GLOBAL HEAD OF INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
Reporting to the Global Infrastructure Director, you'll own the end-to-end delivery of Merlin's core infrastructure portfolio, ensuring our environments are scalable, secure, resilient, and future-ready. From major refresh cycles and global network upgrades to data centre transformations, you'll lead complex programmes that keep Merlin running - safely, reliably and efficiently across regions.
You'll inspire and lead a high-performing global delivery team, working hand-in-hand with Architecture, Operations, regional technology teams and trusted third-party partners to deliver at pace, at scale and to the highest standards.
What You'll Be Responsible For
Infrastructure Lifecycle & Refresh
- Own the full lifecycle of core infrastructure and network components, from planning and procurement through to deployment, maintenance and decommissioning.
- Lead the planning and execution of annual infrastructure and network refresh cycles.
- Maintain clear lifecycle documentation and refresh roadmaps aligned to business priorities and compliance requirements.
Global Delivery Excellence
- Lead end-to-end delivery of major infrastructure programmes including LAN refreshes, SD-WAN deployments and data centre upgrades.
- Ensure programmes are delivered on time, within budget and to agreed quality standards.
- Build and lead a hybrid global delivery model combining permanent leaders and specialist contract SMEs.
- Partner closely with regional teams and vendors to minimise operational disruption.
Governance, Risk & Financial Control
- Establish and maintain robust delivery and governance frameworks aligned with PMO, audit, and industry standards.
- Act as the primary interface between infrastructure teams and business stakeholders.
- Provide clear, concise updates to senior leaders on progress, risks, performance, and strategic outcomes.
- Own and manage multi-million-pound infrastructure budgets, ensuring value, transparency, and financial discipline.
Leadership & Talent Development
- Lead, mentor, and inspire cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Challenge and support your leaders to deliver outstanding business results.
- Own succession planning and talent development across your function.
- Champion diversity, equity and inclusion within Merlin Technology and beyond.
Vendor & Partner Management
- Build strong relationships with platform providers, integrators and consulting partners.
- Manage contractor pools and third-party capacity to flex with demand.
- Ensure third-party solutions align with Merlin's architecture standards and long-term technology strategy.
Requirements
Do you have experience in LAN?, * Proven experience delivering large-scale global technology portfolios and programmes, across both in-house and outsourced models.
- Strong background in retail, hospitality, theme parks, or location-based entertainment environments.
- A respected people leader with experience delivering complex international infrastructure programmes.
- Exceptional senior stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at Regional MD and Executive level.
- Strong commercial acumen, including vendor negotiations and multi-million-pound budget ownership.
- Calm, decisive leadership style, with the ability to operate under pressure and navigate complexity.
- Evidence-based decision-maker who values collaboration, input, and diverse perspectives.
