Waterpark Zonal Manager (6 month secondment)

At Alton Towers Resort, we are looking for an energetic, safety-focused and inspiring operational leader to join our Waterpark Operations team as a Waterpark Zonal Manager.

Reporting to the Senior Leisure Operations Manager, this is an exciting opportunity to lead from the front within one of the UK’s most unique leisure environments, helping to deliver exceptional guest experiences while ensuring the very highest standards of operational excellence, safety and team engagement.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys developing people, and has a genuine passion for leisure operations, guest experience and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Waterpark Zonal Manager, you will play a key role in the daily leadership and operation of our Waterpark and wider leisure facilities, supporting both frontline teams and technical operations.

Operational Leadership

• Lead the daily operation of the Waterpark and associated leisure facilities
• Ensure exceptional guest experience standards are consistently delivered
• Maintain outstanding standards across safety, cleanliness and operational performance
• Support water quality and plant room operations to ensure full compliance and safe operation
• Drive departmental KPI performance and operational efficiency
• Support stock ordering and operational resource management
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration across operational teams

Team Leadership & Development

• Inspire, coach and develop a high-performing lifeguard and leisure operations team
• Create a positive, engaging and fun working environment
• Support recruitment, onboarding and retention activity
• Deliver and review operational and safety training competencies
• Lead by example through Merlin values and behaviours
• Support departmental meetings, objectives and performance management processes

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a confident and motivated operational leader who can inspire teams, make decisions under pressure and drive high standards in a dynamic environment.

You will bring:

• Strong operational leadership experience within leisure, hospitality or attractions
• A passion for guest experience and colleague engagement
• Excellent communication and team collaboration skills
• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities
• The ability to adapt quickly and support operational business needs
• A proactive mindset with a continuous improvement focus
• A hands-on leadership approach with strong visibility across the operation

Essential Qualifications

• National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
• NPLQ Trainer Assessor Qualification (TA)
• Pool Plant Operator Qualification (PPO)

At Alton Towers Resort, no two days are ever the same. You’ll be part of a world-class attraction where fun, safety and unforgettable experiences are at the heart of everything we do.

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