At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global entertainment partnerships and deliver unforgettable live experiences.
- Company: Join Merlin, the world’s leading family entertainment company.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and excellent benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic role with international travel and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape magical moments for families worldwide and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in global account management and live entertainment required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A job with Merlin isn’t like a job anywhere else. We’re the world’s leading family entertainment company, creating unforgettable experiences for millions of guests every year. From iconic theme parks and resort destinations to immersive attractions and world‑famous brands, we bring joy, create connections and make memories. Our purpose is simple: to bring every family closer through play. Our vision is ambitious: to be the world’s most loved family escape. And behind every magical moment is a team of talented people making it happen.
About the Role
This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of Merlin’s global outsourced entertainment and events partnership with RWS, ensuring world‑class live experiences are designed, built and delivered across our attractions and resorts around the globe. Acting as the single global owner of the partnership, you’ll drive strategic alignment, operational excellence, governance, commercial performance and continuous improvement across a complex and high‑profile portfolio of entertainment experiences. You’ll work at the centre of our business, bringing together teams across Growth, Creative, Operations, Finance and Local Sites to ensure every project delivers exceptional guest experiences while maximising value and performance.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead a Global Strategic Partnership
- Own and develop Merlin’s global relationship with RWS.
- Build strong executive and operational partnerships that drive innovation, performance and value.
- Lead executive governance reviews and strategic planning sessions.
- Ensure contractual commitments are delivered while identifying opportunities for growth and optimisation.
- Drive End‑to‑End Entertainment Delivery
- Oversee governance across the full entertainment lifecycle, from proposition development through to operational delivery.
- Ensure robust planning, feasibility assessment and cost modelling.
- Support the delivery of creative and technical outputs that meet Merlin’s quality standards.
- Ensure seamless transition from project delivery into operational execution at site level.
- Establish Best‑in‑Class Governance
- Develop and manage clear decision‑making frameworks, planning cycles and approval processes.
- Align strategic priorities across Growth, Creative, Operations and Finance teams.
- Create clarity around responsibilities, accountability and escalation routes across global and local stakeholders.
- Deliver Commercial Excellence
- Manage significant budgets, forecasts and financial performance across the partnership.
- Drive cost efficiency while maintaining exceptional guest experiences.
- Support investment cases for major projects and events.
- Ensure robust financial oversight and reporting.
- Connect Teams Across Merlin
- Act as the central point of integration between multiple global functions.
- Build alignment between creative vision, operational feasibility and commercial objectives.
- Support local teams in navigating processes and maximising partnership value.
- Foster collaboration and communication across a complex global organisation.
- Drive Continuous Improvement
- Define and track performance metrics across quality, delivery, guest satisfaction and commercial outcomes.
- Lead post‑event reviews and lessons‑learned processes.
- Identify opportunities to improve speed, efficiency and innovation.
- Help shape the future evolution of Merlin’s live entertainment strategy.
Qualifications & Experience
We’re looking for a commercially minded leader who thrives in complex, fast‑moving environments and knows how to build high‑performing partnerships. You’ll bring:
- Significant experience in global vendor, supplier or account management.
- Experience within live entertainment, events, experiential, attractions, leisure or related industries.
- Strong understanding of end‑to‑end event, entertainment or production delivery lifecycles.
- Proven success operating within large, matrixed international organisations.
- Strong commercial acumen, including contract management, budget ownership and investment evaluation.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on operational execution.
- Excellent communication skills with confidence engaging at executive level.
The Leadership Profile
You’ll be someone who:
- Thinks globally and acts with an enterprise mindset.
- Takes ownership and accountability for outcomes.
- Builds trust and strong relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Brings structure, clarity and discipline to complex environments.
- Champions innovation, creativity and continuous improvement.
- Leads through collaboration, influence and partnership.
Why Merlin?
At Merlin, you’ll have the opportunity to shape experiences that create lifelong memories for families around the world. You’ll work with talented teams, iconic brands and industry‑leading attractions while helping us deliver on our vision to become the world’s most loved family escape. In return, we offer a competitive salary, bonus opportunity, excellent benefits and the chance to make a real impact on a global stage. If you’re ready to lead world‑class partnerships and help deliver unforgettable experiences across Merlin’s global portfolio, we’d love to hear from you.
Global Live Experience Account Director employer: Merlin
Merlin is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration among talented teams dedicated to creating unforgettable family experiences. With opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a significant impact on a global scale, employees enjoy competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and the excitement of working with iconic brands in the heart of London, a city known for its rich cultural diversity and dynamic atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Live Experience Account Director
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
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Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Merlin. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Merlin
Don't be shy about reaching out to Merlin directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Global Live Experience Account Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Merlin and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merlin
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
