What you'll bring to the team
Global Network Manager
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 and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Pay Range
Competitive