Project Manager

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

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