**What you'll bring to the team** **Dive into a leadership role like no other!** SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium, part of the global Merlin Entertainments family, is seeking a passionate and experienced **Operations Manager** to lead day-to-day operations at one of New Zealand’s most iconic marine attractions. **About the Role** As Operations Manager, you’ll be responsible for ensuring the smooth, safe, and efficient running of the aquarium. You’ll lead a diverse team across Admissions, Cafe, Gift Shop and Guest Experience delivering world-class service and unforgettable experiences for our visitors. **Key Responsibilities** + Oversee daily operations across all departments including admissions, retail and food & beverage. + Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team to deliver exceptional guest experiences. + Drive commercial performance maximising sales and controlled cost management. + Ensure compliance with health & safety, risk management, and operational standards. + Collaborate with the General Manager and other department heads on strategic planning and continuous improvement. + Manage budgets, staffing, and operational KPIs to drive performance and efficiency. **About You** + Proven experience in operations management, ideally in tourism, attractions, hospitality, or entertainment. + Strong leadership and people management skills. + Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. + Passion for marine life, conservation, and creating magical guest experiences. + Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and peak periods as required. **Benefits** + Corporate benefits including free access to all our attractions worldwide + Domestic and global opportunities to develop and progress your skills and career in tourism and attractions + Additional Leave (including birthday and wellbeing) and 3 volunteer days to give back to a social cause you care about + Opportunity to be involved with our Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, including our Reconciliation Action Plan + Being part of a business built on fun **About Us** Merlin Entertainments is the company behind iconic brands like SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, and Peppa Pig World of Play. We operate in over 140 attractions across 25 countries, delivering memorable experiences to 54 million+ visitors a year. We’re the leading operator of visitor attractions in Australia and New Zealand, with 10 attractions, including SEA LIFE, WILDLIFE, Madame Tussauds, and the Fly Treetop Adventures, amongst others. Merlin Entertainments is driven by a strong social responsibility with the vision to create a world where the global community respects, conserves, and sustainably manages our precious aquatic habitats, wildlife, and natural resources. We strive to achieve this goal through our 3 charities: Merlin's Magic Wand, the SEA LIFE Trust, and the WILDLIFE Conservation Fund. So, if you are vibrant and passionate about delivering an amazing service within a great company and in a team who loves what we do – then we want to hear from you!  Merlin Entertainments strongly encourages application from all background, including people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander decent. Please let us know at anzrecruitment@merlinentertainments.biz if you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application. **Pay Range** Competitive Submit a Referral (https://careers-nz-merlinentertainments.icims.com/jobs/9937/aquarium-operations-manager/job?mode=apply&apply=yes&in\_iframe=1&hashed=-1834381883) At Merlin we welcome the world to our magical attractions and resorts every day and we want to reflect that same multicultural mix inside our business too. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse workplace where people can be themselves, have the same opportunities and thrive together. Because at Merlin, everyone matters! Together, we work to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, no matter their age, race, gender, disability or sexual orientation. Although we understand that we'll always be learning and growing, we aim to be the most inclusive and flexible employer in our industry. **Location Name** _SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Auckland_ **Job Locations** _NZ-AUK-Auckland_ **Job ID** _2025-9937_ **Employment Type** _Salaried_ **Offer/Contract Type** _No End Date_ **Location (Country-State-City)** _NZ-AUK-Auckland_