General Manager (Emirati Talent) – Miral Experiences

Rihlat Travel News; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is on the lookout for a visionary General Manager to oversee SeaWorld Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. This role offers an exciting opportunity to blend leadership with zoological expertise, ensuring exceptional guest experiences while managing the park's operational and financial performance. The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience in hospitality or theme park management, demonstrating a passion for animal welfare and team development. Join a dynamic environment where your leadership will directly impact one of the UAE's premier attractions, driving both innovation and excellence.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in hospitality or theme park management, with 3-5 years in leadership.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management.

Responsibilities

• Lead park operations ensuring guest experience and financial performance.
• Develop strategies for operational excellence and team development.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Management

Zoological Operations

Guest Experience Management

Team Development

Operational Efficiency

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality

Master's degree in Hospitality or related field

Job description

Miral Experiences is seeking a dynamic and visionary General Manager (GM) for SeaWorld Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

As GM, you will be responsible for the strategic leadership, operational excellence, and financial performance of the park, ensuring an exceptional experience for guests while overseeing day-to-day operations. This is a unique opportunity to lead a world-class attraction that blends zoological expertise with immersive entertainment, all while working in one of the most exciting and rapidly growing destinations in the UAE.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for both leadership and zoological operations, with a strong background in hospitality or theme park management. You will be responsible for managing all aspects of park operations, including guest experience, animal welfare, financial performance, and team development, as well as ensuring alignment with the park’s strategic goals and operational excellence.

Job Scope

Strategic Management :

• Lead the development and execution of operational strategies to meet the park’s financial and guest experience goals.
• Align park strategies with Miral Experiences’ vision and strategic objectives.
• Build and manage key relationships with IP stakeholders and partners, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
• Monitor industry trends and competitive dynamics to optimize park offerings and operations.

Operational Management :

• Oversee all day-to-day park operations, ensuring smooth functioning across all departments (rides, attractions, food & beverage, retail, zoological areas, etc.).
• Ensure operational efficiency through effective capacity management, guest flow, and staff coordination.
• Maintain safety standards and ensure compliance with legal and industry safety regulations.

Zoological Standards & Research :

• Ensure the park’s zoological operations meet SeaWorld’s high standards of animal care, education, and water quality.
• Lead efforts to secure and maintain accreditation from key zoological organizations.
• Provide strategic oversight for the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center, collaborating with stakeholders to drive initiatives related to animal welfare and conservation.

Human Resources & Team Development :

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
• Oversee recruitment, talent development, and succession planning to ensure a strong and diverse workforce.
• Support the UAE Nationals strategy by identifying and developing opportunities for local talent within the organization.

Guest Experience :

• Monitor guest feedback to continually improve the guest experience, leveraging tools like Guest Satisfaction Surveys (GSS) and Net Promoter Scores (NPS).
• Ensure a safe, enjoyable, and engaging experience for all visitors, maintaining high standards of service excellence across the park.

Financial Accountability & Performance :

• Manage the annual budget for all operational areas, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and financial targets.
• Monitor financial performance, analyzing variances and implementing corrective actions as necessary to meet budget objectives.
• Foster a culture of financial accountability, providing guidance to operational teams on budget management and cost control.

Business Development & Partnerships :

• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to identify business opportunities and enhance revenue generation.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships to drive operational efficiency and guest engagement.

Qualifications & Experience :

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, Business Management, Recreation, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in hospitality, theme park, zoo, or aquarium management, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, P&L statements, and cost control.
• Proven experience working in zoological facilities, with a focus on animal welfare, care, and education.
• Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and make data-driven decisions under pressure.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and operational standards in the theme park or entertainment industry.
• Master’s degree or relevant certifications in theme park, hospitality, or zoological management.
• 2+ years in a senior leadership role within a theme park or related industry.
• Certifications in IAAPA or similar industry organizations.
• Knowledge of the UAE market and multicultural workforce dynamics.