Senior Human Resources Manager

Role Overview

The Senior Human Resources Manager reports to the Executive Director and acts as a strategic people partner for Adventure Aquarium. In this role, you will work with department leaders to support business priorities, strengthen the employee experience, and align HR practices with organizational goals. You will also partner with the Corporate Property Support Center (PSC) HR team to roll out company-wide programs, maintain policy alignment, and support best practices and compliance.

Adventure Aquarium, as a Herschend property, focuses on creating memorable experiences, exceeding guest expectations, and building meaningful connections. The organization emphasizes stewardship, guest satisfaction, and team member satisfaction, with the goal of being an excellent workplace for great people.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a dependable HR advisor to leaders on employee relations, performance management, conflict handling, and workforce planning.
• Guide and contribute to engagement efforts such as survey follow-up actions, recognition initiatives, and culture-building programs.
• Review workforce data including turnover, retention, recruiting results, and engagement, then share improvement recommendations with senior leadership.
• Support performance review cycles and help leaders define goals, share feedback, and strengthen employee development.
• Coach managers on strong leadership practices, employee growth, and effective team management.
• Create and execute strategies that improve retention, team member satisfaction, and overall organizational performance.
• Lead recognition efforts that reinforce company values and expected behaviors.
• Handle leave-of-absence and accommodation processes with support from corporate HR and legal partners.
• Track HR trends and industry practices and suggest new approaches to improve attraction, retention, and development of talent.
• Take part in senior leadership discussions and help shape strategic and organizational decisions.
• Build and execute hiring strategies for a varied workforce, including full-time, part-time, frontline, animal care, and administrative roles.
• Oversee onboarding and offboarding in coordination with the Operations team.
• Work with the PSC on compensation, benefits, talent management, employee relations, compliance, and talent development initiatives to maintain consistency and effectiveness.
• Serve as the EEO and unemployment liaison.
• Coordinate injury-related and random drug screening processes with the Property Safety team.
• Partner with PSC HRIS specialists to maintain accurate and effective employee records.
• Represent and model the Aquarium’s culture for guests, partners, direct reports, peers, and PSC colleagues.
• Provide leadership and direction to one exempt HR team member.
• Build and manage the HR budget.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in human resources or another business-related discipline is preferred.
• At least 7 years of relevant experience is required; experience in for-profit attractions, theme parks, museums, hospitality, retail, or sports franchises is strongly preferred.
• A minimum of 4 years in a leadership role is required.
• Prior experience across multiple HR areas such as talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, succession planning, and training and development is needed.
• Hands-on experience with HRIS, ATS, and LMS platforms is expected; UKG PRO or Workday experience is an advantage.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with internal stakeholders.
• Excellent attention to detail, strong verbal and written communication, and the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to travel locally for networking events during and outside normal working hours.
• This is a fully in-office position, including two weekend days each month.
• Must be able to work full-time onsite in Camden, NJ.

Compensation and Benefits

The role offers a base salary of $85,000 to $100,000, plus up to a 10% annual bonus opportunity.

• Comprehensive medical benefits through Cigna.
• Paid time off includes 2 weeks of vacation, 1 week of personal time, 1 week of sick time, and 8 paid holidays, based on a full calendar year.
• 401(k) plan with company match and a profit-sharing plan available after 3 months of service.
• Access from day one to fully and partially funded tuition assistance through the GROW U education program.
• Free admission and annual General Admission tickets for family and friends.
• Complimentary tickets to local attractions when available.
• 30% discount in retail, photo, and in-house food vendor areas.

About You

You are committed to high standards, communicate effectively with employees at all levels, and enjoy working in a collaborative team environment focused on shared goals.