Manager Operational Excellence Jobs in Prospect, KY

ABOUT US

Herschend is the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, with a portfolio of over 40 family entertainment brands across North America, including destinations, resorts, theme parks, water parks, immersive experiences, and content enjoyed by audiences worldwide. 

While each of our family brands offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. Our 22,000 passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality®—the intersection of heart and hospitality. 

As an equal-opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feels welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect. For more information, visit www.hfecorp.com.  

POSITION SUMMARY
The General Manager of Kentucky Kingdom Theme and Water Park is responsible for setting the vision and leading all aspects of park operations, driving exceptional guest experiences, fostering an engaging and high-performing culture for hosts, and achieving strong financial results. The ideal candidate brings extensive theme park and water park leadership experience with a proven ability to develop and execute strategies that deliver operational excellence, sustainable growth, and long-term success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Business Performance

• Partner and collaborate with the Property Support Center to align and execute strategies and initiatives that support overall business objectives.
• Drive strategic planning to support organizational growth and leadership development.
• Measure, monitor, and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) to achieve operational excellence.
• Develop, manage, and achieve annual revenue and expense budgets.
• Provide operational insight and executive leadership to the property leadership team.

Operational Leadership

• Lead and collaborate with operating and functional leaders across Attractions, Entertainment, Finance, Food & Beverage, Human Resources, Maintenance, Marketing, Retail, and Safety & Security to achieve shared business goals.
• Oversee the full-cycle operation of the property, ensuring teams effectively respond to business demands, including staffing levels, operating hours, attractions, and guest experiences.
• Monitor Park quality, cleanliness, maintenance, and aesthetic standards while holding leaders accountable for delivering exceptional experiences.

Guest Experience & Culture

• Champion an exceptional guest experience by partnering with the Property Support Center to implement guest-focused strategies and initiatives.
• Foster a culture where hosts feel welcomed, valued, and loved while advancing Herschend's Leading with Love culture.
• Ensure hosts have the resources, training, and support necessary to consistently exceed guest expectations.
• Promote a positive, inclusive workplace through strong host relations programs and engagement initiatives.

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and hosts by providing guidance on company policies, procedures, and standards.
• Reinforce performance management practices that drive accountability, engagement, development, and productivity.
• Support organizational and leadership development through coaching, succession planning, and talent development initiatives.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Establish, monitor, and reinforce safe work practices across all areas of the property.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable city, county, state, and federal regulations, as well as company policies and operating standards.
• Partner closely with Safety & Security to ensure adherence to all safety protocols and operating procedures.
• Participate in the development and execution of park-wide emergency preparedness, readiness, and response plans.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field required, Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in theme parks and water parks.
• Proven experience developing and executing strategic initiatives that drive operational excellence, guest satisfaction, host engagement, and financial performance.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and managing complex, multi-department operations.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Leadership & Business Acumen

• Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven track record of driving initiatives, achieving measurable results, and leading change.
• Committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed business decisions.

Communication & Relationship Building

• Excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal, and conflict management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Able to collaborate effectively with leaders, departments, and properties to share best practices and achieve common goals.

Professionalism & Integrity

• Demonstrates the highest level of integrity, professionalism, sound judgment, and confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
• Self-motivated, disciplined, and highly accountable.
• Able to prioritize multiple responsibilities and consistently meet deadlines.
• Adaptable and effective in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Culture & Guest Focus

• Embodies the organization's Lead with Love culture by demonstrating Heartspitality.
• Promotes a collaborative, team-oriented work environment by supporting and assisting fellow hosts and leaders.
• Passionate about creating exceptional guest experiences and empowered to meet guest needs within company guidelines.
• Demonstrates genuine friendliness and care in delivering exceptional service and operational excellence.

Work Requirements

• Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as business needs require.