Events & Experiences Manager

Merlin; Greater London; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LEGO discount

Merlin Magic Pass: 20 free tickets

Staff discount codes for Merlin Annual

Private pension

Life assurance

Employee assistance programme

Perks at Work

Training and development

Job summary

Merlin Entertainments is seeking a Sales Manager, Events & Experiences at Chessington World of Adventures. Lead the portfolio of VIP adventures, animal encounters, corporate events, hotel packages, and seasonal activations from initial inquiry to delivery.

You will partner with resort teams, drive revenue, and ensure exceptional guest experiences while coaching a high-performing Events & Experiences team to exceed commercial goals.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in sales, events, hospitality, attractions or experiences management.
• Strong commercial awareness balancing guest experience with revenue growth.
• Experience leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams.
• Ability to build trusted relationships across departments and partners.
• Excellent planning, organization and multi-priority management.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery and growth of a diverse portfolio of experiences from enquiry to delivery.
• Influence and manage partnerships across internal teams and external partners.
• Coach and develop the Events & Experiences team to meet commercial goals.
• Identify opportunities and launch new experiences to boost revenue and guest satisfaction.
• Ensure health, safety and compliance in every event and experience.

Skills

Sales leadership

Event planning

Team development

Stakeholder management

Commercial awareness

Operations planning

Guest experience focus

Job description

What you'll bring to the team

Ready to create extraordinary experiences that bring people together through play? Join the team behind one of the UK's most iconic family destinations and help shape the moments guests remember long after they've gone home!

We're looking for a Sales Manager, Events & Experiences at Chessington World of Adventures, who will lead the delivery and growth of a diverse portfolio of unforgettable experiences, from VIP adventures and animal encounters to corporate events, celebrations, hotel packages and seasonal activations.

Working closely with teams across the resort, you will build strong partnerships that bring ideas to life. You will lead on complex enquiries, transform opportunities into successful events, and create seamless journeys for guests and clients from first contact through to delivery. With a focus on innovation, you'll identify and launch new experiences that create memorable moments while driving revenue and guest satisfaction.

You will inspire, coach and develop a talented Events & Experiences team, creating an environment where collaboration, creativity and exceptional service thrive. By translating strategy into action, you'll empower your team to achieve ambitious commercial goals while delivering experiences that guests can't wait to recommend and revisit.

As a leader within the wider resort operation, you'll use insight, feedback and performance data to continuously improve our offer, strengthen guest experiences and identify new opportunities for growth. You'll also champion health, safety and compliance, ensuring every event and experience is delivered with care, confidence and attention to detail.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience in a sales, events, hospitality, attractions or experiences management role.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance guest experience, revenue growth and profitability.
• Experience leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams.
• Influence and stakeholder management skills with the ability to build trusted relationships across multiple departments and external partners.
• Strong operational planning and organisational skills, with experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to identify opportunities, develop new concepts and bring innovative ideas to life.
• Exceptional communication skills, with confidence engaging a wide range of internal and external audiences.
• Customer-focused mindset with a passion for creating memorable guest experiences.
• Experience analysing feedback, performance metrics and commercial data to drive continuous improvement.
• Understanding of health, safety and compliance requirements within a guest-facing environment.
• Proactive, energetic and collaborative approach, with a commitment to delivering excellence and inspiring others to do the same.

Benefits

• 40% discount off LEGO® sets and products on the online LEGO Store!

• Merlin Magic Pass: 20 free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all of our Merlin Attractions across the world!
• 25% discount in Merlin retail shops and restaurants (a brilliant extra treat when you’re using your Magic Pass to visit!)
• Staff discount codes for Merlin Annual Passes to gift to loved ones!

• Private pension scheme
• Life assurance scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Access to Perks at Work which 30,000+ national & local employee discounts
• Ongoing training & development

If you have any questions or if you require any reasonable adjustments, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at [e-mail] and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Pay Range

From GBP £32,000.00/Yr.