Operations Manager, Denali Backcountry Lodge

Pursuit Collection•USA - Denali Backcountry Lodge, AK

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Operations Manager at Denali Backcountry Lodge (DBL) oversees Front Desk and Rooms operations and provides leadership, direction, and operational support across the Naturalist, Guest Services, Housekeeping, and Custodial departments. The role supervises and develops the Lead Naturalist and Lead Housekeeper, helping ensure guest-facing services and room operations meet established standards for quality, consistency, cleanliness, sanitation, and efficiency. It also oversees ordering, purchasing, and inventory management for guest services and room operations, with attention to stock levels, cost control, product quality, and resource use. This is a full-time seasonal position beginning in April 2027 at a remote lodge located deep within Denali National Park, 92 miles by bus from the nearest main road. The work requires adaptability, collaboration across departments, and willingness to help beyond traditional job responsibilities. The Operations Manager leads day-to-day guest operations at DBL and Denali Backcountry Adventure, provides hands-on coverage when needed, supports staff training and development, monitors labor practices, and collaborates with leadership to improve operational efficiency and guest experience. The role also supports activity development, maintains team communications and reporting, handles guest concerns, and champions Pursuit’s values and community involvement. Team members live in close quarters in a remote wilderness setting and should expect extended hours, varied shifts, weekends, and holidays. The position requires regular lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds and standing, lifting, and bending throughout shifts of eight or more hours.

Requirements

Must have or be able to obtain an Alaska TAPs alcohol-management certificate.
Must have or be able to obtain an Interpretive Guide certification.
Must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid U.S. driver’s license to operate a company vehicle if necessary.
Working knowledge of hotel-industry safety standards.
Strong supervisory and leadership skills, including the ability to train, manage, and lead staff effectively.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures manuals and present information effectively.
In-depth knowledge of company policies, procedures, and employee programs.
Proficiency with industry-standard computer software and databases.
Ability to work extended hours, varied shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to live in close quarters with others in a remote wilderness setting.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and to lift, stand, and bend throughout shifts of eight or more hours.
Restaurant management, hospitality management, or a combination of education and experience providing the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Nice To Haves

CPR and First Aid certifications preferred.
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or EMT certification preferred.
Knowledge of Denali flora, fauna, and history preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and support day-to-day guest operations across Denali Backcountry Lodge and Denali Backcountry Adventure, ensuring operational consistency and a high-quality guest experience.
Provide hands-on operational leadership and on-floor coverage during peak periods, leadership transitions, and unexpected manager absences.
Develop, standardize, and oversee onboarding and ongoing training for guest service employees, including orientation, IT access, operational systems, SOPs, and departmental tools.
Coach and develop Naturalist and Housekeeping leaders, ensuring alignment with brand standards, company policies, and operational expectations.
Serve as the primary property liaison with product representatives and collaborate with the Hotel Manager to maintain service quality, compliance, and brand integrity.
Monitor and guide departmental labor management, including scheduling, staffing plans, time-off requests, and payroll practices, in line with business volume and budget goals.
Collaborate with management and leadership to improve operational efficiency, workforce productivity, and the guest experience.
Support activity development, programming, and concept creation with Front Desk and Housekeeping teams.
Maintain structured verbal and written communications across teams and DBL leadership.
Prepare operational updates, activity summaries, and project status reports for the Hotel Manager and relevant business stakeholders.
Model Pursuit’s values, foster an inclusive and engaging workplace, and help leaders and frontline team members thrive.
Participate in volunteer activities and support team member engagement in local community initiatives.
Provide excellent service to guests and team members; use sound judgment and anticipate issues and opportunities.
Handle guest comments, complaints, and concerns efficiently and in the guest’s best interest.
Work with other departments to support overall guest satisfaction and ensure guests’ special needs are met.
Greet arriving and departing guests professionally and pleasantly.
Stay knowledgeable about daily lodge functions, activities, and the surrounding area to answer guest questions.
Perform other duties as assigned.