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VP, Food & BeverageSeaWorld Orlando | Aquatica Orlando | Discovery Cove Orlando
United Parks & Resorts is a leader in the theme park and entertainment industry, delivering meaningful experiences to millions of guests each year. At SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Discovery Cove, our Food & Beverage operation plays a critical role in shaping the guest experience, and we are seeking a dynamic leader to elevate it to the next level.
What You Get to DoAs the VP, Food & Beverage, you will lead all aspects of Food & Beverage strategy and operations across our three Orlando parks. This role is responsible for driving revenue growth, enhancing the guest experience, and building a high-performing team that delivers consistently across a complex, multi-unit environment.
You will:
- Lead the strategy, design, and execution of all Food & Beverage operations across the Orlando parks
- Drive revenue growth while improving margins, efficiency, and guest satisfaction
- Oversee 45+ food and beverage locations across multiple park environments
- Develop and execute business strategies that improve performance, scalability, and operational consistency
- Partner cross-functionally to align Food & Beverage with park-wide initiatives and guest experience priorities
- Establish and track key performance metrics, including per cap, average check, and cost efficiency
- Build and lead a comprehensive labor and talent strategy supporting ~2,000 Ambassadors
- Oversee warehouse and supply chain operations supporting Food & Beverage
- Identify and implement best practices and innovation opportunities across all locations
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining alignment with corporate standards and processes
This is a high-impact, highly visible role that requires both executive-level thinking and the ability to engage directly in operations when needed.
What It Takes to Succeed Experience & Background- 10+ years of progressive Food & Beverage leadership experience
- Proven success leading multi-unit, multi-venue operations
- Experience in high-volume hospitality environments (theme parks, resorts, large-scale venues, or similar)
- Prior experience at the Director or Executive Director level with significant operational scope
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing revenue growth, cost structures, and performance metrics
The ideal candidate is:
- Operationally strong and hands-on
Willing to step into the business, especially early on, to understand operations and build credibility - Highly collaborative
Able to work across departments and build strong partnerships throughout the organization - Strategic, but grounded in execution
Balances long-term vision with day-to-day operational realities - Decisive and focused
Can prioritize effectively and maintain direction in a fast-paced, high-demand environment - Resilient and adaptable
Navigates ambiguity and complexity without taking challenges personally
- Highly visible and engaged with Ambassadors at all levels
- Builds relationships through presence and communication
- Creates a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement
- Strong understanding of key Food & Beverage metrics, including per cap and average check
- Knowledge of workforce management systems and large-scale scheduling operations
- Ability to drive innovation while working within established SOPs and operational frameworks
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Extensive walking, standing, and mobility throughout the day
- Ability to lift, push, or carry up to 25 lbs
- Comfortable working in environments with varying noise levels, temperatures, and conditions
- Must be available to work flexible schedules, including weekends, holidays, and varying shifts based on park operations
As part of the SeaWorld family, youll enjoy a fast-paced, engaging environment along with:
- Unlimited flexible Paid Time Off
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Complimentary park tickets and discounts
- Life and disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program and additional voluntary benefits
If youre a leader who thrives in complex, high-volume environments and is ready to make a meaningful impact on both the business and the guest experience, wed love to hear from you.
The perks of the position:
- Paid Time Off
- Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
- Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401K Retirement plan
- Voluntary Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Disability Benefits
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Legal Assistance Plan
EEO Employer:
SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.