Merlin Entertainment
Head of Park Operations
UK-Surrey-Chessington
UK-Surrey-Chessington
- ID
2026-13198- Employment Type
Full-Time- Offer/Contract Type
No End Date
Location Name
Chessington World of Adventures Resort
What you’ll bring to the team
Head of Park Operations
Location: Chessington World of Adventures Resort Leatherhead Road Chessington Surrey KT9 2NE
Hours: 40 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent, salaried
Reporting to the Resort Operations and Experience Director, you will provide strategic leadership across guest-facing operations, including rides, admissions, guest services and queue management.
This is a highly visible leadership role requiring a balance of operational excellence, commercial awareness and people leadership. You will be responsible for driving performance across guest satisfaction, ride availability, throughput, revenue generation and team engagement, while championing a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
Working collaboratively across the resort, you will lead and develop a high-performing management team, influence operational strategy, support the delivery of new attractions and experiences, and ensure our park remains at the forefront of industry best practice. You will also play a key role in incident management and operational readiness, providing senior leadership during critical situations when required.
Qualifications & Experience
- Significant leadership experience within high-volume, guest-facing operations such as theme parks, visitor attractions, leisure or hospitality environments.
- Proven experience leading large, multi-functional teams, including senior leaders and frontline colleagues.
- Strong operational management expertise with a focus on safety, guest experience and operational excellence.
- Experience delivering safety compliance within a regulated environment.
- Demonstrated success in improving guest satisfaction, operational performance and commercial results.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience driving revenue growth and operational efficiency.
- Excellent leadership, coaching and team development skills.
- Ability to use operational, guest and financial data to make informed decisions and drive continuous improvement.
- Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across a wide range of teams and partners.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term planning and day-to-day operational delivery.
- Degree or relevant professional qualification is desirable.
Benefits
- A competitive annual salary
- 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- ‘Enjoy the Ride’ Merlin Annual Passes – 6 in total per year, 1 for you, plus 5 to gift to loved ones!
- Merlin Magic Pass – 20 free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all of our Merlin Attractions across the world rising to 40 after a year’s service
- Company bonus
- Private pension scheme
- 40% discount online off LEGO
- 25% discount in our on-site retail shops and restaurants
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Plus, many more…
Pay Range
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