Design Lead

This role is a 6-12 month FTC

We’re looking for someone special with a unique blend of skills! As our Design Lead you’ll be a driving force behind our creative vision, shaping and inspiring the team to deliver exceptional concepts across all our Theme Park rides, attractions, and beyond. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, you’ll nurture the design process from ideation to execution, ensuring every project delivers world-class magic and wonder.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and mentor the two-person Design team (a conceptual visual artist and a real-time 3D artist), fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages individual growth and innovation.
• Collaborate with the creative team to develop and execute creative concepts, image and style research and art direction for Theme Park rides and attractions in line with strategic objectives.
• Develop and execute captivating creative concepts for Theme Park rides and attractions, incorporating a blend of illustration and 3D.
• Understand and utilise industry-standard and emerging software (Unreal Engine, C4D, Maya, Blender, Adobe CS) to produce high-quality art direction, concepts, 3D renders, interactives and flythroughs.
• Ensure designs are consistent with brand guidelines and project specifications across different Theme Parks, locations, attraction brands and IP partnerships.
• Stay updated with the latest design, architectural and technology trends to enhance the creative output and ensure cutting-edge deliverables.
• Collaborate with other team members, clients and internal stakeholders to respond to feedback and maintain project timelines and deliverables.
• Represent the Design team at internal and external meetings, articulating the creative vision and advocating for design thinking within the organisation.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Extensive experience in a creative industry: TV and Film Production, Advertising, Design, Architecture, Experience Design, Theme Parks or Gaming.
• As this is a senior design role, a proven track record of leading and motivating high-performing design teams, fostering collaboration and driving innovation.
• Proven experience and a strong portfolio showcasing a range of concepts, 3D designs and visual executions — ideally a mix of 3D, motion graphics, edit and design skills.
• Proficient in Unreal Engine — along with standard industry tools like Adobe CS, Cinema 4D, Blender and/or Maya.
• An innate understanding of human behaviour and gamification principles.
• Ability to interpret and translate concepts into visually stunning, considered concepts with storytelling at their heart.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.#
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing project requirements and priorities.
• Passion for storytelling is a must, along with a love for Theme Park rides and attractions, and a keen interest in creating immersive, memorable experiences.

Benefits:

We’re growing fast and alongside a fun and friendly environment, we offer a fabulous package and amazing prospects – ideal if you’re already fantastic and want to become even better (our magic can help here). Benefits include Pension, Life Assurance, discretionary company bonus, 25 days’ holiday and, of course, a Merlin Magic Pass which gives you and your friends and family free admission to all of our attractions worldwide, as well as 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants and 40% discount on LEGO.

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.