Job Summary:

The Project Manager is a senior role responsible for the comprehensive oversight of large-scale themed entertainment projects or major segments of multi-attraction programs. Reporting to the Project Director or VP of Project Management, the Project Manager leads the overall execution strategy, manages client and stakeholder relationships, and directs internal and external teams to ensure project goals are met.

This role demands expertise in technical integration, contract strategy, budget and schedule performance, and vendor and consultant oversight. Project Manager serves as the single point of accountability for the project's scope, cost, quality, and schedule, and is entrusted with making high-level decisions that impact business objectives and client satisfaction.

Essential Functions:

Project Leadership & Oversight

• Own the full project lifecycle, from contract award through final turnover and closeout, across all disciplines (e.g., scenic, AV, show systems, ride, engineering, controls, media).
• Define and execute project delivery strategy, aligning internal and external resources with contractual deliverables and client expectations.
• Lead and manage multiple upcoming project managers, providing oversight, coaching, and direction across their assigned scopes.
• Partner with the Assistant Project Director, Project Director or VP of Project Management to develop staffing strategies, performance metrics, and resourcing plans for complex projects or project portfolios.

Client & Executive Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary interface for executive-level clients, communicating progress, issues, risks, and solutions with clarity and authority.
• Lead executive project reviews, client presentations, and key stakeholder engagements to reinforce alignment and trust.
• Resolve escalated project issues involving cost, scope, change, or performance by aligning internal and external teams toward resolution.

Schedule & Budget Accountability

• Own the master project schedule and overall budget performance, including EAC (Estimate at Completion), earned value tracking, and critical path management.
• Approve high-value vendor contracts, purchase orders, and change orders within delegated financial authority.
• Ensure that contingency, allowances, and escalation measures are properly forecasted and managed across all project phases.

Contractual & Commercial Strategy

• Oversee contract interpretation and compliance across internal scopes and external vendors; provide commercial recommendations to leadership.
• Manage scope changes, RFIs, and claims in coordination with legal, estimating, and executive teams to protect contractual interests.
• Drive strategy for high-value contracts and change orders.

Risk & Governance

• Develop and maintain the project risk register; lead mitigation strategies across technical, financial, schedule, and reputational risks.
• Ensure governance reviews are executed at key project milestones and that business standards for quality, safety, and compliance are met or exceeded.
• Represent business in interactions with authorities, legal counsel, and third-party certifying agencies when necessary.

Operational Integration

• Coordinate integration across multiple disciplines and stakeholders including Creative, Technical Design, Estimating, Legal, and Operations.
• Oversee phased turnover processes, commissioning strategies, and O&M deliverables for assigned scopes or projects.
• Facilitate handover to ongoing operations teams and provide post-installation support as required.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Serve as the senior-most delivery leader on the project team, managing internal alignment across project management, engineering, design, and production.
• Mentor Project Managers; support performance reviews, succession planning, and staff development.
• Promote cultural values, safety leadership, and project excellence across all teams and vendors.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Must have or be able to quickly acquire knowledge of company structure (mission, goals, and objectives), and policies and procedures.
• 5-10 years of project management experience, with at least 5 years leading full-scope, client-facing, complex, themed entertainment projects (theme parks, immersive attractions, etc.).
• PMP Certification (or working toward certification, to be obtained within 1 year of employment).
• Demonstrated success managing $10M+ projects or multi-disciplinary segments within large programs.
• Expertise in schedule control (CPM, P6/MSP), budget forecasting, earned value, risk mitigation, and change management.
• Deep knowledge of project delivery models, contracts (lump sum, GMP, T&M), and vendor engagement strategies.
• Strong command of cross-functional systems typical in themed environments (AV, SFX, lighting, ride integration, media).
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary teams, including managing PMs, technical teams, and vendors across multiple geographies.
• Excellent executive-level written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Project, Office 365, Bluebeam, Smartsheet, and project reporting tools. Knowledge of AutoCAD or Revit is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Architecture, Engineering, Design, Themed Entertainment, or equivalent work experience.
• Valid driver's license; ability to travel both domestically and internationally as project needs dictate.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, if needed.

NOTE:

This document outlines the general nature and level of work expected from individuals in this role. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and/or skills. Additional duties may be required as necessary by supervisory personnel. The employee is expected to adhere to all work rules, procedures, and policies established by the company, including, but not limited to, those contained in the employee handbook.