Real Estate Site Search Manager (Remote)

Merlin Entertainments is a business built on fun. We are the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator and we have over 130 attractions, 21 hotels and 6 holiday villages in 24 countries across 4 continents. Our iconic brands include the likes of SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, the Dungeons, LEGOLAND Parks, LEGO Discovery Centre’s and more!

We are now looking for a Real Estate & Site Search Manager, to join our New Openings team. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a business based on fun, both for our guests and employees!

The role of the Real Estate & Site Search Manager, North America is to support the Director of Real Estate & Site Search for North America in managing Merlin’s real estate portfolio alongside ensuring successful site search and roll-out program of core Gateway brands and new brands.

Merlin’s North American real estate portfolio extends to 40+ assets across 18 states and Canada, including a variety of indoor & outdoor attractions and the successful candidate will work with the wider Real Estate & operational teams to manage lease events as they arise.

This role also has the responsibility to find and deliver sites appropriate for the launch of core Gateway and new brands attractions in North America which are consistent with Merlin’s strategy and investment returns criteria. You will be negotiating the very best deals with landlords, developers, cities or other 3rd parties, championing agreed projects through stages of Merlin Board approval before delivering them to the New Openings team.

The position is fully remote; however, candidates must reside near a major airport. Preferred locations include Orlando, the New York Metro Area, Washington, D.C., Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Philadelphia.

Key Objectives

Delivery & Site Management

• Collaborate with the Director of Real Estate & Site Search to deliver new North American Gateway sites.
• Build and maintain a network of site search agents, developers, and city representatives across North America.
• Oversee negotiations for leases and deal terms, ensuring alignment with financial KPIs.
• Manage lease events (e.g., renewals, rent reviews, disposals) and ensure portfolio system accuracy for key dates.

Real Estate Portfolio Management

• Ensure lease compliance and maintain positive landlord relationships.
• Advise on lease events and provide strategic counsel to decision-makers.
• Identify and leverage commercial opportunities to maximize portfolio value.
• Support project delivery teams during major refurbishments in collaboration with landlords.

Site Search

• Identify and evaluate sites for core and new brand launches.
• Travel to target markets for due diligence and stakeholder engagement.
• Negotiate subsidies and agreements that minimize risk and enhance site performance.

Stakeholder Management & Communication

• Ensure leases comply with local laws and Merlin standards, minimizing risk.
• Facilitate effective communication among internal and external teams to address challenges.
• Build expertise in the U.S. visitor attraction market and real estate practices.
• Align site search and real estate efforts with attraction build processes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree Educated in relevant field
• Real estate background, appraisal, evaluation, broker, project management, expansion, development
• Experience being involved in legal transactions would be beneficial
• Experience working internationally with partners from different cultures would be beneficial
• Ability to work independently
• 5 years’ experience operating in a real estate or visitor attraction setting
• Willingness to travel within North America 10-25% of the time

Benefits

• Excellent health care options (medical, dental, and vision that encourage preventative care).
• Outstanding Paid Time Off (PTO) that allows for adventure, rest, relaxation, or recuperation.
• Merlin Magic Pass for friends and family to enjoy the parks & attractions.
• Recognition Programs and Rewards
• 401(k) program with company match
• Tuition reimbursement programs
• Numerous learning and advancement opportunities

Pay Range

From USD $75,000.00/Yr.

At Merlin we welcome the world to our magical attractions and resorts every day and we want to reflect that same multicultural mix inside our business too. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse workplace where people can be themselves, have the same opportunities and thrive together. Because at Merlin, everyone matters!

Together, we work to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, no matter their age, race, gender, disability or sexual orientation. Although we understand that we’ll always be learning and growing, we aim to be the most inclusive and flexible employer in our industry.