Divisional Director

Divisional Director - Chessington, London

What you'll bring to the team

We are recruiting for a Divisional Director to lead our teams at Britain's Wildest Adventure

Offering a year-round, unique combination of rides, entertainment, and animal experiences Chessington has developed into a resort destination with two onsite hotels, a high ropes course and glamping site, in addition to over 40 rides & attractions, zoo and SEALIFE centre.

With 12,000 daily guests we rely on our 1,000 strong team of passionate people to bring joy, create connections, and make memories. We pride ourselves on creating a fun place to work and inspiring our young workforce to pursue careers in leisure and hospitality.

The position of Divisional Director is responsible for leading the resort to deliver the strategic, operational, and commercial plans, building team engagement, and putting guests at the heart of all that we do.

Leading the business from the front you'll inspire teams to live the Merlin values and deliver excellent guest experiences. You'll have full ownership of the resort, making sure we're uncompromising about safety and security, and you'll ensure achievement of budgeted EBITDA and KPIs.

This role requires a combination of strategic thinking, operational excellence, and a passion for delivering world-class service. You will have the opportunity to steer the business into its next exciting chapter and leading the charge on exciting new capital projects as we realise our vision for Chessington to be the UK resort every child dreams of visiting.

Qualifications & Experience

• You will have at least 10 years of progressive management experience and a strong ability to lead a senior team.
  
• Experience with 24/7 operations with a track record in the direct leisure, hospitality and/or retail industries.
  
• Financially astute, with the ability to think and plan strategically, but still deliver practical solutions in an agile environment.
  
• Your leadership skills will be truly exceptional with highly developed communication skills, a strong belief in creating an inclusive and empowered team, and the ability to influence and to drive change. You care about the culture you create that allows people to thrive and develop.
  
• Commercially minded with a track record of success in developing and implementing strategic business plans that deliver growth and margin enhancement.
  
• Demonstrable skills in interpersonal relationships, stakeholder management, presentations, negotiations, and verbal and written communications.
  
• Must have the ability to build long-term partnerships and connections with industry, community and business groups and sectors to position and promote the resort effectively.
  
• A passion for the consumer, service driven with strong attention to detail.
  
• Confident, articulate and an excellent communicator at all levels both internally and external to the business.
  
  Benefits
  
  

  Alongside a fun, collaborative and friendly environment, we offer a fabulous package and amazing prospects. Benefits include:
  
  

  • 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
    
  • Life Assurance 4 x salary
    
  • PMI - Family Cover
    
  • Discretionary bonus
    
  • Pension
    
  • Car allowance
    
  • Management Incentive Plan (share options)
    
  • '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
    
  • 40% discount online off LEGO
    
  • 25% discount in our on-site retail shops and restaurants
    
  • Plus, many more...
    
    You can expect to work some weekends, and bank holidays due to the nature of our business and our busy times. Here at Chessington, we believe in leading from the front and being present onsite with your teams and colleagues, and our guests.
    
    Ideally the successful candidate will live within a one-hour commute. A relocation package will also be available.
    
    At Merlin we welcome the world to our magical attractions and resorts every day and we want to reflect that same multicultural mix inside our business too. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse workplace where people can be themselves, have the same opportunities and thrive together. Because at Merlin, everyone matters
    
    Together, we work to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, no matter their age, race, gender, disability or sexual orientation. Although we understand that we'll always be learning and growing, we aim to be the most inclusive and flexible employer in our industry.