Theater Manager at Center Art LLC – Seattle, Washington

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.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• 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.

Guest Experience

• Foster Transform Moments and company Values by ensuring warm hospitality, knowledgeable staff, and a clean, welcoming environment.

Staff Leadership & Development

• 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.

Projection & Technology Oversight

• Support high-quality film/audio, equipment maintenance & replacement, and coordinate with technical teams for reliability on uptime.

Concessions & Retail Oversight

• Manage concessions quality, speed of service, compliance, inventory, and guest service integration.

Safety, Security & Access Control

• Ensure guest and staff safety, emergency readiness, and efficient crowd flow.

Administrative & Financial Responsibilities

• 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.

Required Education, Experience & Skills:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

Full Time, Salaried Position

Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000 DOE

Benefits include:

• 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

About IMAX at the Center

IMAX at the Center delivers immersive cinematic experiences in the heart of Seattle Center. As part of the broader campus dedicated to art, culture, and world-class visitor experiences, our team is committed to creating welcoming, memorable moments for every guest through exceptional service, innovation, and teamwork.

IMAX at the Center is proud to foster a culture where team members are empowered to grow, collaborate, and contribute to experiences that inspire our guests. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and supported.

IMAX at the Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, caste, or any other protected status under applicable law.

IMAX at the Center is owned by Center Art, LLC. which also operates Chihuly Garden and Glass.