At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations of the Waterpark and ensure exceptional guest experiences.
- Company: Join Alton Towers Resort, a world-class attraction focused on fun and safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, Merlin Magic Pass, discounts, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making unforgettable memories for guests.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership experience in leisure or hospitality; NPLQ and PPO qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 28500 - 31000 € per year.
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
- 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.
Benefits
- 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...
Pay Range
Compensation between GBP £28,500.00/Yr.-GBP £31,000.00/Yr.
Waterpark Zonal Operations Manager ( 6 months secondment) in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Merlin
At Alton Towers Resort, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and dynamic work culture where every day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth. As a Waterpark Zonal Operations Manager, you will not only lead a passionate team in delivering outstanding guest experiences but also benefit from comprehensive training, generous holiday allowances, and unique perks like the Merlin Magic Pass, ensuring that your time with us is both rewarding and enjoyable.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Waterpark Zonal Operations Manager ( 6 months secondment) in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Alton Towers Resort on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Waterpark Zonal Operations Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to operational leadership and guest experience. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for leisure operations! During your interview, share specific examples of how you've improved guest experiences or team performance in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to the values that Alton Towers stands for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Alton Towers family.
We think you need these skills to ace Waterpark Zonal Operations Manager ( 6 months secondment) in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Make sure to express your genuine passion for leisure operations and guest experience in your application. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you truly care about creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Waterpark Zonal Manager, you'll be leading teams, so don’t forget to showcase your operational leadership experience. Share examples of how you've inspired and developed teams in the past – we love to see that!
Be Specific About Your Qualifications:List your relevant qualifications clearly, especially the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification and any other certifications. We need to know you’re qualified to keep our guests safe while having fun!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Alton Towers Resort!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merlin
✨Know Your Waterpark Operations
Familiarise yourself with the specific operations of a waterpark, especially focusing on safety protocols and guest experience. Research Alton Towers Resort's unique offerings and think about how you can enhance them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in fast-paced environments. Be ready to discuss your approach to coaching and developing staff, as well as how you handle challenges under pressure.
✨Emphasise Communication and Collaboration
Think of instances where effective communication made a difference in your previous roles. Highlight your ability to collaborate across teams, as this is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
✨Demonstrate a Passion for Continuous Improvement
Be prepared to share ideas on how you would drive operational excellence and improve guest experiences. Show that you have a proactive mindset and are always looking for ways to enhance performance and safety standards.
