Project Manager - Design & Development
Location: Orlando, Florida (Headquarters)
Company: Ripley Entertainment, Inc.
Travel: Up to 75% (Domestic & International)
About Ripley Entertainment
Ripley Entertainment, Inc. is a global leader in location-based attractions and entertainment experiences, welcoming more than 14 million guests annually across 100+ attractions in over 10 countries. Our brands inspire curiosity, fun, and wonder through immersive, family-oriented experiences. Learn more at http://www.ripleys.com.
Position Summary
Ripley Entertainment is seeking an experienced Project Manager - Design & Development to manage the planning, design coordination, construction, and delivery of attraction projects and gallery improvements across multiple markets. This role serves as the Owner's Representative, overseeing projects from concept through close‑out while ensuring quality, schedule, and budget performance.
The ideal candidate brings a strong background in themed construction, thrives in a fast‑paced, multi‑project environment, and is equally comfortable collaborating with creative teams, contractors, consultants, and executive leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Project Planning & Design Coordination
- Review project sites, drawings, specifications, and overall scope to ensure alignment with design intent and operational goals
- Collaborate with senior leadership and design teams to translate attraction vision into actionable project plans
- Contribute during the design phase with constructability, budgetary, and schedule input
- Stay informed on trends in family entertainment, museum design, and themed environments
Budget & Cost Management
- Develop comprehensive project budgets, estimates, and cost reports
- Track actual costs versus budget, including year‑to‑date reporting
- Review, negotiate, and manage change orders
- Summarize budget compliance prior to final payments
Scheduling & Delivery
- Develop realistic, detailed project schedules identifying key milestones and dependencies
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously across various markets
- Anticipate and plan for factors such as weather impacts on outdoor facilities
- Monitor contractor and vendor schedules to ensure on‑time delivery
Contractor & Consultant Management
- Lead contractor and consultant selection, including reference checks and qualification reviews
- Manage third‑party construction managers, vendors, and specialty consultants
- Use contracts and purchase orders for all scopes of work-ensuring risk mitigation and clarity
- Review and approve monthly pay applications and progress reports
Construction & On‑Site Oversight
- Provide on‑site project supervision with regular site visits
- Monitor construction quality and progress for compliance with drawings and specifications
- Maintain photographic documentation of progress and critical construction elements
- Coordinate installation of fixtures, furnishings, and equipment (FF&E), including storage and logistics
Project Close‑Out
- Prepare and manage punch lists in coordination with management and contractors
- Validate contract compliance prior to final payments
- Support exhibit installation, light assembly, and basic A/V setup as required
Communication & Leadership
- Act as a liaison between contractors, consultants, internal teams, and senior leadership
- Provide regular project updates to market leadership and executive stakeholders
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and creative problem solving
Qualifications
Required
- 10+ years of relevant experience in construction project management, preferably in themed entertainment, museums, or attractions
- Proven experience across all phases of construction: pre‑construction, construction, and close‑out
- Strong experience with budgets, scheduling, and multi‑project management
- Demonstrated success delivering projects on time and on budget
- Experience in contract administration and negotiation
- Ability to manage confidential information with integrity
- Strong organizational, time‑management, and communication skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Willingness to travel extensively (up to 75%)
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform hands‑on exhibit installation when needed
- Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
Preferred / Plus
- Familiarity with AutoCAD
- Knowledge of building codes, ADA requirements, and permitting processes
- Understanding of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and other building systems
- Experience across multiple design disciplines (lighting, graphics, landscape, exhibit design, etc.)
- Strong eye for design, with understanding of environmental factors such as light, sound, color, texture, and guest behavior
Personal Attributes
- High integrity, strong work ethic, and self‑motivation
- Sound judgment and a proactive problem‑solving mindset
- Ability to build rapport across all organizational levels and with external partners
- Positive attitude, adaptability, and sense of humor