Director of Operations

Anakeesta; Gatlinburg (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Paid time off

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) plan

Employee passes

Discounts

Pass exchange program

Job summary

Anakeesta, a 70-acre mountaintop adventure park in Gatlinburg, is seeking a Director of Operations to lead all park operations through three Operations Managers, ensuring safe, efficient guest experiences and strong financial performance.

You will oversee Ticketing, Lift Operations, Coaster Operations, Park Services, Transportation, Security, and Zipline Operations, drive safety standards, staffing, training, and continuous improvement, and partner with other departments to resolve issues and

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive management experience; theme park, attractions, hospitality, tourism, or similar experience preferred.
• Experience managing managers and multiple operational departments.
• Strong knowledge of staffing, labor management, scheduling, budgeting, and operational KPIs.
• Demonstrated ability to develop leaders and hold teams accountable.
• Strong commitment to safety and guest service.

Responsibilities

• Directly lead, coach, and hold three Operations Managers accountable for departmental performance.
• Establish and enforce operational, safety, guest service, and performance standards across the park.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, training, labor management, and operational coverage.
• Monitor daily operations, guest flow, cleanliness, safety, employee performance, and park readiness.
• Oversee operational budgets, labor costs, KPIs, forecasting, and departmental expenses.

Skills

Leadership

Staffing & labor management

Budgeting & KPIs

Safety focus

Guest services

Communication

Analytical skills

Job description

Director of OperationsJob SummaryThe Director of Operations is responsible for the overall operational performance of Anakeesta, ensuring safe, efficient, and exceptional guest experiences. Reporting directly to the General Manager, this position leads all park operations through three Operations Managers and is accountable for operational execution, safety, staffing, labor, guest service, financial performance, and continuous improvement.Operations oversight includes Ticketing, Call Center, Lift Operations, Coaster Operations, Park Services/Custodial, Adventure Rangers, Transportation, Parking, Security, and Zipline Operations.Key ResponsibilitiesDirectly lead, coach, and hold three Operations Managers accountable for departmental performance.Establish and enforce operational, safety, guest service, and performance standards across the park.Ensure appropriate staffing, scheduling, training, labor management, and operational coverage.Monitor daily operations, guest flow, cleanliness, safety, employee performance, and park readiness.Oversee operational budgets, labor costs, KPIs, forecasting, and departmental expenses.Partner with HR on recruiting, employee relations, leadership development, training, and succession planning.Partner with Safety, Maintenance, Finance, IT, Marketing, and other departments to resolve operational issues and improve park performance.Serve as the primary operational escalation point for significant guest concerns, incidents, emergencies, and operational disruptions.Ensure rides, lifts, ziplines, adventure elements, transportation, security, and other operational functions are operated safely and according to established standards.Lead operational planning for peak seasons, special events, weather events, and changes in attendance.Identify and implement opportunities to improve safety, efficiency, guest experience, employee performance, and profitability.Maintain strong communication with the General Manager and leadership team regarding operational performance, risks, staffing, and priorities.Maintain a visible, hands-on leadership presence throughout the park.Perform other duties as assigned.Qualifications5+ years of progressive management experience; theme park, attractions, hospitality, tourism, or similar experience preferred.Experience managing managers and multiple operational departments.Strong knowledge of staffing, labor management, scheduling, budgeting, and operational KPIs.Demonstrated ability to develop leaders and hold teams accountable.Strong commitment to safety and guest service.Excellent communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.Ability to make sound decisions and remain calm in high-pressure situations.Strong computer and data-analysis skills.Professional, hands-on, and solution-oriented leadership style.Work Conditions & Schedule RequirementsMust be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.Must be able to stand, walk, climb, balance, kneel, stoop, push, pull, and lift up to 40 lbs.Combination of office and active field leadership required.Weekend, holiday, evening, and flexible scheduling required.Peak seasons and operational needs may require more than 40 hours per week and occasional response outside normal working hours.Perks of Working With UsCompetitive payPaid time offMedical, dental, and vision insuranceLife insurance401(k) retirement planFree admission for employees and immediate familyEmployee discounts on food and merchandiseGenerous pass exchange program with area attractionsAbout UsAnakeesta is a 70-acre mountaintop adventure park overlooking downtown Gatlinburg, offering guests unforgettable experiences surrounded by the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. From thrilling attractions and outdoor adventures to dining, shopping, and entertainment, our team works together to create meaningful guest experiences and add a little magic to the mountains.As part of Revel Group, Anakeesta is a growing organization with opportunities for team members to learn, grow, and build a career in a unique and exciting environment. We are looking for people who bring energy, teamwork, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the guest experience.“Be a Breath of Fresh Air.”