About the Role

Alton Towers Resort is on the lookout for a passionate and experienced Senior Park Operations Manager to lead the charge in delivering safe, seamless, and unforgettable experiences for millions of guests each year.

This is a senior leadership position at the very heart of our day-to-day park operations. You’ll oversee large operational teams, champion exceptional guest service, and collaborate across departments to ensure the park runs smoothly, safely, and to the highest brand standards. Reporting directly to the Head of Park Operations, this is your opportunity to shape the operational heartbeat of the UK’s most iconic theme park.

This is a 12-month secondment, from September 2025 to August 2026, and will be full time, including regular weekends and Bank Holidays as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and support for daily park operations, ensuring a safe, efficient, and enjoyable experience for all guests and staff.
• Act as a central point of decision-making during daily operations, including managing incidents, coordinating with teams, and resolving escalated guest complaints.
• Oversee the operational readiness of the park, ensuring all areas meet brand standards and are consistently well-maintained, as well as peak seasons, events and new openings.
• Ensure a strong focus on ride availability and performance by collaborating with relevant teams to maximize uptime and operational efficiency.
• Frequently fulfil Resort Duty Manager responsibilities.
• Lead, coach, and motivate operational teams to deliver exceptional guest service and operational standards.
• Monitor the guest experience throughout the park by analysing guest journeys and addressing feedback proactively.
• Collaborate with the Planning and Business Support team to meet business KPIs, mystery visit targets, and group-wide guest experience strategies through objectively reviewing and improving operational processes and team training.
• Ensure strict compliance with Merlin Entertainments’ Health, Safety and Security policies.

About You

We’re looking for an inspiring, experienced leader who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. You will have:

• A proven background in senior operational leadership within theme parks, hospitality, leisure, or similar environments.
• A guest-first mindset, with strong service recovery and communication skills.
• Experience managing large teams, with the ability to motivate and develop others.
• Skilled at resolving issues efficiently and adapting to the dynamic needs of a large-scale operation.
• A deep understanding of safety and compliance requirements in a complex operational setting.
• A hands-on, collaborative approach with the ability to engage cross-functional stakeholders.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including weekends and holidays, as required by operational needs.

What’s in it for You?

• A leadership role within one of the UK’s most beloved attractions.
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on the guest experience and team culture.
• Career development across the Merlin Entertainments Group

Our Values

We’re part of Merlin Entertainments – and our core values are what guide us every day:

Own Your Craft – Grow your skills and empower your team to do the same.

Go Together – Work as one team to create a seamless guest journey.

Enjoy the Ride – Bring energy and positivity to everything you do.

Drive & Discover – Take initiative, solve problems, and explore new ideas.

We Care – Put the safety, well-being, and happiness of guests and colleagues first.

Ready to Lead the Fun?

Whether you're already part of the Merlin family or looking for your next big challenge, we want to hear from you.

We’re growing fast and alongside a fun and friendly environment, we offer a fabulous package and amazing prospects – ideal if you’re already fantastic and want to become even better (our magic can help here). Benefits include Pension, Life Assurance, discretionary company bonus, 33 days’ holiday including bank holidays, a Merlin Magic Pass which gives you and your friends and family free admission to all of our attractions worldwide,25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants and 40% discount on LEGO, plus lots more!