Designer, Show/Set - Universal Creative

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Designer, Show/Set - Universal Creative

🔹 Company: NBCUniversal

🔹 Location: Bedford, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Entertainment Providers

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-18

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Designing and developing attraction, scenic, and show elements using CAD software and 3D modeling tools.
• Creating virtual and physical models, scene studies, and detailed drawings to integrate various show elements into the overall creative environment.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including engineers, operations, and architects, to ensure feasibility and adherence to project programs and budgets.
• Mentoring and providing guidance to staff related to career goals and technical skills.
• Contributing to a positive and productive team environment based on open communication, trust, and teamwork.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in attraction development and experience with various design software tools. Successful candidates will have a proven track record of designing and developing show set design packages.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Conceive, develop, and iterate ride and show design elements, creating a high-quality show set design package that articulates the creative design intent and details various show elements.

✅ Design the creative development and iteration of ride and show design elements with a focus on scenic, props, environment, architecture, facility, sightlines, and scale through various phases of development.

✅ Develop and manage the show set design package, creating presentation materials including sketches, storyboards, layouts, illustrations, plans, sections, and elevations.

✅ Participate in design, cost, schedule, and technical reviews, developing creative and feasible solutions to integrate elements into a themed environment.

✅ Establish, build, and maintain positive and productive team relationships based on open communication, trust, and teamwork with project partners, departments, disciplines, and personnel.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a significant amount of creative problem-solving and collaboration with various teams. Successful candidates will have strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred (Architecture, Fine Arts, Design, Theater, Graphics, Computer Animation, etc.).

Experience: Experience within an attraction development environment is required or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have successfully designed, developed, and assembled several project show set design packages.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in CAD software, 3D modeling, and drawing techniques (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max, Maya, Adobe Graphics software).
• Strong creative problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with environmental, health, and safety responsibilities.
• Familiarity with project management principles.

ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred, equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Successful candidates will have a strong portfolio demonstrating their design skills and experience with relevant software tools.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £45,000 - £60,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for a mid-level designer in the entertainment industry in the UK)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee discounts on NBCUniversal products and services

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, with flexibility based on project needs

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a mid-level designer in the entertainment industry in the UK. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, and market conditions.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: NBCUniversal is a leading media and entertainment company that creates world-class content and brings it to life through its theme parks and consumer experiences.

Company Size: NBCUniversal has over 10,000 employees worldwide, providing ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: NBCUniversal was founded in 2004 as a result of the merger of NBC and Universal Studios.

Company Description:

• NBCUniversal owns and operates leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock.
• The company produces and distributes premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group.
• NBCUniversal has world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences.

Company Specialties:

• Television production and distribution
• Film production and distribution
• Theme park development and operation
• Streaming services

Company Website: http://www.NBCUniversal.com

ASSUMPTION: NBCUniversal's diverse portfolio of brands and businesses offers applicants a wide range of career opportunities and the chance to work on high-profile projects.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for mid-career professionals with 5-10 years of experience in attraction development or a related field.

Reporting Structure: The Show Set Designer reports directly to the Senior Show Set Designer, Production Designer, Art Director, or Creative Director.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with successful candidates spending time at the Universal Creative Headquarters in Orlando, Florida, and at the site in Bedford, UK.

Growth Opportunities:

• Mentoring and training opportunities to develop technical skills and career goals.
• Potential to work on high-profile projects and collaborate with industry professionals.
• Opportunities to advance within the organization as the company continues to grow and expand.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to develop their skills, work on high-profile projects, and advance within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Universal Creative's Bedford office is a creative and collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and teamwork.

Office Location(s): Bedford, United Kingdom

Geographic Context:

• Bedford is a town in the ceremonial county of Bedfordshire, England, located approximately 40 miles north of London.
• The town is situated on the River Great Ouse and is known for its historic buildings, including Bedford Castle and St. Paul's Church.
• Bedford has a diverse economy, with strengths in manufacturing, engineering, and professional services.

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, with flexibility based on project needs

ASSUMPTION: Bedford offers a mix of historic and modern amenities, providing a pleasant work-life balance for employees.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume submission
• Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
• In-person interview at the Universal Creative Headquarters in Orlando, Florida, or the site in Bedford, UK
• Final decision and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Design skills and experience with relevant software tools
• Creative problem-solving abilities
• Communication and teamwork skills
• Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic work environment

Application Tips:

• Highlight your relevant design experience and include a portfolio of your work.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your skills and experience related to the job description.
• Be prepared to discuss your design process and how you approach creative challenges.

ATS Keywords: Show Design, CAD Software, 3D Modeling, AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max, Maya, Adobe Graphics Software, Team Collaboration, Creative Development, Project Management, Mentoring, Communication, Environmental Health & Safety, Technical Reviews, Design Standards

ASSUMPTION: NBCUniversal's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills and experience in a fair and objective manner. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong portfolio, excellent communication skills, and a passion for creative problem-solving.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• AutoCAD
• Revit
• 3ds Max
• Maya
• Adobe Graphics Software

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have experience with relevant design software tools and be comfortable learning new technologies as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Excellence

Work Style:

• Creative and dynamic
• Team-oriented and collaborative
• Adaptable and flexible

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you approach creative challenges, and can you provide an example of a successful design project you've worked on?
• How do you collaborate with team members from different disciplines to ensure the successful integration of various show elements?
• How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and new technologies in attraction development?

ASSUMPTION: NBCUniversal values innovation, collaboration, and excellence, and successful candidates will demonstrate these qualities in their application and interview process.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working on multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong time management and organizational skills.
• Adapting to changes in project scope or direction, necessitating flexibility and adaptability.
• Collaborating with diverse teams, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Meeting project deadlines and quality standards, demanding a strong work ethic and attention to detail.

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment like NBCUniversal, and successful candidates will possess the skills and experience necessary to thrive in this setting.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from related positions in its focus on attraction development and the integration of various show elements into a themed environment.
• Industry-specific context: The entertainment industry is highly competitive, with a strong emphasis on innovation and creativity.
• Career path comparison: This role offers growth potential, with opportunities to advance within the organization as the company continues to grow and expand.

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on attraction development and the integration of various show elements into a themed environment. Successful candidates will have experience in this specific area and a passion for creative problem-solving.

📝 Sample Projects

• Designing and developing show set elements for a new attraction at Universal Destinations & Experiences in Bedford, UK.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate various show elements into a themed environment, ensuring feasibility and adherence to project programs and budgets.
• Mentoring and providing guidance to staff related to career goals and technical skills, contributing to a positive and productive team environment.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the creative and collaborative nature of the Show Set Designer role at NBCUniversal, with a focus on designing and developing show set elements for high-profile attractions.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the creative process for developing a new attraction, from concept to completion?
• How do you collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful integration of various show elements into a themed environment?
• What opportunities are there for growth and development within the organization, and how does the company support employees in achieving their career goals?
• How does the company foster a culture of innovation and creativity, and what resources are available to employees to stay up-to-date with industry trends and new technologies?
• What is the work-life balance like for employees in this role, and how does the company support work-life balance initiatives?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions will help applicants better understand the creative process, work environment, and growth opportunities at NBCUniversal, allowing them to make an informed decision about the role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your skills and experience related to the job description.
• Prepare a portfolio of your design work, highlighting your experience with relevant software tools and creative problem-solving abilities.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.