JOB SUMMARY:  Responsible for operational planning of designated New Ventures projects during the project planning, design, development, and construction phases within a new market and location. Serves as a key operational representative focusing on Team Member programs and areas impacting the Guest experience. Manages operations inputs in partnership with key administrative groups including Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, Business Analytics & Industrial Engineering (BAIE), Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), and other key divisions including Food & Beverage, Merchandise, and Entertainment during the design and development phases.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages initiatives to drive designated Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX) domestic and/or international New Ventures through market research and analysis, labor considerations, operational costs, etc. related to park-wide operations. Oversees the execution of designated projects assigned through the development of operational systems and programs in partnership with local governmental authorities and regulations and UDX policies and procedures, including SOPs and Operational Performance Specifications.
• Strategically partners with Universal Creative and Operations teams to ensure operational feasibility during the design and development phases and focus on systems to support safe, efficient, and smooth Team Member and Guest experiences of all operational areas including Entertainment shows, events, and seasonal offerings. Acts as a liaison with Food & Beverage, Merchandise, and other divisions for collaboration and feedback for designated New Venture.
• Manages designated New Ventures project pre-opening FFE budgets and other pre-opening budgets to ensure control of operational costs when in operation. Develops staffing plans and operating expense forecasting for the daily operations while designing programs and processes to control, enhance, and monitor the guest experience.
• Partners with New Ventures Operations team to define project planning, budgets, safety, training & development, staffing, and employee relations. Ensures strong cross-departmental input and collaboration for new technologies and designs of designated New Venture in partnership with enhancements at existing parks and experiences.  Partners with third-party vendors for future operational maintenance needs and initiatives.
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training, and Team Member involvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in theme park or hospitality industry management in a leadership role with proven outcomes managing multiple disciplines including but not limited to operations, transportation, ticketing, VIP tours, maintenance, food/retail, safety, events, among other functions.
• Role requires a high degree of collaboration and teamwork with Internal and External Partners.
• A positive “can-do” attitude. Must be a problem solver with the ability to thrive under pressure in a challenging work environment.
• Exceptional communications, organizational and project management skills with strong ability to build effective relationships and collaborate across multiple disciplines.

EDUCATION:  Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Hospitality or related field is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:  5+ years of experience in a hospitality or operational environment is required; 3+ years in theme park related work and management is required; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Operations experience opening new businesses in hospitality industry preferred. Experience opening new theme parks a major plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Domestic and International travel may be required depending upon project needs. Must be willing to work outside of normal business hours depending on business needs.