Assistant Director, Operational Development - New Ventures (Project Hire - 3 years)

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director will support the advancement of operational planning of assigned projects within new and emerging markets for New Ventures. Working under the guidance of the Director, this role helps translate strategic direction into actionable plans by coordinating across departments, tracking operational inputs, and ensuring timely execution of deliverables. The Assistant Director focuses on aligning guest and team member considerations with project development needs and collaborates with internal partners, including Merchandise and Entertainment to ensure operational requirements are clearly communicated and integrated throughout all project phases including the project planning, design, development, and construction planning, design, development, and construction.

Major Responsibilities:

• Lead designated workstreams within New Ventures projects, including operational inputs during the design and development phases, labor modeling, guest experience planning, and systems design. Collaborate with internal stakeholders and governmental entities to ensure regulatory compliance and operational feasibility in alignment with UDX standards and SOPs.
• Strategically partner with Universal Creative and other teams to ensure operational feasibility during the design and development phases. Serve as the operational liaison for specific functions or venues (e.g., Attractions, Guest Services, Park Services, Transportation, Revenue Operations, Entertainment etc.), to gather feedback and align on operational needs for New Ventures.
• Support the Director in managing pre-opening budgets (FFE and OPEX) for assigned workstreams. Assist in the development of staffing plans, operational forecasts, and guest service models. Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and enhance guest satisfaction through data-driven decisions.
• Partner cross-functionally with departments including Finance, D&T, HR, Marketing, BAIE, and EHS to ensure alignment on planning, budgets, training and development, safety programs, and staffing. Provide coordination and communication support across multiple workgroups and functions.
• Coach and oversee small teams or project-based groups (may include direct reports or project coordinators). cultivating a high-performing team culture, identifying development opportunities, and ensuring strong project execution.
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training, and team member involvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Hospitality or related field is preferred.

Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in a hospitality or operational environment is required; 5+ years in theme park related work and management is required; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive experience opening new attractions and/or parks a major plus.

Additional Information:

• 8+ years experience in hospitality with 3+ years in a leadership role in theme parks.
• Proven outcomes managing multiple disciplines including but not limited to operations, transportation, entertainment, ticketing, VIP experience, maintenance, food/retail, safety, events, among other functions.
• Experience partnering with local government agencies and business partners to generate measurable results.
• Exceptional communications, organizational and project management skills with strong ability to collaborate across multiple disciplines.
• Strong knowledge of world-class theme park operations, ideally at Universal
• Experience developing and opening new attractions, parks, and restaurants preferred.
• International experience a plus.
• Strong leadership skills, team player, entrepreneurial mindset.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Consistent attendance is a job requirement.
• Will include domestic and international business travel.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
• Performs some travel obligation as necessary to support the New Ventures project.

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.

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