Vice President, Theme Park Development & Delivery (UK Project)

Universal Orlando•Orlando, FL

About The Position

At Universal Creative, we design, develop and deliver the most compelling entertainment experiences imaginable to drive growth for Universal Destinations & Experiences worldwide. Our innovative attractions, immersive theme parks and world-class resorts fuse art and technology to create new standards in the themed entertainment industry. Our Team Members are the driving force behind Universal Creative. With their diverse skills and forward-thinking ideas, our team pushes us beyond the boundaries of what’s possible to achieve the extraordinary. Together, we’re creating a Universe of fun, always ensuring the next thing we do is better than the last thing we did. JOB SUMMARY: The Vice President, Theme Park Development & Delivery is accountable for the complete leadership, direction, and execution of a single, large scale theme park development project from Schematic through opening and operational handoff. This role provides full executive oversight of all project management functions, including Project Management teams, Project Directors, and the Senior Director of Construction, ensuring delivery against approved scope, budget, schedule, quality, safety, creative intent, and guest experience objectives. This position serves as the single point of accountability for the successful realization of the theme park, integrating creative vision, technical execution, construction delivery, and operational readiness into one cohesive development effort.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, or equivalent experience preferred.
15+ years of experience in the resort design and development of Entertainment or Hospitality based projects such as Theme Parks, Hotels, Retail, Food/Beverage and Entertainment venues; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
15+ years of experience managing and negotiating with external vendors and partnerships to include such as Architects, Engineers, Graphic Designers, Construction, Graphic Vendors, etc.
15+ years' experience in the development and management of major projects with hospitality/entertainment/theme parks. Planning requires knowledge of in-depth division operating plan and understanding of overall company goals. Accountable for divisional key performance indicators (Annual Operating Plan, GSAT, & TSAT); or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proven experience leading a Team through large, complex attraction and resort projects from beginning to end.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Consistent attendance is a job requirement.
Proven ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
Influences decisions with a high degree of tact & diplomacy to obtain the best outcome and maintain good will.
Partners with HR, Finance, Operations and Legal to proactively resolve issues, long term workforce planning and capital investments, and priorities.
Demonstrated ability to work with all levels of employees and management, and willingness to give assistance to co-workers in other areas.
Strong interpersonal and analytical skills.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines
Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Nice To Haves

Licensed to practice Engineering or Architecture is preferred

Responsibilities

Executive Project Leadership
Provide end to end leadership and governance for the development and delivery of a single theme park project, from early planning and approvals through construction, commissioning, and park opening.
Establish and maintain the project's overall delivery strategy, aligning creative, technical, financial, and operational objectives throughout the lifecycle.
Act as the primary executive interface with senior leadership, business partners, and key stakeholders, delivering clear, consistent reporting on budget, schedule, risk, progress through project monthly updates to senior leadership.
Oversight of Project Management & Construction Leadership
Provide direct oversight and direction to all Project Management teams, Project Directors, and the Senior Director of Construction, ensuring unified leadership, accountability, and execution discipline across the project.
Ensure project controls, governance standards, and delivery procedures are consistently applied across all scopes, including attractions, infrastructure, buildings, landscapes, parking, and guest facing environments.
Drive integration between design, fabrication, construction, and commissioning to ensure delivery aligns with creative intent and operational requirements.
Design, Procurement & Delivery Execution
Oversee all planning, budgeting, scheduling, estimating, design, construction, fabrication, and close out activities within approved project parameters.
Maintain executive accountability for the prequalification, procurement, contracting, and performance of architects, engineers, creative designers, contractors, vendors, manufacturers, and fabricators.
Ensure all project documentation and delivery processes--RFIs, submittals, directives, shop drawings, pay applications, punch lists, and close out--are executed to established standards.
Ensure cohesive and well-coordinated design and construction execution between theme park and property development teams, aligning scope, sequencing, standards, and delivery objectives,
Creative & Guest Experience Accountability
Oversee development and execution of creative content, whether produced by internal creative teams or external partners, ensuring fidelity to the approved creative vision.
Maintain accountability for the final guest experience, ensuring the delivered park meets or exceeds the objectives approved during project authorization.
Operational Readiness Handover
Partner closely with Technical Services, Park Operations, and other operational stakeholders to ensure clean, sustainable handoffs, commissioning, and readiness for opening day.
Ensure long-term maintainability, safety, and operational efficiency are embedded into all design and construction decisions.
Ensure all attractions, food and retail outlets, achieve 100% availability at opening through rigorous delivery, testing, and handover process.
People Leadership & Culture
Lead, mentor, and develop project leaders and teams, fostering high performance, accountability, and professional growth.
Partner with Human Resources on workforce planning, hiring, succession planning, and team engagement to support project needs and long term organizational health.
Safety, Compliance & Risk Management
Champion Environmental, Health & Safety standards, ensuring full compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
Proactively identify and manage risks related to scope, cost, schedule, quality, safety, and reputation.
Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
Performs other duties as assigned.