General Manager

SEA LIFE•East Rutherford, NJ

2h•Onsite

About The Position

The General Manager is responsible for leading the overall performance, strategy, and day-to-day operations of a single attraction or multi-site cluster. This role is accountable for delivering sustainable EBITDA growth, driving market share, and ensuring exceptional guest experiences that align with Merlin’s global standards. As a visible and influential leader, the General Manager fosters a high-performing, guest-first culture, ensuring teams are engaged, empowered, and consistently delivering memorable, world-class experiences.

Requirements

Proven leadership experience managing a complex, high-volume operational business
Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering EBITDA and revenue growth
Experience in P&L ownership, pricing strategy, and performance optimization
Ability to leverage data and customer insights to drive decision-making
Skilled in leading cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders
Experience in developing talent pipelines and high-performance cultures
Commercially driven with strong financial and strategic mindset
People-focused leader who inspires, coaches, and develops teams
Guest-centric with a passion for delivering exceptional experiences
Agile and resilient in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Collaborative with the ability to influence across multiple stakeholders

Responsibilities

Own full P&L accountability, driving revenue growth, profitability, and long-term financial performance
Develop and execute commercial strategies to increase visitation, market share, and yield across all channels
Optimize pricing, promotions, and trading performance to maximize revenue per capita (RPC)
Identify and activate new revenue opportunities and growth levers
Lead day-to-day operations to ensure efficiency, productivity, and delivery of best-in-class standards
Ensure optimal staffing models and operational readiness across all functions
Deliver capital projects on time, on budget, and aligned to ROI expectations
Drive continuous improvement and operational innovation
Champion a guest-first culture, ensuring every visitor has a memorable experience
Act as a brand ambassador, protecting and enhancing Merlin’s reputation
Utilize guest insights and data to improve satisfaction and overall experience
Build, develop, and inspire high-performing, customer-centric teams
Drive employee engagement, retention, and succession planning
Lead all talent processes, including performance management, DEI&A, and wellbeing initiatives
Embed Merlin values into daily behaviors and decision-making
Develop strong partnerships with local communities, businesses, and stakeholders
Collaborate across a global, matrixed organization to deliver strategic objectives
Support and implement Merlin-wide initiatives and best practices
Lead a culture of safety excellence, ensuring full compliance with all health, safety, and security standards
Maintain robust risk management, business continuity, and crisis response plans