Commercial Manager

Merlin Entertainments; Grapevine (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Outstanding Paid Time Off (PTO)

Free entry for friends and family to attractions

401(k) Program with matching contributions

Tuition Reimbursement Programs

Job summary

Merlin Entertainments in Grapevine, Texas is seeking a Commercial Manager to oversee the efficient operation of retail and food services, ensuring profitability and guest satisfaction. The role demands a strong leader to maximize operational success through effective team management and strategic planning.

With a focus on exceeding financial targets and maintaining high standards of service, this position requires at least three years of management experience in a similar environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years in retail or food and beverage service industry.
• Three years of management experience required.
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of retail and food areas.
• Ensure high standards of service and safety are maintained.
• Manage financial metrics and operational budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Customer Service

Inventory Management

Financial Reporting

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

College Degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word)

Futura Inventory Management System

Job description

Job Title: Commercial Manager

The Retail Manager is responsible for overseeing the efficient, effective, and safe day‑to‑day running of assigned commercial areas (Retail and Food and Beverage) of the attraction, while maximizing profitability through a proactive approach to people, process, and vendor management.

Responsibilities

• Meet or exceed all daily, weekly, monthly, and annual Per Cap, Transaction Value, KPI, and Mystery Visit targets.
• Ensure the Retail Team consistently delivers world‑class experiences to guests, as evidenced by continuously meeting or exceeding KPI and Mystery Visit targets.
• Deliver initial and ongoing training of Retail Team as required for safe, efficient, and effective operation of assigned commercial areas.
• Work with General Manager (GM) to create and implement optimal and compliant labor budgets/schedules for various day‑types and seasonal needs.
• Work with GM to create and execute merchandising plans, sales plans, seasonal plans, and incentives.
• Lead and manage the Merchandising and Inventory Control programs for the attraction.
• Lead the Retail Team to be Guest‑Obsessed, positive, proactive, and fun.
• Ensure that the highest possible standards of service, cleanliness, technical operation, and safety are adhered to by the Retail Team.
• Deliver specified revenue metrics for any commercial areas operated by the Retail Team.
• Support and inform GM as part of the attraction Senior Leadership Team.
• Achieve/Maintain/Exceed acceptable or better status on Internal Audit, Health and Safety, and other areas.
• Be trained, willing, and able to serve as Duty Manager.
• Takes responsibility for recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and ongoing training for Retail Team.
• Ensures Retail Team is effectively delivering suggestive selling, upselling, and customer service strategies.
• Leads and manages the ordering and merchandising of retail areas, which may involve evening and night shifts.
• Oversees the timing of the stock orders to maximize key trading periods and factor in the lead times and IP rights involved for products.
• Accountable for ongoing, monthly inventory control and stock take, management and investigation of damage and waste logs, controlling waste costs, and controlling stock loss.
• Manages performance and growth of Retail Team through Personal Development Plans, Appraisals, and Training.
• Handles operational challenges as they occur, including responses to guest requests for merchandise replacement and other merchandise requests.
• Utilizes Financial Reports, Admission Reports, KPIs, GM input, and Merlin Senior Leadership input to recommend changes and improvements to GM.
• Manages and rectifies guest complaints in assigned areas per practice and policy, ensuring records are maintained.
• Manages all policies and procedures in relation to employment as advised by Human Resources and Merlin Operations Manual.
• Ensures proper coverage and staff utilization.
• Coaches and manages Retail Team to provide best‑in‑class guest experience and maximize profit in all assigned areas.
• Actively and consistently leads by example and serves as aspirational role model.
• Clearly and effectively communicates existing and new policies, procedures, and information with Retail Team.
• Takes an active role, along with attraction SLT, in leading daily/shift team briefings.
• Ensures that Supervisors and team members are trained and empowered to deliver outstanding customer service - including guest recovery as needed.
• Maintains oversight and control of all assigned areas, quickly investigating errors, complaints, and incidents.
• Follow all retail SOPs regarding stock take, replenishment and Futura processes.
• Completes required tasks in Futura Inventory Management System on time to support inventory accuracy and AP compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

High School Diploma or GED. College degree preferred. Minimum three years of retail or food and beverage service industry experience with three years of management experience required including a visitor attraction, theme park, museum, hotel or theater environment, or equivalent combination of experience and education. Proven ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and multitask as necessary. Extensive knowledge of computers including Microsoft Office - Excel, Outlook, and Word. Desire to work in fast‑paced environments. Highly self‑motivated strong leader with proven success managing operational teams. Passion for providing excellent experiences to our guests is critical. This combined with excellent communication, negotiation, interpersonal and organizational skills will be vital in driving visitor numbers to the attraction and getting the most out of your team.

Licenses and Certifications

Ability to obtain related licensures or certification as may be required to perform the essential function of the position or as required by law.

Travel Requirements

• May occasionally require local or domestic travel.

Health and Safety

Employees are responsible for the safety of themselves, their colleagues, and guests (where appropriate), in line with the Merlin Entertainments Group Health, Safety and Security Policy and the law. Must ensure they follow safe working procedures for all work activities they undertake, and they must not use any tools or equipment for which they have not been trained. Where incidents do occur, must ensure they are reported to their line manager and cooperate with any investigation as appropriate in accordance with applicable laws.

Managers/supervisors are responsible for all aspects of Health, Safety and Security within their team, in line with the Merlin Entertainments Group Health, Safety and Security Policy. They must ensure that risk assessments have been carried out, that safe working procedures are in place for all work activities and that all employees in their teams are aware of the Group Health, Safety and Security Policy and their obligations under it. They must ensure that safe working practices are monitored, and that risk assessments and procedures are reviewed regularly. Where incidents do occur, they must ensure that they are investigated appropriately and that where necessary, corrective action is taken to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.

Working Conditions

• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Attendance is a mandatory function of this job.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including morning, evenings, holidays, and weekends to support site operations.

Physical Demands

• Ability to hear, listen, and to communicate with others.
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to use basic computer tools.
• Wear all necessary personal protective equipment to perform job functions.
• Move throughout all areas of the attraction with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Stand, sit, and/or walk continuously with or without a reasonable accommodation and perform job function for the full shift with meal break.
• Bend, stoop kneel, reach twist, lift, push, pull, climb, balance, and/or crouch to accomplish daily activities.
• Grasp, turn and manipulate objects of varying size and weight, requiring fine motor skills and hand‑eye coordination.
• May be exposed to a loud work environment.
• May work with corrosive materials.

Environmental Factors

• Depending on location, work may be performed inside or outside with varying temperatures and floor surfaces.
• Exposure to varying temperatures, extreme heat or cold and/or wet, damp, or drafty conditions.
• Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds of a pitch level sufficient to cause marked distractions.
• Exposure to shaking objects and equipment.
• Exposure to varying light levels while transitioning in and out of the attraction at various times of the workday.

Lifting Requirements

• Must be able to lift items weighing up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.

Additional Non‑Technical Competencies

Be adaptable – adapting approach and demeanor in real time to march the shifting demand of different situation.

Collaborate – Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.

Communicate Effectively – Developing and delivery communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.

Ensure Accountability – Holding self and other accountable to meet commitments.

Core Behaviors

Merlin people create joyful experiences that unite and inspire people from every walk of life. Our ambition is to be the best place in the world to work and visit. We do this by working together with shared values and demonstrating values‑based competencies.

We Care – We go above and beyond for our guests and our people – no gesture is too thoughtful. We are uncompromising about safety, security, and welfare, setting the highest standards. We work hard to have a positive impact, both on the planet and in our local communities.

Own Your Craft – We constantly sharpen our skills and help others to grow in their roles. We listen closely to others, learning from feedback. We take inspiration from our industry and world, to stay at the forefront of entertainment.

Drive and Discover.

Go Together.

Enjoy the Ride.

We give our best every day, owning our work and seeing it through until it’s done brilliantly. We focus on the things that make the biggest difference: do less but do it better. We explore untapped opportunities to delight more guests in more ways, embracing calculated risks.

We work on our relationships daily, building teamwork and trust. We collaborate with people from other teams and sites around the globe, to solve problems together and draw on diverse perspectives. We commit to our decisions and move at speed to make progress happen.

We bring fun and optimism to our work – because happiness helps us be at our best. We support each other through challenges and turn missteps into opportunities to learn. We cultivate a warm, welcoming environment where people feel a strong sense of belonging.

Disclaimer Statement

I confirm that I have read, understand and am able to perform the essential job functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

• Excellent Health Care Options: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Outstanding Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Merlin Magic Pass: Free entry for friends and family to our amazing parks & attractions.
• Recognition Programs and Rewards: Celebrate your achievements and hard work.
• 401(k) Program: Save for the future with company matching contributions.
• Tuition Reimbursement Programs: Get support for further education and career growth.
• Numerous Learning and Advancement Opportunities: Grow your skills and advance your career with us.

Pay Range

Competitive