At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations at a thrilling theme park, ensuring unforgettable guest experiences.
- Company: Join the exciting Chessington World of Adventures Resort team!
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 33 days holiday, and exclusive Merlin passes.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and ongoing training in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fun environment while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in high-volume guest-facing operations and strong operational management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Head of Park Operations
Location: Chessington World of Adventures Resort Leatherhead Road Chessington Surrey KT9 2NE
We are recruiting for a Head of Park Operations to lead the day‑to‑day operation of our Theme Park, ensuring we deliver safe, efficient and unforgettable guest experiences while achieving ambitious operational and commercial objectives.
Reporting to the Resort Operations and Experience Director, you will provide strategic leadership across guest‑facing operations, including rides, admissions, guest services and queue management.
This is a highly visible leadership role requiring a balance of operational excellence, commercial awareness and people leadership.
You will be responsible for driving performance across guest satisfaction, ride availability, throughput, revenue generation and team engagement, while championing a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
Working collaboratively across the resort, you will lead and develop a high‑performing management team, influence operational strategy, support the delivery of new attractions and experiences, and ensure our park remains at the forefront of industry best practice.
You will also play a key role in incident management and operational readiness, providing senior leadership during critical situations when required.
Qualifications & Experience
- Significant leadership experience within high-volume, guest-facing operations such as theme parks, visitor attractions, leisure or hospitality environments.
- Proven experience leading large, multi-functional teams, including senior leaders and frontline colleagues.
- Strong operational management expertise with a focus on safety, guest experience and operational excellence.
- Experience delivering safety compliance within a regulated environment.
- Demonstrated success in improving guest satisfaction, operational performance and commercial results.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience driving revenue growth and operational efficiency.
- Excellent leadership, coaching and team development skills.
- Ability to use operational, guest and financial data to make informed decisions and drive continuous improvement.
- Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across a wide range of teams and partners.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term planning and day‑to‑day operational delivery.
- Degree or relevant professional qualification is desirable.
Benefits
- A competitive annual salary
- 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- ‘Enjoy the Ride’ Merlin Annual Passes - 6 in total per year, 1 for you, plus 5 to gift to loved ones!
- 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
- 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…
- Pay Range
- Competitive
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Park Operations employer: Merlin
Merlin offers a vibrant work environment at Warwick Castle, where you can immerse yourself in history while engaging with guests and creating unforgettable experiences. With flexible shifts, competitive benefits, and opportunities for personal growth, this role is perfect for those who thrive in a dynamic setting and are passionate about customer service. Join us to be part of a team that values creativity, teamwork, and the joy of making every visitor's day special.
