Waterpark Operations Manager

Landry's, LLC.•Kemah, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Landry’s is seeking a hands-on Waterpark Operations Manager to help prepare for and lead the opening of Boardwalk Bay, Kemah Boardwalk’s pirate- and shipwreck-themed waterpark, opening in early 2027. Working closely with senior waterpark leaders, the manager will oversee park-wide operations, develop team members, promote a strong safety culture, drive operational performance, and deliver memorable guest experiences. The role is responsible for opening readiness, daily operations, staffing and team development, safety and emergency response, guest service, financial performance, and coordination with maintenance and other support teams. It requires a visible leadership presence throughout the park and a flexible schedule that accommodates seasonal operating demands, peak attendance, and emergencies.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
At least 5 years of progressive operations leadership experience in waterparks, amusement parks, attractions, hospitality, resorts, or similar high-volume guest environments.
At least 2–3 years of direct management experience, including responsibility for multiple departments, supervisors, or operating teams.
Experience managing seasonal workforces, supervising lifeguards, developing employees, and coordinating emergency response.
Strong knowledge of aquatic safety, attraction operations, emergency preparedness, regulatory compliance, and guest service standards.
Demonstrated financial acumen, including labor management, expense control, and operational planning.
Excellent leadership, communication, coaching, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, including the ability to remain composed under pressure.
Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate records, prepare reports, and use scheduling and business software.
Current lifeguard certification, including CPR, First Aid, and AED, through the company’s approved certification program, or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire. Required certifications must be obtained before independently performing duties that require them and maintained throughout employment.
Current Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification, or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.
Ability to walk and inspect the property, stand or walk for extended periods, navigate stairs and uneven or slippery surfaces, and work outdoors in heat, humidity, sun, and wet conditions.
Ability to meet applicable certification and emergency-response requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Availability for a flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, special events, preseason preparation, and emergency response; seasonal demands and peak periods may require extended hours.

Nice To Haves

College degree in Hospitality, Business, Recreation, Parks Management, or a related field.
Experience opening a new waterpark or aquatic facility.
Lifeguard instructor certification.

Responsibilities

Coordinate operational planning, staffing, training, inspections, and attraction readiness for the waterpark opening.
Oversee daily operations across Aquatics, Guest Services, Admissions, Food & Beverage, Safety, and support departments.
Lead daily opening, operating, and closing procedures, ensuring staffing, inspections, attractions, cleanliness, and guest amenities are ready.
Monitor attendance, weather, guest flow, attraction availability, and operating conditions; adjust resources as needed.
Serve as operational leader in the Waterpark Director’s absence, providing direction, accountability, and support across departments.
Establish and maintain a proactive safety culture through training, inspections, emergency drills, and enforcement of procedures.
Oversee aquatic safety practices, including lifeguard coverage, surveillance, rotations, breaks, and rescue readiness under the approved aquatic safety program.
Coordinate responses to medical incidents, severe weather, operational disruptions, and emergencies, including documentation and communication.
Suspend operations when unsafe conditions arise and coordinate reopening after corrective actions and clearances.
Recruit, train, coach, and develop supervisors and frontline employees.
Manage staffing plans, scheduling, labor deployment, performance evaluations, and workforce accountability.
Coach, mentor, and develop leaders; lead preseason hiring, training, inspections, and readiness while adapting to seasonal staffing demands.
Set standards for hospitality, professionalism, cleanliness, and guest service; help deliver the park’s pirate and shipwreck theme.
Resolve escalated guest concerns and identify improvements to guest satisfaction, attraction flow, procedures, and park performance.
Maintain a visible, hands-on leadership presence and empower teams to create memorable guest experiences.
Assist with operating budgets and monitor labor costs, overtime, expenses, and resource utilization.
Support labor forecasting, payroll administration, inventory controls, and revenue optimization.
Evaluate performance metrics and operational reports to identify efficiency and profitability opportunities.
Partner with Maintenance, Water Quality, and support teams to maintain attractions, facilities, pools, and infrastructure.
Coordinate preventive maintenance, seasonal startup and shutdown, inspections, vendor relationships, and facility improvement initiatives.
Perform all responsibilities in accordance with applicable regulations, company policies and procedures, and Landry’s Code of Conduct.