Overview
Location: London/Hybrid
Hours: 40 hours per week
Contract: Permanent - Salaried
Merlin is undertaking an exciting global transformation focused on sustainable growth and technology-led innovation. We are seeking a strategic and commercially driven Global Head of Network Operations to lead our worldwide network function. This is a critical leadership role responsible for delivering secure, scalable, and high-performing network infrastructure while driving operational excellence, innovation, cost efficiency, and team development.
Responsibilities
* Strategic & Operational Leadership: Lead and execute the global network strategy, ensuring efficiency, resilience, and scalability.
* Drive cost-optimisation initiatives, including SD‑WAN improvements, contract negotiations, and vendor performance.
* Align network operations with wider transformation goals and infrastructure roadmaps.
* Innovation & Technology: Champion emerging technologies such as AI-driven monitoring, SDN, and cloud-native networking.
* Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the team.
* Implement automation tools to boost performance, reduce costs, and streamline operations.
* Operational Excellence: Oversee global network service delivery, ensuring SLAs are met and incidents are proactively managed.
* Enhance visibility and performance through advanced monitoring platforms.
* Standardise and automate processes, ensuring accurate CMDB data and efficient updates.
* Prioritise exceptional service and uptime to support guest experience.
* Team Leadership: Lead and develop a global team of network engineers, providing mentoring, career development, and succession planning.
* Build a high-performance culture with regular coaching and recognition.
* Ensure ITIL-aligned service management practices are consistently applied.
* Security & Compliance: Work with security and compliance teams to ensure network architecture meets internal and regulatory standards.
* Oversee network disaster recovery planning and execution.
* Cost Management: Own the global network OPEX budget, including forecasting, tracking, and reporting.
* Assess network design and vendor proposals to ensure best value.
* Support asset lifecycle management to reduce technical debt and optimise spend.
* Qualifications & Experience: 7+ years in enterprise network engineering and operations in a global organisation.
* Proven track record in operational cost reduction, vendor management, and service optimisation.
* Deep expertise in TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, STP, QoS, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, SDWAN.
* Hands-on experience with Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, and cloud networking.
* Certifications: CCNP required; CCIE or CCDP desirable.
* Experience with ITIL, SolarWinds, CatTools, and network automation scripting.
* Demonstrable experience working in a Managed Service Partner relationship
* Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Demonstrated ability to lead innovation and develop high-performing teams.
Benefits
* “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 our Merlin Attractions across the world rising to 40 after a year’s service
* 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
* 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…
If you have any questions or if you require any assistance, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at Recruitment@Merlinentertainments.biz and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Pay Range
Competitive
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