Recreation Manager

Montage International•Peapack-Gladstone, NJ

13d•$70,077 - $87,596•Onsite

About The Position

The Recreation Manager is responsible for creating and delivering exceptional recreational experiences that enhance the overall guest journey at Pendry Natirar. This dynamic leader brings creativity, operational excellence, and a passion for hospitality to the development and execution of innovative programming for guests of all ages. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable building strategic initiatives as they are leading day-to-day operations, with a strong focus on service excellence, team leadership, safety, and financial performance. This role requires a highly motivated self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced luxury environment and possesses experience designing, implementing, and managing recreation, outdoor adventure, family, and group programming. Previous experience within a hotel, resort, club, or recreation-focused hospitality setting is required.

Requirements

Minimum of four (4) years of progressive recreation leadership experience, preferably within a luxury hotel, resort, club, or hospitality environment.
Experience managing recreation revenue centers, budgeting, staffing, and program development is strongly preferred.
Exceptional leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Ability to develop meaningful relationships with guests, associates, vendors, and community partners.
Strong business acumen, including budgeting, financial management, problem-solving, conflict resolution, staff development, and operational planning.
Ability to successfully lead teams, facilitate training programs, present to large groups, and create innovative guest programming.
Knowledge of overall resort operations, hospitality technology systems, workplace safety standards, emergency procedures, and OSHA guidelines is preferred.
First Aid and CPR certification is required or must be obtained upon hire.
Comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor environments throughout all seasons.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Ability to frequently bend, squat, reach, push, pull, and lift equipment and supplies.
Ability to safely operate recreational and utility vehicles.
Ability to regularly lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 75 pounds.
Ability to push or pull carts and equipment as needed.
Ability to effectively communicate, observe surroundings, and respond to guest and operational needs.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience within a hotel, resort, club, or recreation-focused hospitality setting is required.

Responsibilities

Oversees all recreation operations with a focus on delivering exceptional guest satisfaction, fostering employee engagement, and achieving departmental revenue and profitability goals.
Manages the daily operation and strategic development of the resort's recreation programming, including Compass Sports, Paintbox children's programming, recreation equipment rentals, pool operations, seasonal events, and customized group experiences.
Oversees guided outdoor experiences such as archery, axe throwing, e-bike tours, naturalist hikes, and farm tours.
Develops and manages corporate team-building programs and group recreation experiences.
Manages children's activities and family programming through the Paintbox program.
Oversees recreation equipment rentals and inventory management.
Manages pool operations and associated guest services.
Develops and executes seasonal, holiday, and special event programming.
Develops new indoor and outdoor experiences that reinforce the Pendry brand and the unique character of Natirar.
Oversees purchasing, inventory, and supply management to ensure associates have the necessary equipment, tools, uniforms, and resources.
Manages the recreation and experiences booking platform in partnership with the Marketing team, ensuring accurate and current content to support programming and revenue goals.
Oversees all people-related functions within the Recreation Department, including recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, scheduling, and associate development.
Monitors associate engagement and guest satisfaction metrics, implementing corrective actions and service recovery strategies as needed.
Identifies developmental opportunities for team members and actively coaches, mentors, and supports their professional growth.
Serves as a role model for Pendry standards, demonstrating exceptional leadership, professionalism, and company values.
Works a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Serves as a visible leader within the resort, ensuring all programming reflects Pendry's luxury service standards while creating memorable, authentic experiences that drive guest engagement, revenue growth, and return visitation.