Director, Operations - New Ventures

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for operational planning of major new ventures projects during the project planning, design, development, and construction phases of a UDX new venture within a new market and location. Serves as a key operational representative for New Ventures, focusing on Team Member programs and areas impacting the Guest experience. Manages operations inputs with key UDX administrative groups including Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, BAIE, EHS, etc. during the design and development phases and other key divisions including Food & Beverage, Merchandise, and Entertainment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages initiatives to drive UDX domestic and international new ventures through market research and analysis, labor considerations, operational costs, etc. related to park-wide operations. Oversees the execution of new projects through the development of new venture or project 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 to focus on systems to support safe, efficient, and smooth Team Member and Guest experiences of all operational areas including Parking & Transportation, Entrance and Ticketing, Attractions, Guest Services, Park Services, Wardrobe, Health Services, Special Events, VIP Tours, Security and venue maintenance. Acts as a liaison with Food & Beverage, Merchandise, and Entertainment for collaboration and feedback as New Venture projects are being explored and vetted.
• Manages New Venture project pre-opening budgets for FFE and other pre-opening budgets accordingly to ensure control of operational costs when resort is operating. Develops staffing plans and operating expense forecasting for the daily operations while designing programs and processes to control, enhance, and monitor the guest experience.
• Strategically partners with UDX key divisions including Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, BAIE, EHS, etc. on financial analysis and planning, budgets, sanitation and safety, training & development, staffing, and employee relations. Ensures strong cross-departmental input and collaboration for new technologies and designs of new venture projects in partnership with enhancements at existing parks and experiences.
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UPR policy, procedures, training, and Team Member involvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in theme park or hospitality industry management in a senior leadership role with proven outcomes managing multiple disciplines including but not limited to operations, transportation, ticketing, VIP experience, maintenance, food/retail, safety, events, among other functions.
• Experience partnering with local government agencies and business partners with strong global business sensibility.
• Exceptional communications, organizational and project management skills with strong ability to collaborate across multiple disciplines.
  
  

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

EXPERIENCE: 10+ years of experience in a hospitality or operational environment is required; 5+ years in theme park related work and management is required; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Extensive experience opening new attractions and/or parks a major plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Will include domestic and international business travel.