Operations Manager (Rides & Aquatics)

Alabamasplash; Bessemer (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure is seeking an Operations Manager – Rides & Aquatics to lead two critical divisions, ensuring safe, guest-focused operation and developing a high-performing team. The role reports to the General Manager and directly oversees two Assistant Managers.

You will recruit, train, mentor, and manage staff, oversee staffing, budgets, and compliance, and drive efficiency, guest satisfaction, and safety across all attractions.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age.
• Three or more years of progressive leadership experience in high-volume operations.
• Experience managing multiple operational departments and large teams.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong financial acumen, including labor management and budgeting.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and inspire leaders and frontline employees.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall operation of Ride Operations and Aquatics.
• Recruit, train, mentor, lead, and manage the ride and aquatics team for safe park operation.
• Directly supervise the Assistant Manager of Ride Operations and the Assistant Manager of Aquatics.
• Develop a culture centered on safety, accountability, teamwork, and guest service.
• Ensure attractions operate safely and efficiently in compliance with policies and regs.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, labor management, and departmental budgets.
• Monitor performance and implement strategies to improve efficiency and guest satisfaction.
• Partner with Maintenance to maximize ride and attraction availability.
• Manage annual operational permits and inspections.
• Lead emergency response and investigations when necessary.
• Support park events, seasonal ops, and improvement initiatives.
• Develop future leaders through coaching and performance management.
• Participate in park-wide MOD program.
• Provide ops leadership for Halloween haunt staffing and daily operations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Budgeting

Labor management

Coaching

Decision making

Tools

MS Office

Workforce mgmt

Job description

Description

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports To: General Manager

Direct Reports: Assistant Manager of Rides and Assistant Manager of Aquatics

Lead the Team. Drive the Experience. Create the Adventure.

Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure is seeking a dynamic and experienced Operations Manager – Rides & Aquatics to lead two of the park's most critical operational divisions. This leadership position is responsible for overseeing the safe, efficient, and guest-focused operation of all amusement rides and water attractions while developing a high-performing leadership team dedicated to operational excellence.

If you're a passionate leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys developing people, and believes that safety and guest service go hand in hand, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

As the Operations Manager, you will:

• Lead the overall operation of the Ride Operations and Aquatics departments
• Recruit, train, mentor, lead, and manage the ride and aquatics team for safe park operation
• Directly supervise the Assistant Manager of Ride Operations and the Assistant Manager of Aquatics
• Build, coach, and develop a culture centered on safety, accountability, teamwork, and exceptional guest service
• Ensure all attractions operate safely and efficiently while maintaining compliance with company policies, manufacturer guidelines, and regulatory requirements
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, labor management, and departmental budgets
• Monitor operational performance and implement strategies to improve efficiency, guest satisfaction, and attraction capacity
• Partner with Maintenance to maximize ride and attraction availability
• Manage annual operational permit process and routine government inspections
• Lead emergency response efforts and incident investigations when necessary
• Support park-wide special events, seasonal operations, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop future leaders through coaching, mentoring, and performance management
• Participate in park wide MOD program
• Provide operational leadership for the park's seasonal Halloween haunt event by overseeing staffing, frontline team performance, guests flow, and daily operations to delivery a safe, efficient, and exceptional guest experience
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

What We're Looking For

• At least 18 years of age
• Three (3) or more years of progressive leadership experience in amusement parks, water parks, hospitality, attractions, or similar high-volume operations
• Experience managing multiple operational departments and leading large teams
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Proven ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Strong financial acumen, including labor management and budgeting
• Ability to coach, mentor, and inspire leaders and frontline employees
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and workforce management software
• Valid driver's license
• Current StarGuard ELITE Lifeguard and StarGuard ELITE Lifeguard Instructor certifications, or the ability to successfully obtain both certifications within sixty (60) days of employment
• Ability to maintain all required StarGuard ELITE certifications throughout employment
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications, or the ability to obtain and maintain these certifications within sixty (60) days of employment