Divisional Director, Gardaland

at  Merlin Entertainments

What you’ll bring to the team:
Reporting to the Regional Managing Director, the Divisional Director at Gardaland Resort will be a champion of Merlin’s values, responsible for leading and inspiring the Resort Operational Leadership Team to achieve exceptional results in guest experience, team engagement, and financial performance. The Divisional Director will ensure operational success across all areas of Resort Operations while delivering on key metrics and fostering relationships with external stakeholders to support Gardaland’s brand and reputation.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years in progressive management roles within large, complex, and demanding environments, ideally in leisure, hospitality, or retail sectors.
• Demonstrated experience leading diverse, cross-functional teams with a track record of fostering collaboration and driving results.
• Experience overseeing 24/7 operations, with an in-depth understanding of the unique demands and complexities of around-the-clock service delivery.
• Proven ability to make data-driven decisions to balance operational costs with service quality, ensuring smooth, efficient, and safe operations always.
• Firsthand experience managing full P&L responsibilities, including budgeting, forecasting, and delivering against financial targets.
• Skilled in identifying opportunities to optimise costs, increase revenue streams, and improve financial performance while ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Proficient in building and managing relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including community partners, local government, industry associations, and emergency services.
• Proven track record of successfully negotiating and collaborating with stakeholders to support business objectives and drive organisational growth.
• Experience working within a matrix organisation to effectively collaborate with global functions such as Marketing, Commercial, and People, translating functional expertise into actionable plans.
• Skilled in aligning operations with strategic business plans and demonstrating the ability to pivot strategies based on market and business needs.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing crisis management plans, with the ability to remain calm and provide leadership during high-stress situations.
• Comprehensive understanding of health, safety, and security policies; adept at implementing best practices, conducting risk assessments, and maintaining a safe environment for guests and employees.
• Advanced people skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of an organisation and deliver presentations to senior stakeholders.
• Experience with public speaking, presenting business cases, and advocating for projects and initiatives to drive operational success and brand growth.
• Previous experience in the leisure, hospitality, or retail industries, with a clear understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within consumer-focused sectors.
• Strong awareness of market trends, customer expectations, and competitor activities, ensuring the business remains competitive and innovative.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, management, or a related field is essential; a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is desirable.
• Ongoing professional development or certifications in relevant areas (e.g., operational management, financial management, leadership) is advantageous.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Leadership – Proven ability to lead high-performing teams with accountability and alignment to the company’s values.

• Financial Acumen – Expertise in budget management and P&L oversight, identifying and executing on profitability opportunities.

• Operational Expertise – Skilled in managing complex 24/7 operations, ensuring efficient, high-quality service delivery.
• Stakeholder Engagement – Strong relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders to drive collaborative success.
• Crisis and Change Management – Experienced in developing crisis plans and navigating change to protect reputation and operational stability.
• People Development – Committed to team growth and creating an inclusive culture through coaching, mentoring, and talent development.

Posted Salary Range: Competitiv

• Financial Acumen – Expertise in budget management and P&L oversight, identifying and executing on profitability opportunities.
• Operational Expertise – Skilled in managing complex 24/7 operations, ensuring efficient, high-quality service delivery.
• Stakeholder Engagement – Strong relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders to drive collaborative success.
• Crisis and Change Management – Experienced in developing crisis plans and navigating change to protect reputation and operational stability.
• People Development – Committed to team growth and creating an inclusive culture through coaching, mentoring, and talent development