Head of New Ip Digital Delivery

What you'll bring to the team:
A job with Merlin isn’t like a job anywhere else. With attractions around the world, from rollercoasters to wax figures, we don’t trade in suits, handshakes or briefcases. We trade in fun. In smiles, shrieks and spine-tingles. In Memories. In magic. But there are no tricks behind our magic. Instead, there are people like you. Passionate, dedicated people who are committed to making sure our worldwide attractions and guests’ experiences are the best they can be.

Due to continuing growth and development of Merlin’s attractions and brands on a global scale, we are looking for a Head of Digital Delivery to join our Technology on a Fixed Term Contract basis. The role will be based at our London South bank office, with a hybrid element for those looking for more flexibility.

The purpose of this role is to deliver all the digital, data and technology aspects of the New IP programme, working with the programme team, Merlin Digital and Data (D&D) team, a wide supplier ecosystem and our New IP partners. The role reports into the CTO, with a strong dotted line into the New IP Programme Lead and will be fully embedded in the programme. They will ensure that the digital outcomes or specific solutions are delivered on cost, time and quality. There are likely to be two main categories of digital/tech solution: a) the “baseline” solutions, covering the basics we would expect to be in any attraction such as core infrastructure, ticketing, payment, signage, kiosks etc; and b) “experiential” solutions that form part of the core exhibit/attraction experience. It is likely that they will bring together a blended team from Merlin and different third parties to deliver the overall solutions.

**Key Accountabilities**:
**Collaborate on New IP Attractions**:

- Partner with the Creative team to achieve commercial and visitor targets.
- Develop physical exhibits, rides, and experiences.
- Establish brand and experiential success criteria.

**Align with Technology and Architecture**:

- Understand and implement baseline components (infrastructure, admissions, payment systems, kiosks, digital signage, guest identity, etc.).

**Support and Innovate**:

- Assist the Head of Creative Technologies (HoCT) in building Proof of Concept solutions for new locations.
- Set and agree on success criteria and measurements with HoCT and Business Sponsors.

**Develop and Scale Solutions**:

- Define MVP criteria for new experiential solutions.
- Plan and budget for scalable solutions for new locations.
- Standardize experiential solutions with Business Sponsors, stakeholders, and budget holders.

**Optimize and Plan**:

- Identify reusable components for broader Merlin investment.
- Collaborate with the New IP Programme Manager to create a digital delivery timeline.

**Design and Deliver Ecosystems**:

- Design, procure, and mobilize delivery systems for New IP digital solutions, including Merlin Technology, Data, and Product teams, third-party ecosystems, and IP vendor roles.
- Manage delivery programs, budget adherence, and risk within the overall programme framework

Qualifications & Experience:

- Deep expertise in complex physical/digital programme delivery, using agile methodologies
- Expertise in working as part of a construction programme
- Experience of experiential technologies likely to be used in these solutions
- Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills
- Highly collaborative individual
- Experience of running a programme against a backlog of wider transformation - adept at taking pragmatic decisions to ensure the programme delivers, while staying aligned with the longer-term organisational direction of travel

**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, 25 days’ holiday and, of course, a Merlin Magic Pass which gives you and your friends and family free admission to all of our attractions worldwide, as well as 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants and 40% discount on LEGO.

Pay Range: Competitive