Global Planning Director

Overview Global Insights & Strategy | London | B2| 12 Month FTC Our purpose Bring joy, create connections, and make memories. Our vision To be the global leader in branded entertainment destinations and the greatest place to work and play. The opportunity We’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 Doing Strategic planning & alignment Lead the global go-to-market calendar, ensuring synergy across brands, regions and specialisms Own the annual and multi-year go-to-market planning process, integrating global trends, insights and customer feedback Align go-to-market strategies with Merlin’s wider business objectives and growth ambitions Collaboration & leadership Act as the central hub for regional and local go-to-market teams, driving alignment and sharing best practice Partner closely with commercial, operations, digital and insights teams to optimise go-to-market motion and delivery Governance, rhythm & performance Coordinate global activity across key seasons, campaigns and product launches, ensuring timely, high-quality execution Own the planning and trading rhythm, leading weekly, monthly and quarterly reviews Track changes to plans and actions, ensuring visibility through digital tools and clarity for senior stakeholders Monitor KPIs, challenge assumptions and recommend strategic course-corrections where needed Who you’ll work with You’ll Collaborate Extensively Across Merlin, Including Global, regional and local go-to-market leaders Global Brand teams E-commerce and Digital Marketing Communications, Partnerships and Sponsorship External media agencies Insights, Strategy, Commercial and Finance teams Qualifications & Experience What we’re looking for Experience & Background Proven experience in a senior marketing or planning leadership role within a global or multi-regional organisation Strong strategic planning and programme management capability Deep understanding of brand, digital marketing and campaign analytics Experience leading complex stakeholder groups across cultures and geographies A data-driven mindset with the ability to translate insight into action Background in entertainment, tourism, hospitality or adjacent sectors Degree-level education (or equivalent) in business, analytics or a related field preferred Skills & Capabilities What we’re looking for Ability to lead global planning cycles, from annual calendars to multi-year roadmaps Strong influencing skills at executive and senior stakeholder level Collaborative leadership style that brings global and regional teams together Commercial acumen, connecting plans to revenue growth and ROI Curious, innovative thinker who keeps pace with evolving planning tools and methodologies Proven people leader who develops capability and builds high-performing teams How we lead at Merlin At Merlin, Our Leaders Are Soulfully Curious – always learning, exploring new perspectives and asking great questions Results Focused – clear on goals, accountable for outcomes and unafraid to course-correct Extraordinary Teammates – collaborative, generous with knowledge and contributors to enterprise-wide success Developers of People – coaches, mentors and champions of growth in others Why 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. 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr