POSITION SUMMARYThe
Executive Producer - Experience Development + Delivery is the senior execution leader for Herschend Creative Studios, responsible for leading the development, production, and delivery of new guest experiences across all Herschend properties. Reporting to the Chief Creative Officer, this role transforms creative vision into operationally successful, financially disciplined, and brand-enhancing experiences while overseeing enterprise-wide capital projects, creative delivery teams, and portfolio execution. The position also plays a key leadership role in building and scaling the Creative Studio organization.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESEnterprise Portfolio Leadership- Lead production and delivery of creative capital projects across all Herschend operating regions and properties.
- Establish and oversee project delivery processes, governance standards, procurement, and creative quality.
- Partner with executive leadership to manage portfolio priorities, staffing, production capacity, and delivery risk.
- Serve as the executive escalation point for project, budget, schedule, and production challenges.
Experience Development & Project Delivery- Oversee development and execution of themed lands, attractions, rides, festivals, retail, dining, resorts, media, and interactive experiences.
- Direct project planning, scope development, cost estimating, budgeting, cash flow management, and executive reporting.
- Lead delivery from feasibility through opening, including design, engineering, procurement, fabrication, installation, commissioning, and operational readiness.
- Manage vendor selection, contracting, negotiations, and production performance.
Financial & Capital Management- Develop and oversee project budgets, cash flow, cost tracking, and capital governance.
- Lead executive portfolio reviews and ensure projects remain financially disciplined while protecting creative intent.
Executive & Stakeholder Leadership- Serve as the primary executive representative for major capital projects during execution.
- Build strong partnerships with property presidents, general managers, operations leaders, PSC executives, and external partners.
- Guide executive decision-making regarding project scope, budgeting, phasing, and value engineering.
- Ensure newly acquired properties are integrated into Herschend's creative development and delivery processes.
Organizational Leadership- Build, hire, develop, and lead Creative Studio delivery teams.
- Design scalable organizational structures that support multiple project types and enterprise growth.
- Represent Herschend at industry conferences, vendor facilities, trade shows, and benchmarking opportunities to maintain innovation and industry leadership.
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION- Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Environmental Design, Theatrical Production, or a related field required.
- Master's degree preferred.
- 20+ years leading large-scale themed entertainment, attractions, hospitality, or destination development programs.
- 10+ years leading high-performing creative or production organizations.
- Demonstrated success managing multi-property portfolios, delivering large capital development programs, and building scalable creative delivery teams.
- Willingness to travel approximately 25-30%.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS- Executive leadership in creative project delivery
- Large-scale portfolio and capital program management
- Guest experience and themed entertainment development
- Strategic planning and financial stewardship
- Project governance, scheduling, and risk management
- Vendor procurement, contract negotiation, and partner management
- Organizational design and team development
- Cross-functional collaboration and executive stakeholder management
- Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and influencing skills
- High emotional intelligence with sound executive judgment
- Ability to balance creative excellence with operational feasibility and financial discipline
