Job Description

Director, Aquaventure Development
(17891)
At Kerzner, we never settle. Through continued innovation, our team of pioneers push until the next level is achieved, and then to keep going. Our philosophy is simple - we go above and beyond to Blow Away our Guest and Colleagues. Good enough never is. For us, it is all about perfection and innovation. This is not simply our job, it's our passion.
Our Colleagues are at the heart of who we are and what we do. With an international team of over 10,000 Colleagues and strong strategic growth on the horizon, we offer unrivalled career opportunities around the world. We are committed to provide our Colleagues at all levels with opportunities to grow and develop within the organisation through personalised development plans and tailored succession planning. We invest in our communities to sustain the environment where we operate and minimising our own footprint. Whether it is through animal conservation, education or tree-planting, we like to give back in as many ways as we can to help our communities flourish.
Job Summary
The Director Aquaventure Development is responsible for shaping the future of Aquaventrure World development and international expansion, From concept to completion This role leads the creative, technical, and experiential strategy behind all waterpark projects, ensuring each destination delivers world-class entertainment, operational excellence, and unforgettable guest experiences.
This role will oversee master planning, design innovation, attraction selection, guest flow optimization, sustainability, and storytelling integration across all new Aquaventure developments and refurbishments. The ideal candidate combines strategic leadership, creative design sensibility, and deep operational understanding of large-scale water-based attractions.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Define and execute the global strategy for waterpark development, expansion, and guest experience innovation.
• Lead master planning and concept development aligned with brand values, market trends, and business goals.
• Build a long-term roadmap for new projects, refurbishments, and technology integration.

Design & Development Oversight

• Direct the end-to-end design process - from feasibility and concept through schematic, detailed design, and construction.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and attraction manufacturers to deliver world-class, safe, and innovative designs.
• Ensure designs are operationally efficient, sustainable, and maintainable while maximizing guest enjoyment.
• Integrate cutting-edge technologies to enhance guest engagement.
• Guide the creative and functional design of new waterparks and resort-integrated aquatic facilities (e.g., themed pools, lazy rivers, surf attractions).
• Manage the concept-to-design process, ensuring alignment with brand design standards, guest experience expectations, and operational practicality.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, attraction vendors, and landscape designers to produce innovative yet cost-effective design solutions.
• Ensure all waterparks are designed to meet safety, sustainability, and accessibility standards, and reflect the brand's aesthetic identity.

Guest Experience & Storytelling

• Define the creative vision, themes, and narrative elements that differentiate each waterpark.
• Champion design principles that optimize guest flow, comfort, accessibility, and emotional impact.
• Leverage data and guest insights to continually refine experiences and offerings.

Project Management & Execution

• Lead cross-functional project teams, ensuring quality, budget, and schedule targets are met.
• Establish design standards, guidelines, and best practices for all projects.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, designers, and contractors.

Strategic Planning & Feasibility

• Lead the development of the company's waterpark growth strategy, identifying opportunities for new builds, expansions, and upgrades across the resort portfolio.
• Conduct and review feasibility studies, market analyses, and ROI assessments for proposed projects.
• Work closely with the finance and investment teams to prepare business cases and project justifications for senior management approval.
• Support site selection by evaluating land use, environmental factors, and local regulatory requirements.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the liaison between the development, design, operations, marketing, and finance teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Partner with resort operations and pre-opening teams to ensure a seamless transition from construction to operations.
• Present project updates, budgets, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and ownership
• Manage relationships with external partners, local authorities, and industry vendors to ensure compliance and alignment with brand goals.

Continuous Improvement & Brand Development

• Develop and maintain corporate design and development guidelines.
• Stay current with trends in aquatic attractions, guest experience design, sustainability, and technology integration.
• Benchmark competitor waterparks and propose enhancements to maintain the brand's competitive advantage

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Project Management, or related field.
• 10-15+ years of experience in large-scale theme park, waterpark, resort, or leisure development projects.
• Proven track record of leading projects from concept through to opening.
• Experience working with international design consultants and water ride manufacturers.
• Familiarity with international safety and regulatory standards for waterparks
• PMP or similar project management certification is an asset.
• Must have prior experience in hospitality or entertainment development

Our company is expanding faster than ever before. We are investing in the growth of our company, and that means we are committed to investing in you. Join a team that is open-hearted, innovative, inclusive, and inspiring in spirit. We believe in making our guests happy beyond anything they have ever imagined. We wow them at every turn and create memories that will last a lifetime. You will be at the heart of this vision, to constantly innovate to deliver Amazing Experiences and Everlasting Memories.

Skills Required