preferred

• Experience in visitor attractions, hospitality, or service-led environments advantageous

SKILLS & CAPABILITIES

• Engineering & Asset Expertise – Deep understanding of mechanical and electrical systems impacting safety, reliability, and capacity

• Strategic Thinking – Ability to align technical investment with commercial and guest outcomes

• Change Leadership – Proven experience delivering transformation across complex, multi-site operations

• Continuous Improvement – Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies

• Data-Driven Leadership – Uses insight, KPIs, and risk data to guide decisions

• Project & Programme Management – Delivers large-scale initiatives on time and on budget

• Stakeholder Influence – Confident operating at executive and Board level

• People Leadership – Builds capability through coaching, development, and accountability

LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOURS

Soulfully CuriousBrings energy, curiosity, and a desire to learn—seeking out better ways to operate and innovate.

Results FocusedSets clear priorities, drives execution, and holds self and others accountable for outcomes.

Extraordinary TeammateBuilds trust, collaborates across boundaries, and contributes to enterprise-wide success.

Develops PeopleInvests in talent, creates growth opportunities, and fosters a culture of continuous learning and excellence.

Benefits

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.

🌐 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.

Pay Range

Competitive