Resident Creative | Merlin

Resident Creative | Merlin

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
RWS Entertainment Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead creative projects for LEGOLAND® and design immersive experiences that wow audiences.
  • Company: Join RWS Global, the leader in live entertainment and themed experiences.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, and 25 days of paid holiday.
  • Other info: Flexible work environment with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team creating unforgettable moments for families worldwide.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Theatre or related field and 2+ years in live entertainment required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Reports To: VP, Creative

Place of Work: Milton Keynes, UK

Status: Mobile (3 days a week in UK office, 2 days remote)

Other: Full Time

About RWS Global

As the world’s largest producer of groundbreaking live entertainment, and a leading force in the themed entertainment industry, RWS Global creates meaningful connections and customized experiences spanning from theatrical productions to events, multimedia and more. In 2024, the entertainment leaders expanded capabilities into live sporting events with the introduction of RWS Global Sports.

Headquartered in New York, London, Cincinnati, Orlando, Sydney, and Riyadh, with dedicated RWS Studios in NYC and the UK to serve its vast talent pipeline and client base, RWS Global serves major brands and corporations, theatres, cruise lines, sports properties, live venues, parks, resorts and more. Offering end-to-end services from ideation to operations, RWS Global’s team of world-class designers, creators, producers and visionary talent provide unrivaled scale, producing over one million live moments every day and employing over 8,000 individuals worldwide.

The RWS Global roster of clients includes Apple, Azamara, The Coca-Cola Company, Commonwealth Games, Crayola, Europa-Park Resort, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, The FRIENDS™ Experience by Original X Productions, Hard Rock Resorts, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Holland America Line, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, International Cricket Council, Invictus Games, Lionsgate, Marella Cruises, MSC Cruises, Roompot, Rugby World Cup, Six Flags, Space Center Houston, TUI Group, Vera Wang, Warner Bros., Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway, Chicago the Musical, Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes and more.

Overview

Reporting to the VP, Creative, the Resident Creative is responsible for supporting the creation of RWS Global experiences with a focus on LEGOLAND® park projects. From dreaming up the next big holiday wonderland, immersive activation, haunted house, light‑up experience, large‑stage production, or food‑and‑beverage revenue‑driving experience, the Resident Creative is also responsible for upholding RWS Global and LEGO® brand standards and ensuring the creative vision is executed to client specifications.

Key Responsibilities

  • Creative Leadership & Experience Design
    • Lead creative ideation, development, and direction for RWS Global & LEGOLAND® live entertainment, events, and immersive experiences.
    • Write and develop original, story driven concepts rooted in LEGOLAND® brand worlds.
    • Establish and guide clear creative visions across directing, choreography, scenic, costume, media, lighting, and music.
    • Support early-stage concept work including scripting, character development, narrative outlines, and storyboards.
  • Brand Governance & Stewardship
    • Ensuring all creative outputs align with RWS & LEGOLAND® brand guidelines, tone, and storytelling principles, and act as a global LEGOLAND® brand guardian.
    • Champion best in class family entertainment, balancing creativity with safety, clarity, and accessibility.
    • Contribute to and support a clear, efficient creative approval processes across global markets.
    • Ensure creative concepts align with Merlin health, safety, and security standards.
  • Global Collaboration & Partnership
    • Partner with global and regional production, entertainment, and operations teams to deliver culturally relevant experiences across markets.
    • Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to develop and maintain global entertainment asset libraries (scripts, audio, choreography, training, brand guidance).
    • Mentor and support regional Entertainment Leads, upholding global standards while enabling local creativity.
    • Build strong cross functional relationships within RWS Global and Merlin to support growth and scalability.
  • Market Insight & Innovation
    • Stay current on themed entertainment, live experience, and family entertainment trends.
    • Support market research and consumer insight analysis to inform future creative strategy.
    • Identify opportunities to improve creative workflows, tools, and processes for efficiency and impact.
  • Project & Operational Support
    • Collaborate with production teams on creative scopes, schedules, and project deliverables.
    • Coordinate creative schedules with on site management during rehearsals and implementation.
    • Provide creative and administrative support to directors and production leadership as needed.

Qualifications & Skills

  • Bachelor's degree in Theatre, Playwriting, Scripting, Creative Direction, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 2+ years of experience in event creation, live entertainment, or leisure & attractions.
  • Versatile experience in directing and/or writing live entertainment productions, narratives, immersive experiences, and/or interactive installations.
  • Experience in creating permanent experiences as well as short-term experiences for families and young audiences.
  • Experience and/or knowledge in food, beverage and merchandise and incorporating into experiences and/or events.
  • Passionate about leisure and entertainment attractions.
  • Attention to detail: please type the word “Blue Iguana” at the top of your resume prior to applying.
  • Proven ability to effectively manage multiple priorities, projects, ad hoc assignments, and deadlines.
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) or willingness to learn.
  • Motivated and effective self‑starter with a record of project success.
  • Independent worker with capacity for multi‑tasking.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability/experience in light choreography and movement is a plus.
  • Maintaining a valid passport and a flexible schedule allowing for approximately 45% domestic and international travel.

While this is intended to be an accurate description of the job, this is not necessarily a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the position, and may require that other or different tasks be performed as necessary and assigned.

Company Benefits

  • Competitive Salary
  • Company Pension
  • 25 days paid holiday excluding bank holidays

Resident Creative | Merlin employer: RWS Entertainment Group

RWS Global is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration in the heart of Milton Keynes. With a focus on employee growth, the company provides numerous opportunities for professional development while working on exciting projects for renowned brands like LEGO® and Disney. Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and the flexibility of a hybrid work model, making it an ideal place for those passionate about live entertainment and immersive experiences.

RWS Entertainment Group

Contact Details:

RWS Entertainment Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Resident Creative | Merlin

Show Your Creative Side

In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for RWS Entertainment Group and show them what you can bring to the table.

Engage in Marketing Communities

Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like RWS Entertainment Group are looking for.

Leverage Social Media

Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with RWS Entertainment Group on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.

Attend Industry Events

Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at RWS Entertainment Group. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!

We think you need these skills to ace Resident Creative | Merlin

Creative Leadership
Experience Design
Story Development
Brand Governance
Collaboration
Market Insight
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit RWS Entertainment Group. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.

Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.

Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!

Demonstrate Your Understanding of RWS Entertainment Group:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about RWS Entertainment Group’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at RWS Entertainment Group

Showcase Your Creative Campaigns

Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at RWS Entertainment Group will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.

Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out

If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.

Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions

At RWS Entertainment Group, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing

As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.