APAC Technical Services and Engineering Director

What you'll bring to the team Get ready to enjoy the ride This pivotal role will see you leading Technical Services across your designated region, shaping and executing the functional strategy while adapting it to local and country requirements. You will ensure that assets and attractions are maintained in line with legislation, while driving enhanced guest experiences, reliability, and ride availability. As a senior leader, you will partner closely with SVPs, Attraction VPs, Technical Directors, and the HSS team to deliver functional expertise across technical services, asset management, Opex and Capex budgets, vendor management, and compliance with Merlin’s global policies and procedures. In addition, you will contribute to global initiatives, bringing a regional perspective to projects that impact your attractions. Role Expectations Strategic Leadership Provide visionary leadership across the region, establishing short-, medium-, and long-term plans to transform the Technical Services function. Act as a strategic thought partner, optimizing operational and capital budgets under Technical Services cost centers. Annual Opex & Capex Budgets Guide the development, submission, and analysis of Opex and Capex budgets, ensuring alignment with functional strategy and efficiency across the region. Steward Merlin’s inventory management policies, ensuring accountability for fixed assets and property. Capex Projects Oversee rolling Capex budgets for infrastructure and asset replacement. Evaluate requests for technical feasibility and cost efficiency, ensuring capital investment supports long-term functional strategy. Asset Management Align regional asset management frameworks with Global Technical Services policies. Create robust asset replacement plans and work closely with HSS to maintain compliance with legislation, intervening proactively to address risks. Technical Support Provide technical leadership in addressing recurring faults or structural risks, ensuring swift resolution to protect guest experience and brand reputation. Governance and Reporting Work alongside SVPs and HSS Directors to maintain compliance, provide technical assistance during audits, and ensure non-conformities are addressed. Act as the point of contact for GTS, escalating both immediate risks and long-term challenges to the executive team. Innovation & Best Practice Champion innovation and continuous improvement. Share best practices across your region and collaborate with the Central Technical Services Team to advance global asset improvement. People Leadership Directly manage the Technical Support Director while coaching and developing talent across your matrix reporting lines. Partner with Attraction VPs to celebrate performance or address areas of improvement, cultivating a culture of accountability and growth. Major Projects & Development Engage with the Development team to apply GTS standards to new projects, bringing innovation and lessons learned to major infrastructure and ride developments. Environmental Engineering Collaborate with the Energy and Sustainability Team to minimize Merlin’s environmental footprint. Lead deployment of green Capex and embed sustainability into asset management. Vendor Management Oversee critical vendor partnerships, driving performance, compliance, and service delivery that supports attractions in a timely and professional manner. Health & Safety Model a safety-first culture by embedding safe working practices, supporting compliance with legislation, and contributing to the continuous improvement of safety standards. Communication Lead regular Technical Services meetings to keep TDs aligned on industry trends, policy updates, and strategic initiatives. Partner with QA leaders to monitor and report on key department metrics such as PPM compliance and ticket completion. Qualifications & Experience Experience & Qualifications Significant leadership experience within theme parks or critical engineering environments Level 5+ Technical Qualification (HNC, HND, or degree) in engineering or technology Proven ability to manage large-scale asset replacement programmes across varied environments Strong record of stakeholder management, particularly in dynamic change environments Skilled communicator—able to distill complex issues into clear, compelling presentations for senior leadership Experience managing supplier/client relationships in engineering or technology services NEBOSH General Certificate (or equivalent) preferred Background in visitor attractions, hospitality, or service industry advantageous Skills & Competencies Continuous Improvement Expertise : Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent Change Management : Ability to lead complex operational change initiatives across diverse teams Engineering Excellence : In-depth understanding of mechanical and electrical systems impacting ride capacity Strategic Thinking : Skilled at aligning technical projects with broader business goals Data-Driven Decision Making : Confident using data to inform decisions and track performance Stakeholder Management : Able to influence senior leaders and align cross-functional priorities Communication : Exceptional verbal and written communication across all organizational levels Project Management : Track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget Problem Solving : Analytical mindset with a focus on root cause resolution Adaptability : Agile in responding to industry trends and technological advances People Leadership : Experienced in direct and matrix leadership, with a focus on coaching and developing talent Leadership Behaviours Soulfully Curious : Seeks out diverse perspectives, embraces innovation, and demonstrates genuine curiosity Results Focused : Sets clear goals, prioritizes effectively, and holds self and others accountable for outcomes Extraordinary Teammate : Collaborates proactively, communicates with respect, and contributes to enterprise-wide success Develops People : Coaches, nurtures, and champions the growth of others while fostering a culture of continuous learning Benefits Competitive benefits package based on location Posted Salary Range Competitive #J-18808-Ljbffr