Creative and Theming Manager

Merlin Entertainments; Ewell; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days holiday including bank hols

Merlin Annual Pass – 6 per year

Merlin Magic Pass – 20 tickets

Company bonus

Private pension scheme

LEGO discount 40%

On-site shop/restaurant discounts

Training and development

Job summary

Merlin Entertainments seeks a Creative and Theming Manager to lead the creative vision across our resort, ensuring all themed areas, attractions, events and guest touchpoints meet high standards of storytelling and engagement. You will report to the Technical Services Director and manage a team responsible for theming, scenic decoration, AV installations and seasonal events.

You will collaborate with Engineering, Marketing, Operations and external partners to create memorable guest experiences

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Art, Design, Themed Entertainment, or related field.
• Proven leadership of teams in a fast-paced, time-critical environment.
• Strong project management with track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to engage stakeholders.
• Experience budgeting, forecasting resources, and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, maintenance, and enhancement of resort-wide themed environments.
• Manage creative delivery for major seasonal events (Halloween, Christmas).
• Oversee audio visual systems, special effects, signage, and creative infrastructure projects.
• Drive creative capital projects and ensure delivery on time and within budget.
• Inspire, develop, and lead creative and AV teams to achieve outstanding results.
• Collaborate across departments to deliver innovative guest experiences.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Data interpretation

Health and safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in Art, Design, Themed Entertainment, or related discipline

Job description

Location: Chessington World of Adventures Resort Leatherhead Road Chessington Surrey KT9 2NE
Hours: 40 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent, salaried
We're looking for a Creative and Theming Manager to lead and develop the creative vision across our resort, ensuring every themed area, attraction, event, and guest touchpoint meets the highest standards of quality, storytelling, and engagement.
Reporting to the Technical Services Director, you will oversee creative projects from concept through to delivery, managing a talented team responsible for theming, scenic decoration, special effects, audio visual installations, and seasonal events. You'll play a key role in maintaining and enhancing our themed environments while collaborating with Engineering, Marketing, Operations, and external partners to create memorable guest experiences.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Leading the development, maintenance, and enhancement of resort-wide themed environments.
• Managing creative delivery for major seasonal events, including Halloween and Christmas.
• Overseeing audio visual systems, special effects, signage, and creative infrastructure projects.
• Driving creative capital projects and ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to exceptional standards.
• Inspiring, developing, and leading creative and AV teams to achieve outstanding results.
• Collaborating across departments to deliver innovative solutions that enhance the guest experience.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Art, Design, Themed Entertainment, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience leading and motivating teams in a fast-paced, time-critical environment.
• Strong project management experience with a track record of successfully delivering complex projects.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management experience, with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
• Experience managing budgets, forecasting resource requirements, and controlling costs.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and IT skills, including the ability to interpret data and produce meaningful reports.
• Good understanding of health and safety legislation and experience working within safety-critical environments.
• Knowledge of HSE guidance, including HSG175. (Desirable)
• Experience within themed attractions, entertainment, leisure, events, or visitor attraction environments. (Desirable)

Benefits

• 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...