COTALAND Operations Manager in Austin, Texas at CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS LLC

Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is a 365-entertainment destination for world-class events located in Austin, TX. The sports and entertainment portfolio at COTA is unmatched in the country with Formula 1 US Grand Prix, NASCAR and MotoGP attracting global fans during championship races on the famed Circuit and Live Nation producing over 30 headline concerts every year at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. COTALAND is an amusement park with over 30 attractions and experiences, including first-of-their-kind roller coasters.

The Manager is responsible for the overall performance of both the Attractions and Park Services departments in their assigned operational area to include safety, guest experience, labor management, and financial results. This role sets operational direction, establishes standards and procedures, and holds the leadership team accountable for execution.

Essential Functions

• Set operational direction, standards, and priorities for the department; ensure consistency and accountability across all shifts and operational periods.
• Directly supervise and develop the department leadership team, which may include Assistant Managers, Supervisors, and Team Leads depending on area structure.
• Own the departmental budget, including developing annual labor plans, managing operational expenses, and reporting on financial performance to senior leadership for assigned areas.
• Approve hiring decisions and termination recommendations in partnership with Human Resources. Conduct or oversee formal performance evaluations and other related documentation across the department.
• Develop and establish operational procedures, training programs, and service standards for the department. Hold the leadership team accountable for successful execution.
• Partner with Safety, Maintenance, Human Resources, and other departments at a peer level to ensure cross-functional alignment and operational readiness.
• Participate in park-level operational planning, including seasonal readiness, capital project input, capacity planning, and special event support as assigned.
• Resolve escalated situations that exceed the authority of the department leadership team or involve significant guest impact, liability, or reputational risk.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven ability to lead through other leaders, setting clear expectations and holding teams accountable for results.
• Financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, forecasting labor, and analyzing operational performance data.
• Ability to think strategically while maintaining close connection to daily operational realities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present operational plans and performance updates to senior leadership.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word for reporting, scheduling, and operational documentation.
• Working knowledge of ride operations, safety protocols, and guest service standards in a high-volume environment.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions including Texas summer heat.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of progressive leadership experience in a guest-facing, hospitality, entertainment, or attractions environment, with at least 2 years in a management role with responsibility for budgets, hiring, and performance management across a department or multi-area scope.
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and peak operating periods.
• Ability to stand, walk, and be on feet for extended periods .
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, business administration, or a related field.
• Previous experience in theme park attractions and park services, or large-venue operations.
• Experience managing in a pre-opening or startup environment.
• Experience with workforce management systems and operational analytics.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Work Schedule and Conditions

This position is based on-site at COTALAND Theme Park at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas and requires flexibility for non-traditional hours during rehearsals, installs, openings, and seasonal peak operations.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

COTA strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state and federal law.