Creative and Theming Manager

Merlin; Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days holiday

Merlin Annual Passes

Merlin Magic Pass

Company bonus

Private pension scheme

Lego discount

On-site discount in shops/restaurants

Training & development opportunities

Job summary

Merlin is seeking a Creative and Theming Manager to lead the creative vision across our resort. You will oversee themed environments, events, and guest touchpoints, partnering with Engineering, Marketing, Operations, and external partners to deliver memorable experiences.

The role reports to the Technical Services Director and requires directing a team responsible for theming, scenic decoration, AV, and seasonal events, ensuring quality and timely delivery in a safety-conscious setting.

Qualifications

• 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 delivering complex projects.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management experience, coaching and developing teams.
• Experience managing budgets, forecasting resources, and cost control.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for diverse stakeholders.
• Strong IT and data interpretation skills for meaningful reporting.
• Good understanding of health and safety legislation and safety-critical environments.
• Knowledge of HSE guidance (HSG175) is desirable.
• Experience within themed attractions, entertainment, leisure, events, or visitor attractions is desirable.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Budget management

Stakeholder communication

Safety & HSE awareness

Themed entertainment experience

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Art/Design/Themed Entertainment

Job description

What you'll bring to the team

Creative and Theming Manager

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

We're looking for an experienced and inspiring leader who combines creative expertise with strong operational and project management skills.

• 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...