Operations Associate (Fixed Term)

Location: Thorpe Park, KT16 8PN

Hours: 40 hours a week, fully flexible, working up to 5 days out of 7

Contract Type: Fixed Term – Until 30th April 2026.

We are pleased to share the opportunity to join Thorpe Park as an Operations Associate. This role joins a small team of existing Associates, who together support the Operations Specialists in maintaining and driving operational standards across Thorpe Park.

An Operations Associate plays a vital role in ensuring the Park operates safely, and in a compliant and optimised manner. This includes leading and supporting formal investigation and Employee Relations meetings with front-line team members, as well as actioning any improvements that come from cases of non-compliance. Alongside this, you will be an on-site expert for all things park and, most crucially, ride operation. This will include writing and maintaining set operational documents and SOPs. From Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), to how to operate a rollercoaster!

In summary, an Operations Associate ensures Thorpe Park is continually improving to deliver the best theme park operation possible.

Responsibilities:

• Facilitate and support the completion of formal Employee Relations meetings with front-line team members, with the goal of protecting safety standards and elevating the guest experience.
• Act as a key point of contact for escalated operational issues or support requests from operational teams, ensuring timely, effective, and safe resolutions.
• Write and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Code of Safe Working Practices (CoSWPs), Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), and Risk Assessments, ensuring compliance with internal and national legislation and best practice.
• Ensure operational standards are maintained, consistently following through on any required actions and improvement initiatives.
• Share and develop ideas for elevating safety and operational efficiency, ensuring to drive ideas through to completion.
• Oversee thorough record keeping of all operational documentation, including but not limited to training records, spot check records, incident reports, and daily ride records.
• Provide operational support to on-the-ground teams as required, ensuring effective day-to-day functioning of all operational departments.

• A thorough understanding of HSG175 (Third Edition) and other regulatory requirements and compliance standards.
• A background in theme park operations management or similar field is essential, particular benefit to having direct experience with ride operations.
• Experience in writing and maintaining operational documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software is essential.
• Strong background in handing poor performance of front-line team members, including formal management processes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with a broad spectrum of teams.
• Organisational skills with key attention to detail.

• Merlin Magic Pass - 20 free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all our Merlin Attractions across the world rising to 40 after a year’s service
• 28 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Company bonus
• Private pension scheme
• 40% discount online off LEGO
• 25% discount in our on-site retail shops and restaurants
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Plus, many more…

This role is a full-time role, averaging 40 hours per week. Due to the nature of the business this will include weekends, bank holidays and some late evenings as required.

If you have any questions or if you require any assistance, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at HumanResources@thorpe-park.co.uk and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.