LEGOLAND California- Operations Planner

Merlin; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Merlin Magic Pass

Recognition programs

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Learning & advancement

Job summary

Merlin Entertainments in California is seeking an Operations Planner to oversee workforce planning, scheduling, and staffing efficiency across the resort. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize resource use, control labor costs, and enhance guest experiences.

The role requires hands-on scheduling, data-driven decision making, and strong knowledge of labor laws. You will contribute to safety and compliance, while supporting training and recruitment as needed.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in workforce planning and scheduling in hospitality or similar.
• Experience with scheduling tools and data analysis to improve efficiency.
• Strong knowledge of labor laws and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Create daily staffing rosters for all resort departments.
• Ensure correct frontline staffing based on budgets and needs.
• Review and submit hours for payroll accuracy.
• Manage breaks while ensuring coverage and compliance with laws.
• Develop training plans and coordinate training for new MCs.
• Identify shortages or overstaffing and coordinate recruiting when needed.
• Create backup staffing plans for call-outs or demand changes.
• Analyze staffing levels and performance using metrics like RPC and guest KPIs.
• Help develop and improve scheduling/resource-planning tools.
• Ensure workforce-planning aligns with Merlin's culture and values.
• Track staffing metrics and provide reports to management.
• Maintain accurate records for audits and compliance.

Skills

Workforce planning

Operational excellence

Data-driven decisions

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Adaptability

Tools

Scheduling tools

Workforce management systems

Job description

What you'll bring to the team

The Operations Planner is responsible for ensuring seamless and efficient operational planning and workforce management across the resort. The role focuses on resource scheduling, consolidating reports, and acting as a subject matter expert in staffing solutions. Working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, the Operations Planner drives operational excellence by improving resource planning, optimizing cost efficiency, and ensuring alignment with the resort's strategic goals.

1. Workforce Planning & Scheduling

• Create daily staffing rosters for all resort departments.
• Make sure the right number of frontline employees are scheduled based on business needs and labor budgets.
• Review and submit hours for approval so payroll is accurate.
• Manage employee breaks while maintaining coverage and complying with labor laws.
• Develop training plans and coordinate training for new MCs.

2. Resource Management

• Identify staffing shortages or overstaffing before they impact operations.
• Work with the People/HR team to initiate recruiting when additional employees are needed.
• Create backup staffing plans for unexpected changes, such as call-outs, changes in demand, or operational disruptions.

3. Operational Efficiency

• Find ways to make scheduling and staffing more efficient.
• Work with department leaders to balance:
  • Revenue
  • Labor costs
  • Guest experience
• Analyze staffing levels and performance using metrics such as RPC and guest KPIs.

4. Systems & Process Improvement

• Help develop and improve scheduling/resource-planning tools.
• Make sure workforce-planning processes align with Merlin's culture and values.

5. Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure schedules comply with California labor laws and resort requirements.
• Track staffing metrics and provide reports/insights to management.
• Keep accurate records for audits and compliance purposes.

6. Health & Safety

• Follow Merlin's Health, Safety & Security policies.
• Understand and escalation workplace risks.
• Ensure accidents/incidents are properly reported.
• Proactively identify and communicate opportunities to improve workplace safety.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Workforce Planning Expertise: Ability to create efficient schedules, optimize resource allocation, and proactively address staffing challenges to meet business demands.
• Operational Excellence: Demonstrated ability to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Proficiency in analyzing workforce data, identifying trends, and leveraging insights to drive resource and cost efficiency.
• Attention to Detail: Maintain meticulous and accurate records related to rosters, compliance, and reporting, ensuring precision and consistency.
• Collaboration: Ability to work cross-functionally with internal teams, leadership, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and operational success.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to changing operational requirements, guest volumes, and unexpected challenges while maintaining high standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience in workforce planning, operational scheduling, or resource management, preferably in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment such as hospitality, leisure, or attractions.
• Demonstrated experience working with scheduling tools, workforce management systems, and analyzing operational data to drive resource efficiency.
• Strong understanding of labor laws, compliance standards, and best practices in workforce planning and resourcing.

Benefits

Benefits of Merlin Entertainments

• Excellent health care options (medical, dental, and vision that encourage preventative care).
• Outstanding Paid Time Off (PTO) that allows for adventure, rest, relaxation, or recuperation.
• Merlin Magic Pass for friends and family to enjoy the parks & attractions
• Recognition Programs and Rewards
• 401(k) program with company match
• Tuition reimbursement programs
• Numerous learning and advancement opportunities

Pay Range

Compensation between USD $24.00/Hr.-USD $24.00/Hr.