Manager: Leadership - Mtn Ops

Vail Resorts•Park City, UT

24d•$61,122 - $87,317•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Mountain Operations plays a critical leadership role in delivering a safe, efficient, and exceptional mountain experience for guests and employees. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Mountain Operations, this position provides oversight and strategic direction for key mountain operations departments, including Lift Experience, Snowmaking, Grooming, Ski Patrol, Terrain Parks, and Building Maintenance. This leader is responsible for driving operational excellence, fostering a culture of safety and accountability, developing high-performing teams, and ensuring the mountain operates at the highest standards of guest service and reliability. The ideal candidate is an adaptable and collaborative leader who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and is passionate about outdoor recreation and operational leadership.

Requirements

Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience managing teams and operations in a complex, fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated success leading multiple operational departments or functional areas.
Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasting, and operational performance metrics.
Excellent leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication abilities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other business-related technologies.
Valid driver's license and ability to successfully pass a background check.
Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and during peak operating periods.
Ability to work outdoors in varying and adverse weather conditions.
Intermediate or higher skiing or snowboarding ability.

Nice To Haves

Experience in ski resort, mountain operations, outdoor recreation, hospitality, transportation, or related industries.
Experience leading unionized and/or seasonal workforces.
Knowledge of mountain resort operations, snowmaking, lift systems, grooming, facilities, or guest service operations.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop departmental leaders to create a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
Establish performance expectations and oversee goal setting, development planning, and performance management processes for direct and indirect reports.
Build organizational capability through talent development, succession planning, and leadership mentoring.
Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing work environment focused on employee engagement and operational excellence.
Champion a proactive safety culture for employees and guests across all mountain operations functions.
Partner closely with the Health & Safety team to ensure compliance with all company, regulatory, and industry safety standards.
Participate in risk mitigation planning, incident response, and emergency preparedness initiatives.
Provide strategic oversight of all assigned mountain operations departments to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational performance, cost efficiency, guest satisfaction, and employee productivity.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to evaluate department performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
Balance shifting business priorities, weather impacts, and operational challenges while maintaining service excellence.
Develop, manage, and oversee departmental operating and capital budgets.
Monitor financial performance and implement strategies to achieve budgetary objectives while maintaining service and safety standards.
Identify opportunities for cost optimization and operational efficiencies.
Build strong partnerships across resort departments to ensure alignment and operational effectiveness.
Serve as a key member of the resort leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, staffing, business initiatives, and overall resort performance.
Manage relationships with contractors, vendors, and external partners to ensure quality, compliance, and value.
Participate in enterprise-wide working groups and best-practice initiatives to share knowledge and drive operational consistency.
Support resort hiring, workforce planning, and administrative functions as needed.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.