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What you'll bring to the team

Role Summary

As the **People Director** for LEGOLAND New York, you will serve as a strategic and commercially minded business partner to the attraction and Gateway leadership teams. This role is pivotal in aligning business priorities with people strategy—driving high performance, shaping an inclusive culture, and ensuring every Model Citizen feels connected, empowered, and inspired.

You will influence transformation, develop leaders, and champion an environment where innovation and belonging thrive—all while embodying _The Merlin Way_ values: **We Care, Own Your Craft, Go Together, Drive & Discover, and Enjoy the Ride.**

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Partnership & People Planning

+ Partner with the Site Leadership Team to deliver a forward-thinking people plan aligned with commercial goals.

+ Translate business measures into actionable people strategies.

+ Lead organizational change initiatives and drive adoption of RAPIDs/RACIs.

+ Serve as a thought partner, translating business challenges into people solutions.

Leadership & Talent Development

+ Coach and empower leaders to build high-performing, inclusive teams.

+ Partner with Centers of Excellence (CoEs) to enhance leadership capability and management skills.

+ Lead talent and succession planning, ensuring a robust internal pipeline aligned with attraction priorities.

Organizational Effectiveness & Workforce Planning

+ Partner with the People Hub and regional spokes to deliver effective workforce planning.

+ Embed efficient ways of working and decision-making frameworks (RAPIDs/RACIs).

+ Champion change adoption across the attraction and influence culture transformation.

Employee Engagement & Communication

+ Develop and deliver the attraction’s engagement and communication plan with leaders and Internal Comms.

+ Drive two-way communication and foster an engaged, feedback-driven culture.

+ Represent and elevate the Merlin employer brand internally and externally.

Reward & Recognition

+ Deliver pay and benefits cycles in line with divisional principles and budgets.

+ Support pay equity and recognition programs that celebrate performance and belonging.

Belonging, Inclusion & Culture

+ Activate the belonging strategy through site-level initiatives.

+ Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across all attraction teams.

Operational Excellence

+ **People Metrics & Analytics:** Use data insights to inform decisions and track key HR KPIs.

+ **Compliance & Risk:** Ensure compliance with labor laws and policies, minimizing risk exposure.

+ **People Technology:** Leverage systems and AI tools to enhance efficiency and the employee experience.

+ **Employee Relations:** Manage complex ER issues (including union matters) in collaboration with Legal Counsel.

+ **Shared Services:** Partner with the NA People Hub to ensure seamless operations across the region.

Qualifications & Experience

Experience & Qualifications

+ 10+ years in HR/People leadership with 3+ years supporting multi-functional SLTs.

+ Strong expertise in people strategy, talent management, and organizational development.

+ Skilled in leading through influence across matrixed and regionally dispersed teams.

+ Experience handling complex ER and union matters.

+ Solid understanding of compensation, benefits, and workforce planning.

+ Experience in a shared services or multi-site environment preferred.

+ Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field.

+ Proficient in HR systems, analytics, and MS tools; familiarity with AI in HR is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

Core Area** **Key Strengths

Strategic ThinkingCommercially astute; connects people strategy to performance outcomes.

Leadership & InfluenceTrusted advisor and coach; skilled at navigating senior-level relationships.

Analytical SkillsData-driven decision-making and workforce insights.

Commercial AcumenUnderstands and supports site strategy through continuous improvement.

CommunicationClear, confident communicator across all levels.

Cultural CompetenceThrives in diverse, international settings.

Problem-SolvingResolves challenges with practical, commercially sound solutions.

Thought LeadershipCurious, innovative, and a champion of modern people practices.

Merlin Leadership Behaviors

Behavior** **Description

Soulfully CuriousExplores diverse perspectives, asks with intent, and embraces learning.

Results FocusedSets clear goals, takes accountability, and drives performance outcomes.

Extraordinary TeammateCollaborates across boundaries and celebrates collective success.

Develops PeopleCoaches, empowers, and invests in others’ growth and potential.

Benefits

The Merlin Way in Action

+ **We Care:** Build a workplace where every Model Citizen feels valued and supported.

+ **Own Your Craft:** Elevate HR excellence through innovation and accountability.

+ **Go Together:** Partner across functions to drive unity and collaboration.

+ **Drive & Discover:** Seek fresh perspectives and continuously improve.

+ **Enjoy the Ride:** Celebrate successes, big and small, and have fun along the way.

Your Adventure Awaits! 🌟🌍

At Merlin Entertainments North America, we believe in not just rewarding your work but enhancing your journey with an exhilarating array of benefits that go beyond the ordinary. Get ready for a ride of a lifetime as we unveil the extraordinary perks waiting for you!

• Your Benefits Odyssey Begins Here:

• **Competitive Salary:**

+ Brace yourself for a salary that not only recognizes your talents but propels you to new heights.

•️ **Generous PTO:**

+ Time off is your passport to recharge. Enjoy a generous PTO policy to explore, relax, and rejuvenate.

•‍⚕️ **Affordable Health Plans:**

+ Dive into the comfort of affordable medical, vision, and dental plans that prioritize your well-being.

• **Global Access Pass:**

+ Picture this – free entry to all Merlin attractions worldwide! Your golden ticket extends to family and friends, unlocking a world of wonder.

•️ **Secure Your Future:**

+ Safeguard your legacy with company-paid life insurance – because we care about your peace of mind.

• **Continued Growth:**

+ Joining Merlin isn't just a job; it's a thrilling expedition. Expect continuous growth in an exciting, global organization that values your journey.

Pay Range

Compensation between USD $120,000.00/Yr.-USD $140,000.00/Yr.

Submit a Referral (https://careers-na-merlinentertainments.icims.com/jobs/9895/people-director/job?mode=apply&apply=yes&in\_iframe=1&hashed=-1834381883)

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.

**Location (Country-State-City)** _US-NY-Goshen_

**Job ID** _2025-9895_

**Employment Type** _Full-Time_

**Offer/Contract Type** _At Will (US Only)_

**Location Name** _LEGOLAND New York_