Global Head of Photo and Games Partnerships

Merlin Entertainments - Corporate; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global entertainment company is seeking a Global Head of Photo and Games Partnership to drive commercial strategy across multiple locations. Responsibilities include managing key vendor contracts, overseeing service delivery and performance analytics, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in contract management and multi-site operations, along with a strong commercial acumen. Benefits include competitive pay, bonuses, and generous holiday allowances.

Benefits

33 days holiday including bank holidays

Annual Merlin Pass for you and 5 additional guests

20 free attraction tickets

Company bonus

Private pension scheme

40% discount on LEGO

25% discount in on-site shops

Ongoing training opportunities

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years managing commercial contracts in retail, leisure, or entertainment settings.
• Proven experience managing multi-site operations.
• Technical understanding of equipment operations and software interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all contractual relationships related to photo and games installations.
• Manage SLAs, service delivery, and revenue share models.
• Coordinate installation and maintenance for photo booths and games.

Skills

Contract management

Stakeholder management

Financial acumen

Performance analysis

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, or related field

Certifications in project management or technical operations

Job description

What you'll bring to the team

Global Head of Photo and Games Partnership

Location: Ideally, the location would be London but open to applicants across the UK, near Merlin sites.

Contract:Permanent - Salaried

The Global head of Photos and Games partnership will play a pivotal role in driving the overall commercial partnership strategy with multiple partners across on‑site photo and games experiences. The successful candidate will manage key vendor relationships, ensure contractual compliance, monitor performance and uptime, and support the rollout of new installations and technologies across Merlin estates.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all contractual relationships related to photo and games installations across Merlin attractions.
• Agree all CAPEX proposals made by partners, to effectively track any investment performance (ROICs)
• Manage SLAs, service delivery, revenue share models, and partner obligations to ensure optimal commercial outcomes.
• Develop and monitor budgets, forecasts, and P&L performance for the photos and games category.
• Review, negotiate, and renew supplier and venue contracts in partnership with Procurement and Legal teams.
• Map out all agreed mobilisation activity and track delivery.
• Hold biweekly updates with the key attraction teams to ensure we are delivering value to the P&L & guest experience.
• Coordinate installation, maintenance, and ongoing support for photo booths, arcade games, and interactive machines.
• Act as the key point of contact for photo and game vendors, ensuring collaborative relationships that drive mutual success.
• Analyse usage and revenue data across all photo and games units to identify trends, issues, and opportunities.
• Prepare regular performance dashboards and recommendations for senior management.
• Use data insights to inform commercial negotiations, pricing, and product placement.
• Work with vendors and internal Digital teams to enhance system integration, including POS, CRM, and cashless payment systems.
• Ensure all contracts, equipment, and digital content comply with applicable regulations, including health & safety, data protection (GDPR), and age‑appropriate use.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, Entertainment Management, or a related field.
• Certifications in project management or technical operations (e.g., IT, electronics) are beneficial.
• 3–5+ years managing commercial contracts within retail, leisure, or entertainment settings (e.g., photo booths, arcade games, vending solutions).
• Proven experience managing multi‑site or regional operations.
• Exposure to contracts involving digital systems, technical equipment, or revenue‑sharing models.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Effective project and contract management skills.
• Technical understanding of equipment operations, software interfaces, and maintenance processes.
• Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Data‑driven mindset, with proficiency in performance analysis and reporting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities across internal and external stakeholders.
• Organised, proactive, and adaptable to a dynamic multi‑site environment.
• Innovative thinker who can identify new commercial opportunities and operational efficiencies.
• Collaborative and confident in leading discussions across functions and with third‑party vendors.

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…

About Merlin

A job with Merlin isn’t like a job anywhere else. With attractions around the world, from rollercoasters to wax figures, we don’t trade in suits, handshakes or briefcases. We trade in fun. In smiles, shrieks and spine‑tingles. In Memories. In magic. But there are no tricks behind our magic. Instead, there are people like you. Passionate, dedicated people who are committed to making sure our worldwide attractions and guests’ experiences are the best they can be.

If you have any questions or if you require any reasonable adjustments, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email.

Pay Range

Competitive