Regional Technical Services and Engineering Director

What you'll bring to the team ROLE OVERVIEW This is a pivotal regional leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering Merlinu2019s Technical Services strategy across a diverse portfolio of world-class attractions. You will lead the safe, reliable and commercially effective performance of all technical assetsu2014ensuring rides, infrastructure and facilities are maintained to the highest standards of compliance, availability, and guest experience. As a senior functional leader, you will partner closely with SVPs, Attraction Vice Presidents, Technical Directors, and the Health, Safety & Security (HSS) team to provide expert leadership across asset management, engineering operations, capital investment, supplier performance, and regulatory compliance. You will also play a critical role in influencing global initiatives, ensuring regional insight informs enterprise-wide strategy. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES Strategic Leadership Provide clear, future-focused leadership for Technical Services across the region. Define and execute short-, medium- and long-term strategies that enhance safety, asset reliability, guest experience, and financial performance. Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on technical risk, investment priorities, and operational resilience. Opex & Capex Stewardship Lead the development, submission, and ongoing management of regional Opex and Capex budgets. Ensure capital and operating spend is aligned to functional strategy, delivers value for money, and supports long-term asset sustainability. Maintain full accountability for fixed assets and inventory in line with Merlin governance. Capital Projects & Asset Renewal Oversee rolling Capex programmes for infrastructure, rides, and critical asset replacement. Evaluate business cases for technical viability, cost efficiency, and lifecycle value, ensuring investment decisions protect safety, reliability, and future growth. Asset Management & Compliance Ensure regional asset management frameworks align to Global Technical Services (GTS) standards and statutory requirements. Partner with HSS to maintain full regulatory compliance, proactively identifying and mitigating risks across the attraction estate. Technical Assurance & Operational Support Provide senior technical leadership on complex faults, systemic risks, and operational challenges. Drive rapid resolution of issues that could impact guest experience, brand reputation, or safety. Governance, Risk & Reporting Work with SVPs, HSS Directors, and GTS to ensure effective audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and closure of non-conformities. Serve as the regional escalation point for technical risk, performance issues, and long-term asset concerns. Innovation & Continuous Improvement Champion innovation, standardization, and best practice across the region. Partner with Central Technical Services to embed new technologies, asset strategies, and performance improvements that elevate reliability and guest satisfaction. People & Leadership Lead and develop the Technical Support Director and provide strong matrix leadership across regional technical teams. Build capability, reward high performance, and address under-performance with clarity and careu2014creating a culture of ownership, safety, and excellence. Major Projects & Development Support Merlinu2019s Development pipeline by embedding GTS standards, technical insight, and operational learnings into new builds, ride installations, and major refurbishments. Sustainability & Environmental Engineering Partner with Energy and Sustainability teams to reduce Merlinu2019s environmental footprint. Lead the deployment of green Capex and integrate sustainability into asset lifecycle planning and engineering standards. Vendor & Partner Management Own key supplier relationships across the region, driving performance, safety compliance, and service delivery that supports attraction uptime and operational excellence. Health, Safety & Wellbeing Act as a visible champion of Merlinu2019s safety-first culture. Ensure safe systems of work, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement in technical safety standards across all sites. Communication & Performance Management Lead regular regional Technical Services forums, ensuring Technical Directors are aligned on strategy, policy, and performance priorities. Partner with Quality Assurance teams to track and improve KPIs including PPM compliance, fault resolution, and work order completion. Qualifications & Experience EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS + Significant senior leadership experience in theme parks, critical engineering, or complex asset-intensive environments + Level 5+ technical qualification (HNC, HND, Degree or equivalent) in engineering or technology + Proven leadership of large-scale asset replacement and infrastructure programmes + Strong stakeholder management capability in fast-paced, change-driven environments + Exceptional communication skills, including presenting complex technical issues at executive level + Demonstrated experience managing engineering, technology or facilities suppliers + NEBOSH General Certificate (or equivalent) preferred + Experience in visitor attractions, hospitality, or service-led environments advantageous SKILLS & CAPABILITIES + Engineering & Asset Expertise u2013 Deep understanding of mechanical and electrical systems impacting safety, reliability, and capacity + Strategic Thinking u2013 Ability to align technical investment with commercial and guest outcomes + Change Leadership u2013 Proven experience delivering transformation across complex, multi-site operations + Continuous Improvement u2013 Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies + Data-Driven Leadership u2013 Uses insight, KPIs, and risk data to guide decisions + Project & Programme Management u2013 Delivers large-scale initiatives on time and on budget + Stakeholder Influence u2013 Confident operating at executive and Board level + People Leadership u2013 Builds capability through coaching, development, and accountability LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOURS Soulfully Curious Brings energy, curiosity, and a desire to learnu2014seeking out better ways to operate and innovate. Results Focused Sets clear priorities, drives execution, and holds self and others accountable for outcomes. Extraordinary Teammate Builds trust, collaborates across boundaries, and contributes to enterprise-wide success. Develops People Invests in talent, creates growth opportunities, and fosters a culture of continuous learning and excellence. Benefits Your Adventure Awaits ?? At Merlin Entertainments North America, we believe in not just rewarding your work but enhancing your journey with an exhilarating array of benefits that go beyond the ordinary. Get ready for a ride of a lifetime as we unveil the extraordinary perks waiting for you ? Your Benefits Odyssey Begins Here: ? Competitive Salary: + Brace yourself for a salary that not only recognizes your talents but propels you to new heights. ?ufe0f Generous PTO: + Time off is your passport to recharge. Enjoy a generous PTO policy to explore, relax, and rejuvenate. ?u200du2695ufe0f Affordable Health Plans: + Dive into the comfort of affordable medical, vision, and dental plans that prioritize your well-being. ? Global Access Pass: + Picture this u2013 free entry to all Merlin attractions worldwide Your golden ticket extends to family and friends, unlocking a world of wonder. ?ufe0f Secure Your Future: + Safeguard your legacy with company-paid life insurance u2013 because we care about your peace of mind. ? Continued Growth: + Joining Merlin isn't just a job; it's a thrilling expedition. Expect continuous growth in an exciting, global organization that values your journey. Pay Range Competitive Submit a Referral ( At Merlin we welcome the world to our magical attractions and resorts every day and we want to reflect that same multicultural mix inside our business too. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse workplace where people can be themselves, have the same opportunities and thrive together. Because at Merlin, everyone matters Together, we work to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, no matter their age, race, gender, disability or sexual orientation. Although we understand that we'll always be learning and growing, we aim to be the most inclusive and flexible employer in our industry. Location (Country-State-City) _US-FL-Orlando_ Job ID _2026-11219_ Employment Type _Full-Time_ Offer/Contract Type _No End Date_ Location Name _Orlando Hub Office_

Created: 2026-01-19