Senior Manager: Lift Maintenance

Vail Resorts • Ludlow, MA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Manager of Lift Maintenance will provide leadership, management and direction to the Lift Maintenance department. This position will also assist and work closely with the Lift Experience team, contributing to the operation and efficiencies of each lift. Together with the Mountain Operations leadership team, this position will help ensure the overall success of the mountain in terms of daily operations, staff development, and future on-mountain planning and strategies that will drive our safety culture as well as guest and employee satisfaction. The Senior Manager of Lift Maintenance is a hands-on leadership position overseeing Lift Mechanics, ropeway systems, and conveyors. Key responsibilities include training, budgeting, ordering, controlling inventory, and coordinating with various departments. This role ensures that lift systems are maintained to the highest safety and reliability standards, while creating an inclusive environment and fostering a positive team culture built on safety, service, and continuous improvement. The Lift Maintenance department is a strong team of supervisors, mechanics and electricians of different levels, and support staff. Future opportunities may include helping other regional resorts with Lift Maintenance objectives and alignment.

Requirements

• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience with hydraulic and electrical systems.
• Working knowledge of ANSI B77.1.
• 5+ years of lift maintenance experience.
• Strong financial management, strong communication, leadership and team building skills.
• Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions (winter/summer).
• Basic knowledge of desktop computer systems and applications.
• Valid Driver's license or ability to obtain one upon employment.
• General knowledge of the ski industry and lift operations.
• Positive, solutions-oriented leadership.
• Vail Resorts’ safety culture and safety procedures.
• While performing the duties of this Job, the Team Member is regularly required to stand; walk, sit, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced skiing/riding ability a plus.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment and snowmobile a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the management and administration of our Lift Maintenance teams to produce exceptional guest and employee experience.
• Coach and motivate a high performing supervisor team.
• Ensure management team and employees are aligned with Vail Resorts goals, values and core competencies.
• Develop leaders within the scope of this position’s responsibility to improve leadership within current roles and prepare them for increased responsibility.
• Maintain an “expert level” status of lift maintenance functions, being proactive with industry trends within Vail Resorts and within the industry.
• Be a leader in the effort to improve safety within mountain operations with the goal of reducing/eliminating worker and guest injury.
• Coordinate closely with the Manager of Health & Safety regarding safety initiatives.
• Prioritize and adapt in a constantly changing business and environmental setting.
• Build strong, positive relationships with key managers outside the scope of direct reports.
• Supervise preventive maintenance activities performed by technical staff.
• Ensure that all records required by Okemo and relevant regulatory authorities are maintained accurately and current, including mechanical and operational procedures, daily maintenance logs, operational logs, lift failures, and incident reports.
• Utilizing the asset management system, maintain lead and manage the budgeting process and capital planning initiatives.
• Oversee and provide support with troubleshooting lift systems.
• Research and develop strategies for meeting the long-term needs of lifts at Okemo.
• Manage various projects assigned by the Senior Director of Mountain Operations.
• Direct the recruitment, training, and development of all lift maintenance personnel.
• Oversee conduct, training, department policies, and compliance with Vail Resorts standards within the Lift Maintenance Department.
• Actively participate in the Vail Resorts Lift Maintenance Best Practice Group.
• Demonstrate flexibility to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
• Lead daily maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of all chairlifts, conveyor lifts, and surface lifts.
• Maintain accurate documentation including inspections, work orders, and logs.
• Partner with state inspectors and internal auditors.
• Lead incident reviews and follow-up actions.
• Communicate lift status updates and priorities with Mountain Operations teams.
• Support pre-season readiness, in-season operations, and off-season project work.
• Collaborate on capital projects, upgrades, and long-range planning.
• Oversee inventory of tools, equipment, and critical spare parts.
• Assist with budgeting and capital planning.
• Maintain safe and organized shop facilities.

Benefits

• Free passes for employees
• Employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family
• Free ski lessons
• More employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development
• Referral Program
• Health Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
• Free ski passes for dependents
• Critical Illness and Accident plans
• Annual Bonus

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed