Job Summary:

The Project Planning Manager plays a key role in the design process of themed spaces and attractions. They provide spatial, operational, and technical guidance between the design team, the client, project vendors, and consultants. Their primary role is to develop and effectively communicate design requirements that allow each project to succeed both operationally and budgetarily.

The Project Planning Manager will both provide and gather design requirements from the client and vendors and communicate them to the design team. These requirements typically include design day metrics, operational spatial planning, attraction programming, and budgetary constraints. It is their job to communicate and ensure these requirements are adopted into the newest iteration of the development. Proficient communication skills play a vital role in this position through the use of email, phone, and direct client interface.

They must also possess a wide range of knowledge related to the themed entertainment industry to aid in the creation of attraction programs. Having the knowledge of a variety of vendors, ride systems, and attraction-related data aids in the creation of project program mix, which is a critical role that the Project Planning Manager must play. They must be able to quickly evaluate large amounts of information and extract information that is relevant to a given project.

The Project Planning Manager must possess strong analytical and technical capabilities in addition to good communication. They should be comfortable and confident working in a fast-paced environment with multiple conflicting deadlines. Candidate should expect to be working on multiple different projects at once. They should have an Engineering background, either Industrial or Mechanical, and have the ability to work in AutoCAD (2D) and occasionally 3D software. They must also be proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel. Candidate must also be available to travel both domestically and internationally.

Essential Functions:

• Create and organize spatial, operational, and technical information and effectively communicate this information between customers, partners, vendors, consultants, and other external sources
• Provide design solutions that are based on industry benchmarks and/or new technologies
• Create unique attraction mixes that meet the given projects' attendance and budget requirements
• Participate in the blue-sky business development phase by providing budget estimates and financial models
• Analyze benchmark data to make informed decisions in regards to the themed entertainment industry
• Review and manipulate electronic files received from clients, partners, consultants and/or vendors
• Assist with the preparation of architectural design and construction documents in an electronic/AutoCAD format for projects of varying complexity
• Revise CAD designs and plans to comply with modified specifications requested during the design effort
• Review and evaluate activities of vendor(s) and its sub-contractors on an ongoing basis with regard to product quality and compliance to specifications to ensure technical integrity and creative intent is met

Job Qualifications and Requirements:

• Must have or be able to quickly acquire knowledge of company structure (mission, goals, and objectives), policies and procedures
• Must have a bachelor's degree or comparable experience, with 5 years of related industry experience
• Must possess a valid driver's license

• Must be able to communicate effectively with diverse individuals outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, partners, vendors, consultants and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precise technical plans, drawings and creative presentations
• Ability to develop, design or create new applications, ideas, relationships, systems or products, including creative and technical contributions
• Capacity to keep up-to-date on industry news and developments to apply new knowledge to the position
• Ability to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and maintaining them over time
• Utilization of logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem
• Fluently operate a personal computer and use of AutoCAD and Microsoft Office (Including MS Project) software programs efficiently.
• Must be able to do mathematical computations with a high degree of accuracy (for example, to assist with financial modeling or budget calculations).
• Must be able to handle multiple interruptions and adjustments to priorities throughout the day.
• Excellent memory and organizational ability, in order to set priorities, organize workload, handle multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines. Should be comfortable and confident working in a fast-paced environment with multiple conflicting deadlines
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally