Global Planning Director

What you'll bring to the teamGlobal Planning DirectorGlobal Insights & Strategy | London | B2| 12 Month FTCOur purposeBring joy, create connections, and make memories.Our visionTo be the global leader in branded entertainment destinations and the greatest place to work and play.The opportunityWe’re looking for a Global Planning Director to lead strategic planning and alignment across Merlin’s diverse portfolio of world-class attractions and brands. Sitting within our Global Insights & Strategy team, this role plays a critical part in shaping how our Growth function plans, prioritises and delivers impact across regions, brands and channels.You’ll act as the central connector between global Centres of Excellence (Brand, Marketing, Indirect Sales, Customer Proposition) and our regional and cluster go-to-market teams – with a particular focus on International markets. Your work will ensure our planning cadence is joined up, insight-led and aligned to key governance forums including CPC, CIC, Executive Team and Main Board agendas.This is a highly visible role for a strategic, data-driven leader who thrives in complex, fast-paced environments and knows how to turn long-term vision into executable plans that drive growth.What you’ll be doingStrategic planning & alignmentLead the global go-to-market calendar, ensuring synergy across brands, regions and specialismsOwn the annual and multi-year go-to-market planning process, integrating global trends, insights and customer feedbackAlign go-to-market strategies with Merlin’s wider business objectives and growth ambitionsCollaboration & leadershipAct as the central hub for regional and local go-to-market teams, driving alignment and sharing best practicePartner closely with commercial, operations, digital and insights teams to optimise go-to-market motion and deliveryGovernance, rhythm & performanceCoordinate global activity across key seasons, campaigns and product launches, ensuring timely, high-quality executionOwn the planning and trading rhythm, leading weekly, monthly and quarterly reviewsTrack changes to plans and actions, ensuring visibility through digital tools and clarity for senior stakeholdersMonitor KPIs, challenge assumptions and recommend strategic course-corrections where neededWho you’ll work withYou’ll collaborate extensively across Merlin, including:Global, regional and local go-to-market leadersGlobal Brand teamsE-commerce and Digital MarketingCommunications, Partnerships and SponsorshipExternal media agenciesInsights, Strategy, Commercial and Finance teamsQualifications & ExperienceWhat we’re looking forExperience & backgroundProven experience in a senior marketing or planning leadership role within a global or multi-regional organisationStrong strategic planning and programme management capabilityDeep understanding of brand, digital marketing and campaign analyticsExperience leading complex stakeholder groups across cultures and geographiesA data-driven mindset with the ability to translate insight into actionBackground in entertainment, tourism, hospitality or adjacent sectorsDegree-level education (or equivalent) in business, analytics or a related field preferredSkills & capabilitiesAbility to lead global planning cycles, from annual calendars to multi-year roadmapsStrong influencing skills at executive and senior stakeholder levelCollaborative leadership style that brings global and regional teams togetherCommercial acumen, connecting plans to revenue growth and ROICurious, innovative thinker who keeps pace with evolving planning tools and methodologiesProven people leader who develops capability and builds high-performing teamsHow we lead at MerlinAt Merlin, our leaders are:Soulfully Curious – always learning, exploring new perspectives and asking great questionsResults Focused – clear on goals, accountable for outcomes and unafraid to course-correctExtraordinary Teammates – collaborative, generous with knowledge and contributors to enterprise-wide successDevelopers of People – coaches, mentors and champions of growth in othersWhy join us?This is a rare opportunity to shape how a global entertainment business plans for growth, connects teams across continents and brings bold strategies to life. You’ll have real influence, global exposure and the chance to help millions of guests create unforgettable memories.BenefitsWe’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 RangeCompetitive #J-18808-Ljbffr