Theater Manager

Chihuly Garden & Glass•Seattle, WA

7d•$70,000 - $75,000

About The Position

The Theater Manager serves as the operational and cultural core of the IMAX at the Center experience bringing together film, food, retail, and immersive guest engagement across the venue. This role requires dynamic leadership, ensuring seamless coordination, exceptional film presentation, and “Transforming Moments” for every guest from arrival through exit. Daily operational oversight includes concessions and street-vendor inspired food concepts, vending, arcade and lobby experiences, cleanliness, safety and security, access control, staffing, and projection technology. The Theater Manager is responsible for delivering a cohesive and elevated environment across all levels of the venue experience. As a visible leader and ambassador, this role represents IMAX at the Center as a destination for arts, culture, and community engagement within the Seattle Center campus, ensuring every touchpoint reflects quality, care, and intention.

Requirements

Excellent guest service skills and demonstrated leadership experience with P&L responsibility.
2-4 years of proven management experience in a high-volume, guest-facing environment.
Experience managing multi-zone, high-volume guest environments.
Ability to manage guest flow, capacity, and timed-entry experiences.
Experience supporting safety protocols and emergency response procedures
Ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams (operations, marketing, facilities, technology).
POS system experience and the ability to learn multiple operating platforms.
Strong communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution abilities.
Ability to work in the mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift up to 35 lbs. for extended periods.
Food Handler’s Permit.
WA State TIPS training certification.

Nice To Haves

Experience in theater, cinema, or live event operations.
AV or projection technology familiarity (IMAX preferred).
Laser Safety certification
Mechanical and/or electrical aptitude
Experience supervising concessions or multi-concept food operations
Knowledge of guest journey & flow strategies, custodial standards, & facility operations.
Familiarity with timed ticketing or bundled attraction experiences
Working knowledge of facility operations and building systems
Ability to leverage data and reporting to drive operational decisions
Experience in high-profile or destination-based venues
Background in arts, culture, attractions, or Seattle Center–based environments.

Responsibilities

Ensure daily theater readiness, smooth operations, partner coordination, and adherence to standards.
Oversee all aspects of daily theater operations, including the IMAX cinema, lounge, queueing areas, concessions & arcade zones, and adjacent public spaces.
Serves at the designated Senior Operator and primary point of contact for IMAX, overseeing operational alignment, communication, testing, and training.
Ensure operational readiness at opening, efficient flow throughout the day, and proper close-out procedures.
Ensure compliance with all operational standards, SOPs, safety protocols, and Seattle Center campus requirements.
Develop, maintain, and modify venue operating hours, budget plans, and transitions between general operations and private/special events.
Foster Transform Moments and company Values by ensuring warm hospitality, knowledgeable staff, and a clean, welcoming environment.
Hire, train, schedule, and develop team members while promoting a strong service culture. Every role is designed to “flex”, strengthening the overall culture and organization’s ability to adapt and thrive. Flex Team Members and Leadership will be trained to assist any member of the team and be able to perform all roles.
Support high-quality film/audio, equipment maintenance & replacement, and coordinate with technical teams for reliability on uptime.
Manage concessions quality, speed of service, compliance, inventory, and guest service integration.
Ensure guest and staff safety, emergency readiness, and efficient crowd flow.
Timecard validation & approval, scheduling needs, flex service and sales rotation, and breaks.
Support budgeting, cost control, and revenue reporting.
Track attendance, staffing performance, and operational KPIs.
Maintain operational logs, SOP compliance, and documentation, including opening and closing checklists.
Review and manage inventory, purchasing needs, and vendor coordination.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Long Term Disability
401k plan, we will match 50% of the first 6% you contribute, equivalent to 3% of your wages
Deferred compensation into 401(k) account at company Shareholder discretion. Eligible to begin participating after one year of service with an annual plan entry date of October 1st.
Vacation pay (3 weeks accrual after one year of service)
Paid Holidays (7 per year)
2 personal days / year
Paid sick leave (accrued at the rate of one hour sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 72 hours each year)
Tuition reimbursement of 50%, up to $2500 / year (certain conditions must be met)
New child family leave up to 4 weeks while on approved FLMA and enrolled in company sponsored medical plan
35% discount for many purchases at our Retail and F&B Experiences (Discount not applied towards admission ticket purchases)
4 friends and family admission tickets per year.
Charitable Contributions / Matching Gift, up to $500 year
Paid parking or up to $250 / month towards an orca card