Program Manager (Advanced Technology Sustainment) – 2-Year Project Role

Universal Orlando•Orlando, FL

About The Position

The Program Manager has overall responsibility for the successful planning and execution of complex attraction technology and sustainment initiatives. The role requires an understanding of attraction systems, including guest interface systems, gaming systems, facial recognition, machine vision, and AI applications. The Program Manager collaborates with Engineering, Maintenance, Creative, Attraction Technology, business partners, and external vendors to define scope, coordinate resources, manage project information, and support execution in alignment with approved schedules, budgets, quality standards, and business objectives. The position oversees complex attraction-system projects and assigned capital projects involving technical systems. It manages project scope, schedules, budgets, forecasts, milestones, change orders, risks, and quality; coordinates stakeholder and subject-matter-expert input; and supports vendor handoffs. The Program Manager communicates status and recommendations to senior leadership, works with Finance and leadership on budget changes and approvals, and participates in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities under established policy and procedures. This is described as a two-year project role.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience working on theme park and resort projects.
Experience with large-scale technology projects, including estimating, budgeting, and bidding.
Field experience with theme park and resort development and sustainment projects.
Understanding of attraction systems, including guest interface systems, gaming systems, facial recognition, machine vision, and AI applications.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Technology, Themed Entertainment, Film, Interactive & Games, Technical Theater, Engineering, or Business Management is preferred; equivalent education and experience are also accepted.

Responsibilities

Lead planning and execution of projects for complex attraction systems.
Drive innovation through integration of guest interface systems, gaming platforms, facial recognition, machine vision, and AI applications.
Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors on ride-system assessments, including obsolescence studies and prioritized recommendations.
Oversee project implementation schedules and align deliverables with budgets and deadlines.
Facilitate stakeholder and subject-matter-expert input to define scope, develop roadmaps, and maintain timelines.
Resolve conflicting feedback to achieve consensus and maintain project momentum.
Ensure sustainment projects meet schedule, budget, and quality standards while maintaining alignment across leadership and partner teams.
Lead or participate in project kickoffs, presenting deliverables, initial specifications, timelines, and budget frameworks.
Oversee assigned capital projects related to technical systems, ensuring alignment with budget estimates, cash-flow forecasts, and milestone commitments.
Review projects with project managers to assess risks, track progress, and check quarterly targets.
Work with Finance and leadership to communicate budget changes and obtain approvals.
Stay within agreed budgets and proactively inform stakeholders of changes to scope, assumptions, or emerging issues.
Monitor project budgets and schedules daily, manage work-back schedules, and process project change orders.
Identify and resolve potential delays or compliance risks, ensure quality across client-partner deliverables, and facilitate vendor handoffs.
Develop and maintain detailed project plans to support communication and informed decision-making while preserving project scope.
Coordinate across Engineering, IT, Creative, Ride & Show, and Operations teams to support strategic alignment and execution.
Prepare and deliver program status updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Document project opportunities with scope definitions, visuals, and technical specifications.
Follow established Environmental, Health & Safety policies, procedures, training, and team-member involvement activities.
Perform additional duties as assigned.