COTALAND Operations Manager

Circuit of The Americas; Del Valle (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading entertainment destination located in California, near Austin, is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee daily park operations and ensure exceptional guest experiences. The role includes managing multiple departments and ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards. Ideal candidates will have at least three years of relevant experience in high-volume entertainment settings and strong leadership skills. Flexibility for non-traditional hours is required due to event schedules.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in theme park or related operations.
• Strong leadership experience managing large teams.
• Excellent communication and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of Guest Relations and Ride Operations.
• Ensure departments comply with safety and operational standards.
• Monitor staffing levels and operational needs.

Skills

Theme park operations experience

Leadership and management

Excel and Word proficiency

Problem-solving skills

Guest service standards understanding

Job description

Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is a 365-entertainment destination for world‑class events located in Austin, TX. The sports and entertainment portfolio at COTA is unmatched in the country with Formula 1 US Grand Prix, NASCAR and MotoGP attracting global fans during championship races on the famed Circuit and Live Nation producing over 30 headline concerts every year at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. COTALAND is an amusement park with over 30 attractions and experiences, including first‑of‑their‑kind roller coasters.

Operations Manager Overview

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all day‑to‑day park operations, ensuring a safe, efficient, and exceptional guest experience. This role leads multiple departments including Guest Relations, Park Services, and Ride Operations, while supporting any additional operational needs across the park.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of experience in theme park, amusement park, or similar high‑volume entertainment operations
• Previous experience in a supervisory or senior operation role within a theme park or attraction
• Proven leadership experience managing multiple departments or large teams
• Strong understanding of ride operations, safety protocols, and guest service standards
• Experience managing departmental budgets, including labor and operational expenses
• Experience with operational planning, staffing models, and performance tracing
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills
• Utilize Excel and Word to track performance metrics, create reports, and maintain operational documentation
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment with flexible hours, including weekends and holidays

Physical Demand & Work Environments

• Ability to stand, sit, use of hands to handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Ability to squat, bend, twist, push/pull
• Ability to stand/walk for long periods
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision
• Work in extreme environments outdoors throughout the year
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud during events

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Oversee daily operations of Guest Relations, Park Services, and Ride Operations teams
• Ensure all departments are operating safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company standards and regulations
• Lead, coach, and develop department managers and supervisors to drive performance and accountability
• Maintain a high standard of guest service and quickly resolve escalated guest concerns
• Monitor staffing levels and operational needs; adjust resources to meet business demands
• Collaborate with maintenance, safety, and leadership teams to ensure seamless park operations
• Implement and uphold operational procedures, policies, and training programs
• Analyze operational performance metrics and identify opportunities for improvement
• Ensure cleanliness, organization, and overall park presentation meet brand standards
• Support special events, peak operations, and any additional park operational needs

Work Schedule and Conditions

This position is based on‑site at COTALAND Theme Park at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas and requires flexibility for non‑traditional hours during rehearsals, installs, openings, and seasonal peak operations.

Salary

Salary commensurate with experience.

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Equal Employment Opportunity

COTA strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state and federal law.