As a Senior Ride Operator and Trainer, you play a key role in delivering safe, efficient, and memorable attraction operations across the Resort. You will oversee the daily running of rides, ensuring full compliance with safety procedures, manufacturer guidelines, and company standards. A major part of the role involves supporting and developing the Ride Operations team through coaching, assessments, and structured training to ensure consistency and excellence across all zones.

You’ll act as a central point of escalation for operational issues and guest concerns, working proactively to maintain high throughput, strong guest satisfaction, and smooth queue management. Supporting ride evacuations, operating or hosting rides where required, and contributing to wider operational improvements will all form part of your essential day‑to‑day responsibilities.

Alongside operational leadership, your role will champion a positive, collaborative, and engaging team culture - promoting Merlin’s values, supporting team development, and ensuring all individuals are equipped to perform confidently and safely.

You bring strong leadership, operational confidence, and the ability to stay calm and decisive under pressure. With a guest‑first mindset, you’ll be able to resolve issues professionally and support the highest standards of service delivery.

Your coaching skills and approachable nature enable you to train and mentor frontline colleagues, helping them grow, remain compliant, and feel supported throughout their development. You are proactive, solutions‑focused, and capable of adapting to changing priorities or operational demands.

Communication sits at the heart of what you do - you’ll build relationships across teams, share insights in daily briefings, and contribute to resort‑wide improvements. Above all, you consistently uphold Merlin’s core behaviours: owning your craft, working together, enjoying the ride, driving & discovering, and caring deeply about the wellbeing of both guests and colleagues.

Essential Experience & Skills:

• Strong background in operational roles, ideally within attractions, leisure, hospitality, or similar fast‑paced environments.
• Experience operating rides and following strict safety and compliance standards.
• Proven ability to coach, train, or mentor others.
• Confident decision‑maker with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to engage with guests and team members across all levels.
• Understanding of health & safety regulations and emergency procedures.
• Ability to manage guest escalations professionally using guest recovery frameworks.

Desirable Skills & Attributes:

• Experience conducting assessments or signing off team competencies.
• Familiarity with Merlin’s values and operational expectations.
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to support cross‑functional teams.
• Flexibility with working hours, operational needs, and supporting alternative shifts.
• Strong problem‑solving ability and a continuous improvement mindset.