Technical Program Manager, Ride & Show Engineering
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Job no: 648267
Work type: Regular (Full-Time)
Location: Orlando
Categories: Universal Creative - Engineering
At Universal Creative, we design, develop and deliver the most compelling entertainment experiences imaginable to drive growth for Universal Destinations & Experiences worldwide. Our innovative attractions, immersive theme parks and world-class resorts fuse art and technology to create new standards in the themed entertainment industry.
Our Team Members are the driving force behind Universal Creative. With their diverse skills and forward-thinking ideas, our team pushes us beyond the boundaries of what’s possible to achieve the extraordinary. Together, we’re creating a Universe of fun, always ensuring the next thing we do is better than the last thing we did.
JOB SUMMARY
Provides technical management and oversight, inclusive of budget and schedule, for an attraction or attractions. Responsible for the successful specification, bid/award, design, production, installation, and acceptance testing of Ride and/or Show systems, to include Audio, Special Effects, Projection, Lighting, Set/Scenic, Props, Show Action Equipment, Animated Figures, Ride Systems, Mechanical Systems, Network Systems, Parkwide Systems, Ride Control, and/or Show Control Systems. Role may have multiple direct reports whom manage multiple aspects of an attraction or an entire attraction. Will provide daily subject matter expertise and guidance to the project team.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Leads Universal Creative technical teams in existing park expansion and new venue development. Oversees and validates engineering analyses, development of technical documents, and technical decision making.
- Oversees creation of scope(s) of work documentation and awarding of contracts to vendors based on quantitative requirements derived from interpreting creative intent and employing Universal Specifications. Leads integration and delivery of overall Ride and Show systems and attractions.
- Advises, coordinates, and is accountable for the status and engineering quality of Ride and Show systems including areas of risk or potential future risks.
- Responsible for creation of overall budget and schedule for complex attractions and themed entertainment offerings.
- Oversees all technical interaction within Universal Creative and between vendors, sub-contractors, and relevant third parties involved with Ride and Show systems.
- Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Significant vendor management experience.
- Some global travel may be required (less than 30%).
- In-field installation experience.
- Contract management experience in theme park and/or construction industries.
- Project experience in theme park development, construction, show and ride systems design or fabrication within the entertainment/theme park industry preferred.
- Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Ability to organize and manage a complex series of tasks and vendor(s) to develop and implement show and ride systems.
- Strength in schedule analysis and contract management required.
- Comfortable Influencing decisions of major nature. High degree of tact & diplomacy to obtain favorable decisions or maintain good will.
- Comfortable working in a non-routine environment with frequently changing situations.
- Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
- Directly supervises 0-10 Exempt and 0-3 Non-Exempt team members; Indirectly supervises efforts of vendors assembled to support specific project-related tasks. Number and types of staff will vary dependent upon the project.
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree in an applicable technical field required. Advanced degrees preferred.
EXPERIENCE
8+ Years: Required experience in theme park specific technical/engineering role(s). 8+ Years: Required Vendor Management experience with significant in-field installation related experience. 5-8 Years: Preferred experience with contract management and practices in the theme park and/or construction industries. 8+ Years: Required related experience. Theme Park specific experience is highly preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.
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