Zonal Operations Lead in Ewell

Zonal Operations Lead in Ewell

Ewell Full-Time 13.5 - 13.5 £ / hour (est.) No working from home possible
Chessington World of Adventures Resort

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to enhance guest experiences and ensure operational excellence at Chessington World of Adventures.
  • Company: Join the fun-loving team at Merlin, where magic happens every day!
  • Benefits: Enjoy discounts on LEGO, free attraction tickets, and ongoing training opportunities.
  • Other info: Flexible hours and a dynamic workplace await you!
  • Why this job: Create unforgettable memories for guests while developing your leadership skills in a vibrant environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in guest-facing roles and a passion for guest satisfaction are essential.

The predicted salary is between 13.5 - 13.5 £ per hour.

What you'll bring to the team:

  • Location: Chessington World of Adventures, Leatherhead Road, KT9 2NE
  • Contract Type: Permanent, hourly paid, £13.50 per hour
  • Hours: Full time fully flexible (any 5 days out of 7, including weekends and bank holidays)

We are recruiting for some new Zonal Leads to join our brilliant Operations Team! Our Operations Team look after different areas of our beautiful resort (known as “Zones”), and as a Zonal Lead you will act as the first point of escalation within your assigned zone. Overseeing everything from guest interactions and in the moment feedback, colleague queries and coaching conversations, to ride availability and efficiency and commercial opportunities.

You will work closely with our frontline teams, providing real‑time coaching to ensure they remain polite, knowledgeable, and consistently uphold the high standards of appearance and behaviour that our guests are expecting throughout their visit to Chessington World of Adventures. Alongside the Zonal Operations Manager, you will consistently seek new ways to improve staffing, resources, and training needs within your zone to continuously enhance our KPIs and drive guest satisfaction.

You will maintain expert knowledge of your zone, enabling you to answer queries confidently, support staff effectively, and uphold the highest levels of presentation and operational readiness. A key part of the role includes delivering ongoing training and driving continuous improvement to ensure teams are performing at their best.

You will also be responsible for monitoring the cleanliness and safety of our rides and attractions, retail units, car parks, admissions (ticketed entrances) and guest service areas in accordance with Merlin Health and Safety protocols. Health and Safety is a primary focus of all operational roles, and the Zonal Lead will take a proactive approach toward Health and Safety training, compliance, dynamic risk assessments and incident reporting in line with H&S legislation requirements.

A strong focus on guest engagement is essential in this role, and you will regularly seek guest interactions, respond to guest feedback, and identify opportunities to elevate the guest experience in direct response to your time out on the resort with your team. We want each and every guest to have a memorable experience throughout their trip to Chessington World of Adventures, and as a Zonal Lead you have every opportunity to create magical moments that our guests will cherish with their families.

If you are seeking a hands‑on operational role where you have the opportunity to contribute to our guests making fantastic memories, why not apply today?!

Qualifications & Experience:

  • Previous experience in a guest‑facing role within a theme park setting is essential
  • Ideally you will have previously led a team within a team or shift lead capacity
  • Passionate about guest satisfaction and an understanding of guest KPI metrics
  • An understanding of Health and Safety legislation in relation to theme park operation is advantageous
  • A clear and confident communicator in face to face interactions with guests, front line team members and operational managers from around the wider resort
  • You will be a motivational leader, with a keen interest in inspiring your team, leading by example to deliver exceptional service to our guests

Benefits:

  • 40% discount off LEGO® sets and products on the online LEGO Store!
  • Merlin Magic Pass: 20 free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all of our Merlin Attractions across the world!
  • 25% discount in Merlin retail shops and restaurants (a brilliant extra treat when you’re using your Magic Pass to visit!)
  • Staff discount codes for Merlin Annual Passes to gift to loved ones!
  • Private pension scheme
  • Life assurance scheme
  • Employee assistance programme
  • Access to Perks at Work which offers 30,000+ national & local employee discounts
  • Ongoing training & development

About Merlin:

A job with Merlin isn’t like a job anywhere else. With attractions around the world, from rollercoasters to wax figures, we don’t trade in suits, handshakes or briefcases. We trade in fun. In smiles, shrieks and spine‑tingles. In memories. In magic. But there are no tricks behind our magic. Instead, there are people like you. Passionate, dedicated people who are committed to making sure our worldwide attractions and guests’ experiences are the best they can be.

If you have any questions or if you require any reasonable adjustments, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at recruitment@merlinentertainments.biz and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Pay Range: GBP £13.50/Hr.

Zonal Operations Lead in Ewell employer: Chessington World of Adventures Resort

At Merlin, we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and inclusive work culture where every team member is empowered to make a difference. As a Zonal Operations Lead at Chessington World of Adventures, you will enjoy competitive pay, extensive training opportunities, and unique perks such as discounts on LEGO products and free tickets to our attractions worldwide. Join us in delivering unforgettable experiences for our guests while growing your career in a fun and dynamic environment.

Chessington World of Adventures Resort

Contact Details:

Chessington World of Adventures Resort Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Zonal Operations Lead in Ewell

Get a Taste of the Scene

Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!

Network at Food Festivals

Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!

Show Off Your Skills

Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Chessington World of Adventures Resort. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Chessington World of Adventures Resort

Don't be shy about reaching out to Chessington World of Adventures Resort directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Zonal Operations Lead in Ewell

Guest Engagement
Team Leadership
Coaching Skills
Health and Safety Compliance
Operational Readiness
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.

Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!

Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Chessington World of Adventures Resort and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!

Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!

How to prepare for a job interview at Chessington World of Adventures Resort

Show Your People Skills

In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!

Know Your Menu Inside Out

Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'

Get Ready for a Practical Test

In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!