Senior Ride Operations Manager

Knott's Berry Farm; Buena Park (CA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA, is seeking a Ride Operations Manager to ensure safe, efficient, and guest-centric operation of all rides and guest control areas. The role leads training, coaching, and scheduling while upholding park standards and corporate guidelines.

Responsibilities include safety compliance, guest and associate experience, staffing across shifts, and cross-department collaboration to coordinate initiatives. A strong leadership background in hospitality is preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• Bachelor's Degree in Business or Hospitality Management preferred.
• 6-8 years of prior, relevant work experience.
• 5+ years of leadership/management experience.
• iROC and Trainer certification (will provide training).
• Ability to work days, nights, weekends, holiday periods and sometimes third shift to meet business needs.
• Knowledge of Microsoft and Adobe office programs.
• High level of initiative, sound judgement, and commitment to work with people from all backgrounds and cultures required.

Responsibilities

• Safety oversight: Ensure all Rides operate in full compliance with safety standards, conduct regular safety inspections, and lead incident response procedures.
• Guest and Associate Experience: Oversee Guest and Associate interactions, ensuring positive experiences at all touchpoints to enhance satisfaction and engagement.
• Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and manage Area Managers, Supervisors, Team Leaders and Associates. Provide training and guidance to uphold high standards in safety, efficiency, and guest service. Conduct regular coaching to support performance and career development.
• Scheduling and Resource Management: Coordinate staff scheduling, deployment, and coverage across rides and guest control areas to maximize operational efficiency and ensure seamless service.
• Corporate Committee Involvement: Represent the department on corporate committees.
• Incident Management: Establish and lead emergency protocols, train Associates on emergency procedures, and coordinate response efforts to ensure Guest and Associate safety. Ensure all incidents are thoroughly documented, reported, and reviewed, collaborating with relevant personnel to assess risks implement preventative measures.
• Policy and Procedures Development: Contribute to the creation and refinement of policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with both Park and Corporate standards.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Partner with departments such as Maintenance, Safety, Food and Beverage, and Marketing to coordinate initiatives, events, and projects, ensuring smooth integration and execution.
• Learn all aspects of the rides including opening/closing procedures, ride operator job duties, ride admission policy, and other applicable policies and procedures.

Skills

Leadership/Management

Safety Oversight

Guest Experience

Staff Training

Scheduling

Communication

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's Degree in Business or Hospitality Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Office Apps

Job description

Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA, is seeking a Ride Operations Manager to ensure safe, efficient, and guest-centric operation of all rides and guest control areas. The role leads training, coaching, and scheduling while upholding park standards and corporate guidelines.

Responsibilities include safety compliance, guest and associate experience, staffing across shifts, and cross-department collaboration to coordinate initiatives. A strong leadership background in hospitality is preferred.