Program Manager – Global Attractions Programs

Universal Orlando•Orlando, FL

About The Position

JOB SUMMARY: This role requires a strong understanding of attraction systems, including control systems, ride vehicles, show action equipment, and media technologies—as well as emerging platforms such as guest interface systems, gaming systems, facial recognition, machine vision, and AI applications. The Program Manager will collaborate with a diverse group of stakeholders, including engineering, maintenance, creative, Parks Technology, and external partners, to ensure alignment, accurate data management, and successful program execution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Construction Management, or Engineering Management is preferred Or equivalent education and experience.
5+ years of experience working in theme park and resort projects
Experience dealing with large scale construction projects along or with experience in working carious positions with a general contractor dealing with estimating, budgeting, bidding, field experience dealing with all aspects of projects required Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategic planning and execution of long-term (5–10 year) lifecycle strategies for complex attraction systems, encompassing ride and show controls (GAP/LRP, RCS, SCS, VCS, FCS, HMI, RSN, OCC/MCC/TCC consoles), ride vehicles, show action equipment, special effects, animation, audio/video, lighting and projection, and flame/pyro/cryo systems.
Drive innovation through integration of emerging technologies such as guest interface systems, gaming platforms, facial recognition, machine vision, and AI applications.
Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and external vendors to conduct comprehensive ride system assessments, including obsolescence studies and prioritized recommendations.
Oversee project implementation schedules, ensuring alignment with deliverables, budgets, and deadlines.
Facilitate stakeholder engagement and subject matter expert input to define scope, develop roadmaps, and maintain timeline integrity.
Navigate and resolve conflicting feedback to achieve consensus and maintain project momentum.
Ensure sustainment projects are delivered on-time, on-budget, and to quality standards, while maintaining alignment across leadership and partner teams.
Lead or actively participate in project kickoffs, presenting key deliverables, initial specifications, timelines, and budget frameworks.
Oversee and manage current-year capital projects related to technical systems, ensuring alignment with budget estimates, cash flow forecasts, and milestone commitments.
Conduct weekly reviews with project managers to assess risks, track progress, and ensure achievement of quarterly targets.
Collaborate with Finance and leadership to communicate budget changes and secure necessary approvals.
Maintain accountability for staying within agreed-upon budgets, proactively informing stakeholders of any changes to scope, assumptions, or emerging issues.
Monitor project budgets and schedules daily, manage work-back schedules, and process all project change orders.
Identify and resolve potential delays or compliance risks, ensuring tactical quality across all client partner deliverables and facilitating smooth handoffs from vendors.
Drive effective communication and informed decision-making by developing and maintaining detailed project plans that promote awareness while preserving project scope.
Facilitate cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, IT, Creative, Ride & Show, and Operations teams to ensure strategic alignment and seamless execution.
Prepare and deliver program status updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Document all project opportunities with comprehensive scope definitions, visuals, and technical specifications.
Support broader team initiatives by performing additional duties as assigned.
Understands and actively participates in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
Performs other duties as assigned.