Statewide Concessions Program (PS5)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Lacey, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Washington State Parks is seeking an experienced and motivated Statewide Concession Program Manager to provide strategic direction, program development, and operational oversight to ensure high-quality visitor services delivered through third-party operators. The Concessions Manager establishes program standards, manages complex agreements, and collaborates closely with internal and external partners to advance agency goals, protect public assets, and enhance visitor experience. The ideal candidate is a seasoned, forward-thinking leader with a strong foundation in program management, agreement development, and hospitality or service-contract oversight. They bring demonstrated experience guiding complex, multi-stakeholder programs, and a track record of shaping clear standards, policies, and operational practices that elevate service quality across diverse locations. They excel at building productive relationships with concessionaires, business partners, local governments, and internal teams, and they navigate negotiations, compliance requirements, and risk considerations with confidence and sound judgment. This candidate pairs strong analytical skills—financial analysis, business planning, and operational evaluation—with the ability to communicate complex information to varied audiences. They are adept at resolving issues, supporting field staff, and representing the program in high-visibility discussions. They thrive in a role that requires statewide leadership, strategic alignment, and thoughtful stewardship of public assets. Above all, they are collaborative, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning, innovation, and delivering exceptional visitor experiences through third-party operators.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field AND four (4) years of experience developing, negotiating, or managing agreements, contracts, or business partnerships.
Additional qualifying experience can substitute year-for-year for education up to four years.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences
Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate across teams and disciplines
Ability to travel independently to remote park locations throughout the state.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading complex programs, projects, or operational functions involving multiple stakeholders.
Experience interpreting and applying policies, regulations, or legal requirements.
Experience in concessions, commercial operations, public - private partnerships, or related fields
Experience in parks, recreation, natural resources, or public sector environments.
Experience with financial analysis, business planning, or revenue-generating operations.
Experience with stakeholder engagement, vendor management, or community partnerships.
Experience managing hospitality services or service contracts.
Experience in the parks and recreation field.

Responsibilities

Leads the statewide Concessions Program, establishing program vision, goals, and performance standards.
Develops and implements policies, procedures, and guidance to ensure consistent, high-quality concession operations across the agency.
Provides internal customer service working with multiple stakeholder programs, provides clear standards, policies, and operational practices that elevate service quality across diverse locations.
Lead development, negotiation, and execution of concession agreements, including new opportunities and renewals.
Cultivates new business relationships and fills open concession opportunities through targeted marketing and competitive recruitment processes.
Conducts financial, operational and risk analysis to inform agreement terms.
Verifies sales accuracy, cash controls, inventory integrity, and compliance with organizational and regulatory standards according to agreement terms.
Ensure agreements comply with applicable laws, agency policies, grant funding restrictions, and public asset stewardship requirements.
Builds and maintains relationships with concessionaires, business partners, local governments, and community organizations.
Serves as the primary point of contact for concession operators, resolving issues and facilitating successful partnerships.
Develop program reports, briefings, and presentations for agency leadership.
Compiles correspondence, statistics, and program data in response to public records requests, inquiries from agency leadership, and requests from external agencies.