Design Manager

Roles and responsibilities

This role requires a deep understanding of ride facility design, procurement processes, and effective interfacing with a diverse team of designers, engineers, and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader with strong design management skills and a comprehensive understanding of the technical and creative aspects of ride facility development. The Design Manager for Rides and Ride Facility Design will oversee the development and execution of design projects related to amusement rides and associated facilities. This role demands a blend of creative vision, technical expertise, and leadership skills to guide a multidisciplinary team through the design process, from concept through completion alongside ride vendors. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in ride design, facility planning, and team management.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Project Management:

• Lead and manage ride design projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, milestones, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to integrate ride designs with facility layouts and operational requirements.
  

Design And Technical Oversight

• Oversee the design process for rides, ensuring alignment with client specifications, safety regulations, and industry standards.
• Work closely with ride designers to refine design and address technical challenges, ensuring the ride facility design meets both aesthetic and functional goals.
• Supervise the development and procurement of ride components, managing relationships with suppliers and vendors.
  

Interface Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact between the design team, engineers, and other stakeholders, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.
• Ensure that ride interfaces with other systems, such as lighting, sound, and control systems, are integrated smoothly and functionally.
• Manage the interface between ride design and facility infrastructure, ensuring compatibility and seamless integration.

Desired candidate profile

Procurement And Vendor Management

• Oversee the procurement process for ride equipment and materials, including vendor selection, contract negotiation, and quality assurance.
• Collaborate with procurement teams to ensure timely delivery of components and resolve any supply chain issues that may arise.
  

Quality Assurance And Safety

• Conduct regular reviews and inspections of design and construction work to ensure compliance with safety standards and design specifications.
• Address and resolve any design or construction issues promptly, implementing corrective actions as necessary.
  

Stakeholder Communication

• Prepare and present project updates, design concepts, and progress reports to stakeholders, clients, and senior management.
• Manage client expectations and ensure their requirements are met throughout the project lifecycle.
  

Problem Solving

• Proactively identify potential issues and risks, developing and implementing solutions to address them effectively.
• Facilitate problem-solving sessions with design and engineering teams to overcome technical and operational challenges
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in ride design and/or ride facility design, with at least 3 years in a managerial or leadership role.
• Proven track record of successful ride and facility design projects, demonstrating creativity, technical expertise, and project management skills.
• Strong knowledge of safety standards, regulations, and industry practices related to ride and facility design.
• Proficiency in design software such as Revit, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Rhino, or similar tools.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively under tight deadlines.
• Passion for theme parks, entertainment, and creating exceptional guest experiences.
• Experience with large-scale theme park or attraction projects.
• Familiarity with 3D modelling and visualization software. Understanding of sustainable design practices and green building standards.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with clients, multi-disciplinary teams, ride vendors and supply chain.
• In-depth knowledge of ride systems, mechanisms, and safety standards within the amusement park industry.
• Understanding of design principles, engineering processes, and project management methodologies.