Overview
Senior Project Manager – London Cluster Attractions
Location: London (hybrid 3 days in London) | Permanent | Merlin Magic Making (MMM)
A job at Merlin isn’t like a job anywhere else. We don’t trade in suits, handshakes or briefcases. We trade in fun. In smiles, shrieks and spine-tingles. In memories. In magic. Behind that magic is Merlin Magic Making (MMM) — our world-class creative and delivery team responsible for designing and building the next generation of immersive guest experiences across the globe.
Now, we’re looking for a Senior Project Manager to help bring that magic to life across our London Gateway attractions.
What the Role
As a Senior Project Manager, you’ll lead the delivery of major capital projects (£1m+), owning the full lifecycle from early concept through to grand opening. From attraction builds to complex refurbishments, you’ll work at the heart of creative, technical, and operational teams — ensuring every project is delivered safely, on time, on budget, and to world-class standards. This is a high-impact role in a fast-paced, live environment where no two projects are the same.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Project Leadership
- Lead end-to-end delivery of large-scale capital projects across London attractions
- Manage full lifecycle: feasibility → design → procurement → construction → installation → handover
- Set clear project plans, governance, budgets, and timelines
- Stakeholder Management
- Partner with creative, technical, operational, finance, and commercial teams
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, attraction leaders, and external partners
- Manage designers, consultants, contractors, and specialist suppliers
- Commercial & Financial Management
- Own project budgets, forecasts, and reporting
- Drive procurement processes and supplier contract management
- Ensure strong cost control and risk mitigation throughout
- Delivery in Live Environments
- Coordinate works within operational attractions, minimising guest disruption
- Lead installation, commissioning, and operational readiness
- Oversee testing, compliance, and seamless handover
- Governance, Risk & Safety
- Identify and manage project risks and complex challenges
- Ensure compliance with H&S, regulatory, and Merlin governance standards
- Provide clear reporting and updates to senior leadership
Qualifications & Experience
About You
You’re a confident, autonomous project leader who thrives in complexity and brings structure to creative environments. You’re equally comfortable managing stakeholders in a boardroom and walking a live construction site in a busy attraction.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience delivering £1m+ capital projects
- Background in construction, themed entertainment, visitor attractions, retail, or experiential environments
- Strong project planning, risk management, and financial control skills
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and external partners
- Solid understanding of procurement and construction processes
- Ability to deliver projects within live operational environments
Desirable
- Project management qualification (APM, PRINCE2, PMP)
- Experience with ride systems or technical installations
- Aquarium or aquatic project experience
Why Join Merlin?
- Work on globally recognised attractions and unforgettable experiences
- Be part of a creative, innovative, and collaborative team
- Deliver projects that are seen and enjoyed by millions of guests each year
- Help shape the future of entertainment through world-class experiences
Ready to Create Magic?
If you’re ready to lead complex, high-profile projects and bring ideas to life at scale — we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now and help us create experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Benefits
We’re growing fast and alongside a fun and friendly environment, we offer a fabulous package and amazing prospects – ideal if you’re already fantastic and want to become even better (our magic can help here). Benefits include Pension, Life Assurance, discretionary company bonus, 33 days’ holiday including bank holidays, a Merlin Magic Pass which gives you and your friends and family free admission to all of our attractions worldwide, an Enjoy the Ride pass which entitles you and 5 loved ones unlimited entry into your regional attractions, 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants and 40% discount on LEGO, plus lots more!
Pay Range
Competitive
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