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Director Design Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Opportunity Superhuman is redefining how the world works, and we're looking for a Director of Design & Research Operations to help lead that transformation. Design & Research Operations sets the ...

We support the delivery and operations of technology, digital, and data capabilities, platforms ... The Director, Design Strategy will lead a multidisciplinary team of experience strategists, service ...

New

$177K - $240K/yr

As the Director of Design Client Experience at Thrivent, you will be a dynamic leader focused on ... operational excellence. With your significant management experience and killer skills in design ...

This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test ... Director of Design Quality is a hands-on hardware quality leader who believes that quality must be ...

This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test ... Director of Design Quality is a hands-on hardware quality leader who believes that quality must be ...

The Director of Design & Engineering is responsible for leading the planning, design, and execution ... Collaborate with park operations, maintenance, safety, environmental, legal, sourcing, finance, and ...

As the Director of Design Client Experience at Thrivent, you will be a dynamic leader focused on ... operational excellence. With your significant management experience and killer skills in design ...

(USA) Director, Design Research

Noel, MO · On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

Role summary: The (USA) Director, Design Research leads strategic initiatives to advance user ... and operational excellence within a dynamic, global environment. About the team: Join a ...

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Director Design Operations information

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$34K

$107.7K

$179.5K

How much do director design operations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for director design operations in the United States is $107,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Director Design Operations vs Design Program Manager?

AspectDirector Design OperationsDesign Program Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees design workflows, team efficiency, and strategic initiativesManages specific design projects, timelines, and cross-functional coordination
CredentialsTypically requires extensive design and operations experience, often with leadership skillsRequires strong project management skills, design background is common but not mandatory
Work EnvironmentLeadership role within design teams, strategic planning focusProject-focused, collaborative environment with cross-departmental teams

The Director Design Operations focuses on overall design team efficiency and strategic initiatives, while the Design Program Manager handles specific projects and timelines. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but the director has a broader leadership scope.

What cities are hiring for Director Design Operations jobs?

Cities with the most Director Design Operations job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Operations jobs?

The most popular types of Design Operations jobs are:

What states have the most Director Design Operations jobs?

States with the most job openings for Director Design Operations jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Director Design Operations jobs?

For Director Design Operations jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Director, Design & Engineering

Orlando, FL • On-site

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

At SeaWorld, we're passionate about caring for animals. In fact, we've already rescued over 40,000 animals (and counting!). And we can save you from being stuck in just another job. Join us and help bring joy, excitement, and lasting memories to people from around the world. We're seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, and hard-working individuals to become our Ambassadors. Join us and play an important part on our incredible team!
At SeaWorld, we're passionate about caring for animals. In fact, we've already rescued over 40,000 animals and counting! Join our team and help create memorable experiences for guests while supporting the continued growth and development of our parks.
Position Summary
  • The Director of Design & Engineering is responsible for leading the planning, design, and execution of major capital improvement projects across SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Discovery Cove.
  • This role provides leadership and strategic direction to the Design & Engineering project management team while partnering closely with park and corporate leadership to support attraction development, infrastructure improvements, and long-range capital planning.
  • The Director manages large-scale, complex capital projects from concept development through project closeout, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with company standards and operational needs.
  • The ideal candidate has extensive experience leading design and construction projects in a fast-paced, guest-facing environment, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while building strong partnerships with internal stakeholders, contractors, consultants, vendors, and leadership teams.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Lead, coach, and mentor the Design & Engineering project management team.
  • Provide strategic planning, prioritization, and resource allocation for departmental projects and initiatives.
  • Partner with park and corporate leadership teams to support the strategic planning, concept development, design, and execution of major attractions and capital projects across the Orlando parks.
  • Serve as Project Manager for major capital projects valued at $10 million or greater.
  • Manage external architects, engineers, ride vendors, general contractors, specialty contractors, consultants, and other project partners.
  • Oversee project budgets, schedules, procurement activities, vendor coordination, and overall project execution.
  • Collaborate with park leadership to identify, prioritize, and oversee annual sundry, infrastructure, and capital improvement projects.
  • Support the development and execution of 5-year infrastructure improvement plans.
  • Lead project meetings and communicate project status, risks, budget updates, schedules, and key milestones to stakeholders and senior leadership.
  • Review drawings, specifications, cost estimates, schedules, contracts, bids, and contractor proposals.
  • Support contractor selection, bid reviews, contract administration, change order management, and project closeout activities.
  • Coordinate project activities within an active operating environment while minimizing impacts to guests, Ambassadors, and park operations.
  • Collaborate with park operations, maintenance, safety, environmental, legal, sourcing, finance, and corporate teams to ensure successful project delivery.
  • Ensure compliance with company capital project controls, approval processes, applicable codes, permitting requirements, policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
  • Support capital planning, forecasting, and long-range infrastructure planning as assigned.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related technical field.
  • Minimum 10 years of project management experience across design, engineering, and construction.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in the theme park, entertainment, hospitality, resort, attraction, or another guest-facing industry.
  • Experience leading large-scale capital projects valued at $10 million or greater.
  • Experience leading, mentoring, or managing project managers or cross-functional project teams.
  • Experience managing external architects, engineers, contractors, vendors, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
  • Strong working knowledge of construction processes, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, permitting, and project delivery methods.
  • Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, schedules, cost estimates, and project budgets.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with senior leadership.
  • Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in theme parks, attractions, hospitality, entertainment venues, resorts, or other large-scale guest-facing environments.
  • Experience managing projects in occupied, operating, or high-traffic facilities.
  • Experience with ride systems, attraction development, specialty construction, or themed entertainment projects.
  • Experience reviewing contracts, scopes of work, bids, and change orders.
  • Familiarity with project scheduling and construction management software.
  • PMP, CCM, PE, RA, or other related professional certification.

Physical Requirements
  • Frequent walking throughout the park and construction sites.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Ability to climb stairs, navigate construction areas, and occasionally work at heights.
  • Ability to lift, push, pull, and/or carry up to 35 pounds occasionally.
  • Ability to bend, kneel, squat, and perform site inspections as needed.

What You'll Bring
  • A strategic and hands-on approach to project leadership.
  • The ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and influence cross-functional partners.
  • Confidence interacting directly with contractors, consultants, vendors, stakeholders, and senior leadership.
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
  • The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operating environment.
  • A commitment to safety, quality, accountability, teamwork, and the guest experience.

The perks of the position:
  • Paid Time Off
  • Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
  • Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401K Retirement plan
  • Voluntary Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Legal Assistance Plan

EEO Employer:
SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.