At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering strategy and ensure the safety and performance of Alton Towers Resort.
- Company: Join Merlin, a leader in creating extraordinary experiences through play.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, unique work environment, and the chance to shape the future of a renowned resort.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on one of the UK's most iconic resorts while driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Proven engineering leadership experience in complex, safety-critical environments.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
At Merlin, we create extraordinary experiences that bring people together through play. At Alton Towers Resort, behind every thrill, every overnight stay and every unforgettable guest moment is an extraordinary technical operation making it all possible.
We’re looking for a Technical Services Director to join the Senior Leadership Team at Alton Towers Resort and lead the strategic direction of one of Merlin’s largest and most complex engineering and infrastructure portfolios. This is much bigger than keeping the rides running.
You’ll have strategic responsibility for the engineering, technical services, infrastructure and long-term asset strategy that supports the entire Resort from our theme park, hotels and waterpark to heritage buildings, historic landscapes and critical infrastructure.
As Technical Services Director, you’ll be the principal engineering adviser to the Vice President and Resort Senior Leadership Team. You’ll shape how we invest in and care for our assets for the long term, balancing safety, resilience, guest experience and commercial performance while making sure our engineering capability is ready for what comes next.
You’ll also have a voice beyond Alton Towers, representing the Resort across Merlin’s engineering community and helping influence technical standards, engineering policy and asset management across the Group.
You’ll lead across:
- Engineering strategy & governance – setting the long-term direction for engineering, technical services and infrastructure across the Resort.
- Assets & investment – shaping significant operating and capital investment priorities to maximise safety, resilience, performance and long-term value.
- Operational excellence – ensuring the assets behind millions of guest experiences are safe, reliable and ready to perform when it matters most.
- Innovation & future capability – modernising infrastructure and embracing technology and new ways of working to strengthen our engineering capability.
- Commercial partnerships – leading strategic supplier relationships and ensuring our partners deliver quality, innovation and measurable value.
- Sustainability & resilience – driving engineering approaches to decarbonisation, energy resilience and long-term infrastructure sustainability.
- A truly unique estate – helping protect and preserve the heritage buildings and historic landscaped gardens that make Alton Towers unlike anywhere else.
- People & leadership – leading a large, multidisciplinary technical organisation through your senior leaders, building capability, accountability and a high-performance culture.
We’re looking for an established engineering leader who has operated at scale in a complex, safety-critical environment. You’ll bring significant experience leading large engineering operations, enterprise asset management, infrastructure investment and statutory governance, alongside the commercial judgement to make decisions that balance risk, investment and business performance.
You’ll be comfortable advising Executive and senior leadership teams, leading significant operating and capital budgets and providing clear direction when the stakes are high. A degree or equivalent in Engineering, Facilities Management or a related technical discipline is essential, alongside strong knowledge of health & safety legislation and engineering compliance regimes including LOLER, PUWER and PSSR. Chartered Engineer status, experience managing heritage estates and a track record of leading sustainability initiatives would all be advantageous.
Alton Towers isn't a conventional engineering environment and this isn't a conventional engineering leadership role. The decisions you make will influence how one of the UK’s most iconic resorts operates today, how we invest for tomorrow and ultimately how millions of guests experience Alton Towers. You’ll protect what makes the Resort extraordinary while helping us imagine what it could become next.
Bring your expertise. Bring your curiosity. And help shape the future of Alton Towers Resort. Because at Merlin, it starts with play.
Technical Services Director in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Merlin
Merlin offers a vibrant work environment at Warwick Castle, where you can immerse yourself in history while engaging with guests and creating unforgettable experiences. With flexible shifts, competitive benefits, and opportunities for personal growth, this role is perfect for those who thrive in a dynamic setting and are passionate about customer service. Join us to be part of a team that values creativity, teamwork, and the joy of making every visitor's day special.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Services Director in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Technical Services Director role you’re after at Merlin.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Merlin a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Merlin.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Technical Services Director at Merlin, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Services Director in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Technical Services Director, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Merlin a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Merlin specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Merlin
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Merlin, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Merlin want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
