Zonal Controller

Job Description

What you'll bring to the team

We are recruiting for a Zonal Controller to join our AWESOME Planning & Business Support Team!

As a Zonal Controller at Thorpe Park, you will sit at the heart of our daily operation, acting as the central coordination point to ensure the smooth and efficient running of rides, attractions and commercial areas across the resort. You will oversee real-time operational performance, manage key systems and keep communication flowing between multiple departments to keep the park running at its best.

This is a fast-paced, dynamic role where no two days are the same. You’ll monitor live operational data, track ride performance, manage staffing allocations and ensure any issues are identified and resolved quickly. From producing daily reports on metrics, attendance and gate figures, to coordinating Park Manager handovers and maintaining operational systems like CmdCentr, you’ll play a key role in driving operational excellence across the resort.

You’ll take ownership of critical processes such as sickness and absence tracking, Fastrack and RAP allocation management and staff scheduling, ensuring everything is accurate, up to date and communicated effectively. Acting as a central communication hub, you’ll manage queries via phone and inbox, coordinate responses and support teams across the park to keep everything moving.

You will also support operational decision-making by monitoring live dashboards, identifying trends or risks and escalating where needed. Alongside this, you’ll carry out audits, maintain detailed records and ensure compliance across key operational areas, helping to deliver a safe and seamless experience for both guests and staff.

Qualifications & Experience

• Strong operational awareness, with the ability to monitor performance metrics and understand park operations
• Excellent communication skills, confident across phone, radio, email, and digital systems
• A proactive problem-solver who can prioritise tasks and resolve issues efficiently
• High attention to detail, ensuring accuracy across reporting, tracking, and systems
• A collaborative team player, able to work closely with multiple departments
• Adaptable and flexible, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
• Willingness to support the business with varying shifts and working hours as required

Benefits

• 40% discount off LEGO® sets and products on the online LEGO Store!
• Merlin Magic Pass: Free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all of our Merlin Attractions across the world!
• 25% discount in Merlin retail shops and restaurants (a brilliant extra treat when you’re using your Magic Pass to visit!)
• ‘Enjoy the Ride’ Merlin Annual Pass for you and five loved ones!
• Staff discount codes for Merlin Annual Passes to gift to loved ones!
• Private pension scheme
• Life assurance scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Access to Perks at Work which 30,000+ national & local employee discounts
• Free staff parking
• Ongoing training & development

If you have any questions or if you require any reasonable adjustments, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at recruitment@merlinentertainments.biz and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Pay Range

Competitive