At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global infrastructure programmes to enhance guest experiences across iconic destinations.
- Company: Join Merlin Entertainments, a leader in the entertainment industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and the chance to shape technology for millions of guests.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on unforgettable experiences while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in large-scale technology delivery and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic environment focused on growth and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
At Merlin Entertainments, our purpose is simple but powerful: to bring joy, create connections and make memories. Merlin is embarking on an exciting Digital and Data Transformation focused on enhancing the end-to-end guest journey in our attractions. As we continue our ambitious global transformation journey, technology plays a critical role in enabling sustainable growth and unforgettable guest experiences across our iconic destinations.
We’re now looking for a Global Head of Infrastructure Delivery to lead the planning, execution and governance of enterprise-wide infrastructure programmes that underpin our business today and enable our future.
The Role
Reporting to the Global Infrastructure Director, you’ll own the end-to-end delivery of Merlin’s core infrastructure portfolio, ensuring our environments are scalable, secure, resilient, and future-ready. From major refresh cycles and global network upgrades to data centre transformations, you’ll lead complex programmes that keep Merlin running - safely, reliably and efficiently across regions.
You’ll inspire and lead a high-performing global delivery team, working hand-in-hand with Architecture, Operations, regional technology teams and trusted third-party partners to deliver at pace, at scale and to the highest standards.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Infrastructure Lifecycle & Refresh — Own the full lifecycle of core infrastructure and network components, from planning and procurement through to deployment, maintenance and decommissioning.
- Infrastructure Lifecycle & Refresh — Lead the planning and execution of annual infrastructure and network refresh cycles.
- Infrastructure Lifecycle & Refresh — Maintain clear lifecycle documentation and refresh roadmaps aligned to business priorities and compliance requirements.
- Global Delivery Excellence — Lead end-to-end delivery of major infrastructure programmes including LAN refreshes, SD-WAN deployments and data centre upgrades.
- Global Delivery Excellence — Ensure programmes are delivered on time, within budget and to agreed quality standards.
- Global Delivery Excellence — Build and lead a hybrid global delivery model combining permanent leaders and specialist contract SMEs.
- Global Delivery Excellence — Partner closely with regional teams and vendors to minimise operational disruption.
- Governance, Risk & Financial Control — Establish and maintain robust delivery and governance frameworks aligned with PMO, audit, and industry standards.
- Governance, Risk & Financial Control — Act as the primary interface between infrastructure teams and business stakeholders.
- Governance, Risk & Financial Control — Provide clear, concise updates to senior leaders on progress, risks, performance, and strategic outcomes.
- Governance, Risk & Financial Control — Own and manage multi-million-pound infrastructure budgets, ensuring value, transparency, and financial discipline.
- Leadership & Talent Development — Lead, mentor, and inspire cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Leadership & Talent Development — Challenge and support your leaders to deliver outstanding business results.
- Leadership & Talent Development — Own succession planning and talent development across your function.
- Leadership & Talent Development — Champion diversity, equity and inclusion within Merlin Technology and beyond.
- Vendor & Partner Management — Build strong relationships with platform providers, integrators and consulting partners.
- Vendor & Partner Management — Manage contractor pools and third-party capacity to flex with demand.
- Vendor & Partner Management — Ensure third-party solutions align with Merlin’s architecture standards and long-term technology strategy.
Qualifications & Experience
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience delivering large-scale global technology portfolios and programmes, across both in-house and outsourced models.
- Strong background in retail, hospitality, theme parks, or location-based entertainment environments.
- A respected people leader with experience delivering complex international infrastructure programmes.
- Exceptional senior stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at Regional MD and Executive level.
- Strong commercial acumen, including vendor negotiations and multi-million-pound budget ownership.
- Calm, decisive leadership style, with the ability to operate under pressure and navigate complexity.
- Evidence-based decision-maker who values collaboration, input, and diverse perspectives.
How You Lead At Merlin
You role-model our leadership behaviours every day:
- Soulfully Curious – open-minded, inquisitive, and always learning
- Results Focused – accountable, decisive, and delivery-driven
- Extraordinary Teammate – collaborative, generous, and enterprise-minded
- Develops People – invested in growing talent and building future leaders
Why Join Merlin?
You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the technology foundations of one of the world’s most recognisable entertainment brands — supporting millions of guests, thousands of colleagues and destinations across the globe. If you’re excited by scale, complexity, purpose, and impact, and want to help build the infrastructure that powers magical experiences worldwide — we’d love to hear from you.
Benefits
Pay Range Competitive
Global Head of Infrastructure Delivery in London employer: Merlin Entertainments
Contact Detail:
Merlin Entertainments Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Head of Infrastructure Delivery in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, and meetups to connect with people in the tech and infrastructure space. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a personal website or LinkedIn profile that highlights your achievements in delivering large-scale technology programmes. Share insights, articles, or case studies that demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Merlin's current projects and challenges. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around infrastructure delivery and governance. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their digital transformation journey.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Merlin team and being part of something magical.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Head of Infrastructure Delivery in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in delivering large-scale global technology programmes. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Merlin, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: As a potential leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your calm and decisive leadership style. Share examples of how you've inspired teams and navigated complex projects, as this is key for us at Merlin.
Highlight Stakeholder Management Skills: We’re looking for someone who can influence at the highest levels. Be sure to include specific instances where you’ve successfully managed senior stakeholders and delivered results under pressure.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves.
How to prepare for a job interview at Merlin Entertainments
✨Know Your Infrastructure Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the infrastructure landscape, especially in relation to large-scale global technology portfolios. Brush up on your knowledge of LAN refreshes, SD-WAN deployments, and data centre upgrades, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully led cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight specific examples where you've inspired teams, fostered collaboration, and driven results, especially in complex environments like retail or hospitality.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Expect questions about how you manage senior stakeholders and influence decision-making at the executive level. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships with both internal teams and external partners.
✨Prepare for Financial Discussions
Since you'll be managing multi-million-pound budgets, be ready to discuss your experience with financial control and vendor negotiations. Bring examples of how you've ensured value and transparency in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the position.