Director of Operations

International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions is seeking a Senior Park Operations Manager to oversee all park operations, including rides and attractions, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and optimize budgets. You will coach teams, supervise hiring and performance, and partner with leadership to drive long‑term improvements.

Role requires strong leadership, budgeting, and communication skills, with experience in amusement or related parks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or similar; experience considered
• 3-5 years of operations experience with supervisory duties
• 2-3 years in amusement/theme/water park preferred
• Strong leadership and budgeting capabilities
• Fluent English with clear communication skills

Responsibilities

• Lead all park operations, including rides and attractions
• Mentor and coach assigned team members
• Manage departmental finances with focus on revenue and cost savings
• Implement safety and operational procedures in line with regulations
• Coordinate scheduling, labor, attendance, and timekeeping
• Oversee hiring, training, and performance management
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and local regulations
• Collaborate with leadership to plan long‑term Park improvements

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Safety programs

Staff coaching

Communication

Operations management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or similar

3-5 years operations experience

2-3 years amusement/theme/water park industry

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

Role & Responsibilities

• Manage and lead all aspects of park operations, including rides, attractions, and any other assigned business units.
• Act as an approachable mentor and coach to all assigned team members.
• Manage and control all financial aspects of assigned departments while maximizing revenue and cost savings opportunities; maintain constant vigilance over labor, attendance, materials, and departmental spending and budgets.
• Act as a strategic visionary to implement measures that will favorably impact process, people, and/or profit.
• Ensure compliance with company and industry best practices, policies, and procedures to create a safe and productive environment for colleagues and guests.
• Become knowledgeable of performing the essential duties of all assigned park operations positions and backfill these positions when needed.
• Participate in all aspects of supervision of assigned employees, including hiring, orientation, training, performance coaching, and discipline.
• Ensure that all required meal and other breaks are being given in accordance with PA law.
• Assist with team scheduling and timekeeping activities.
• All other duties as assigned by leadership.

Departmental Duties

• Provide leadership and oversight for all programs, rides, and attractions.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, permitting, and required signage for all park attractions to ensure the highest level of safety.
• Assist the park’s safety officer to ensure that all corporate and jurisdictional Health, Safety and Environmental performance and documentation standards are met or exceeded, including those set forth by OSHA and various other state/local ordinances and codes; maintain opening and closing operational checklists and park communication systems; conduct regular safety meetings and document regular site safety inspections; serve as liaison for public service agencies such as law enforcement, fire protection and emergency medical services.
• Work closely with the Dutch Wonderland General Manager in establishing on‑going operations procedures and programs for the park.
• Ensure the continued and safe operation of all water park and theme park attractions.
• Ensure that all park operations remain in compliance with state, local, district and company standards.
• Collaborate with maintenance team to ensure that attractions are functioning properly and that acceptable water quality standards are being maintained for all attractions.
• Provide direction in long‑term planning including Capex projects and other park improvements.
• Lead pre‑season and post‑season operations teams, including support of routine maintenance activities.
• Implement and execute the park Manager on Duty program.
• Act as liaison with local law enforcement and public service agencies during emergency situations.
• Establish and monitor the on‑going safety program, including conducting regular safety meetings and proactively identify potential hazards.
• Conduct regular information meetings with various department heads to ensure good communications within the park operations department.
• Conduct daily and frequent site inspections to ensure that the highest possible standards of safety, courtesy, cleanliness, and efficiency are met.
• Develop and motivate the management personnel in the park operations department.
• Maintain close and open communication with peers and superiors.
• Direct all aspects of the operations department through a close working relationship with the operations managers, supervisors, and team members.
• Develop, monitor, and meet or exceed the yearly business plan for all operations‑related departments.
• Ensure that all First Aid reports and other related data are collected, stored confidentially, and are accurate and complete.
• Maintain a good working relationship with the Doctor of Record, local hospitals, local emergency medical services, and nearby health clinics.
• Work with representatives of the insurance underwriter to identify and correct problems and to defend the company in liability matters.
• Select and train security personnel to maintain 24‑hour coverage.
• Establish and maintain good relations with vendor and supplier contacts.
• Establish and administer contracts and orders.
• Select and recommend merchandise that will maximize revenues for the park.
• Monitor and maintain cost of sales on a regular basis, to remain profitable.
• Assist with the development of all line schedules, budgets, and labor monitoring.
• Assist Park leadership with budgeting and staffing metrics.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or similar discipline highly desired; equivalent combination of education and work experience will also be considered.
• 3‑5 years of operations‑based experience with a minimum of 2 years in a supervisory capacity.
• 2‑3 years of previous work experience related to an amusement, theme park, or water park industry, highly desired.

Language

Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English; Spanish or other bilingual language skills are a plus.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age to comply with PA Child Labor Laws.
• Ability to work flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, open to close.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
• Must possess exceptional customer service skills, with an ability to resolve questions, problems, issues, and concerns in a positive and professional manner.
• Must possess a safety‑oriented mindset and be fully committed to enforcing all DOSH, IROC, and all other regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and successfully lead a large number of team members.
• Must be able to speak with guests directly when other operations leadership is not available.
• Ability to handle high‑pressure situations, meet the demands of constant deadlines and coordinate multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must possess strong decision‑making skills and be able to think creatively while maintaining accordance with all safety, financial, and regulatory constraints.
• Ability to analyze financial information, costs, inventory and sales to achieve maximum profit potential and address variances for a multi‑million‑dollar facility.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and Power Point.
• Must exude professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality at all times.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and remain on feet for majority of the workday.
• Ability to remain sedentary for extended periods of time, while using a computer.
• Ability to carry, push, pull, lift, and hold objects weighing 30 pounds or more.
• Ability to climb or descend stairs for some of the rides and attractions.

Working Conditions

This role will be based in both an office setting as well as frequent interaction with all outdoor and indoor areas of the park. Constant exposure to the variable outside temperatures, including high heat, cold, direct sun, humidity, dust, rain, snow, ice, and other weather conditions. Subject to frequent interruptions, constant repetitive motion, high noise levels, flashing lights, and heavily populated environments.