Manager Arena Operations

WinSport•Calgary, AB

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Arena Operations is responsible for the day-to-day leadership, planning, and execution of arena operations across the WinSport campus. This role ensures arenas are athlete-ready, event-ready, safe, and efficiently operated, while aligning with broader operational strategies, sustainability goals, and financial expectations. Reporting to the Director, Arenas and Building Operations, the Manager plays a critical role in translating strategic direction into operational excellence, leading frontline teams, and maintaining the highest standards of ice quality, safety, and customer experience.

Requirements

Diploma or degree in Facility Management, Recreation Management, Mechanical Systems, or a related field.
AARFP Arena Operator Level 2 or equivalent; ammonia/refrigeration safety training.
Minimum of 5 years hands‑on arena operations experience with 2–3 years in a lead or supervisor role covering multi‑sheet facilities, conversions, and guest‑facing events.
Exceptional written and verbal communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with data analysis and reporting tools.
Advanced knowledge of ice making, refrigeration systems, and arena operations.
Excellent people leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.
Strong organizational and decision-making capabilities.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting high-performance sport or multi-use arena environments preferred.
Forklift and aerial work platform experience considered an asset
Olympia LVR laser leveling system experience.

Responsibilities

Lead daily operations of all ice arenas, including ice maintenance, event changeovers, and facility readiness.
Create, manage, and implement arena-related and icehouse-related safe work policies and procedures.
Work alongside the arena services and events team to ensure that our operations can best serve any range of clients that attend and/or host arena bookings at our facilities.
Participate in or lead safety inspections and investigations, working alongside the safety team to ensure the highest level of worker and public safety.
Establish and enforce arena operating procedures, schedules, and service standards.
Provide visible leadership during events, tournaments, and peak operating periods.
Work directly with event production crews before, during and after events to ensure smooth set up and tear down.
Oversee and/or assist with the setup of decking, glass removal/install, stage setup/teardown, video board setup/teardown/operation, arena board teardown/setup, stadium seating changes, etc.
Build staffing plans and detailed conversion schedules for the WinSport Event Centre, minimizing downtime and protecting surfaces.
Coordinate information pertinent to the event setups with participating business units including the arena team, building operations etc.
Ensure seamless transitions between high-performance sport, community programming, and public use.
Plan, execute, and work with contractors to perform work related to capital related upgrades and repairs in the arenas.
Guide and support the arena team to maintain and repair arena and icehouse assets including rink boards, glass, ice resurfacers, edgers, etc.
Guide and support arena team in the daily, weekly, and monthly arena and icehouse facility maintenance.
Assist with booking large, planned maintenance in all areas of the facility operations including the plant, arenas, dressing rooms, icehouse, etc.
Manage and track daily plant inspections. Communicate anomalies and concerns to the building maintenance team or directly to refrigeration contractors to make repairs/changes.
Manage arena operating budgets, including labour, supplies, and contracted services.
Monitor expenditures, track variances, and recommend cost-effective solutions.
Order supplies, PPE, tools, equipment, and other items related to the arena operations.
Directly supervise senior ice technicians, ice technicians, and rink attendants.
Schedule staffing to meet operational demands while optimizing labour costs.
Recruit, train, coach, and evaluate staff to build a skilled, engaged workforce.
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Build and maintain relationships with industry partners including other arena facilities, suppliers, contractors, etc.
Serve as a primary operational contact for user groups, coaches, athletes, and event organizers.
Address operational issues and concerns in a timely, professional manner.
Represent arena operations in internal planning and coordination meetings.