Mountain Operations Manager
TO APPLY EMAIL RESUME TO: Caitlin@midwestfamilyskiresorts.com
Position: Mountain Operations Manager
Department: Mountain Operations
Direct Report: Operations Manager
Type: Full-Time | Year-Round
Wage: $75,000-$85,000
Benefits: Healthcare | Dental | Vision | PTO (Paid Time Off) | HSA (Health Savings Account) Match | 401k Match | On hill Perks for employees and their families
Company Overview:
Lutsen Mountains Resort is a part of Midwest Family Ski Resorts, a multi-generational family-owned and operated mountain resort with 3 of the oldest and largest resorts in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Our company culture reflects family focused values due to our family ownership, our management team, and our guests, who are primarily Midwest families. We rely on team members who are excited about taking ownership of their role, adapting to change, and working collaboratively with our family of team members. As a private business, all capital improvements are funded through operating cash-flow and future capital improvements require a high-level financial discipline in controlling and right-sizing staffing and other expenditures and maintaining facilities and premises in an organized, clean, orderly and resource conservation manner.
Role Overview:
The Mountain Operations Manager provides oversight and leadership in all mountain operations departments, including ski patrol, lift maintenance, lift operations, grooming, snowmaking, terrain parks, equipment maintenance, and summer trail crew.
Responsibilities
Supervisory
- Developing great people through talent attraction/retention, proper training, active listening, prompt coaching, and positive recognition. Directly managing the establishment of goals, development plans and the proper evaluation of performance for all direct reports
- Work with CXO on Mountain Operation staffing needs and hiring strategies
- Directly establish goals, development plans and continual performance evaluations for direct reports and oversee these processes for all mountain operations staff
- Lead the mountain operations efforts to improve employee safety programs and practices with a goal of eliminating worker’s compensation incidents
- Develop, implement, and manage labor, operational, and capital project budgets for the mountain operations departments
- Develop leaders within the mountain operations organization to improve leadership within current roles and to prepare for increased responsibility and succession
- Ensuring Excellence in Execution by engaging with staff to ensure brand standards are met or exceeded
Operations
- Accountable for the mountain operations goals while contributing to the overall resort and corporate goals/initiatives; overseeing the safe and efficient operation of all on mountain infrastructure
- Actively monitoring and supporting daily operations of all mountain operations departments; ski/ride regularly during the winter season to assess quality of snow and on-mountain experience
- Work with Snow Surface Supervisors to ensure solid snowmaking and grooming operations.
- During snowmaking season, work with the crew, train, and direct seasonal/year-round Snowmaking staff
- Hold Mountain Operations meetings so the whole team is on the same page
- Partner with the General Managers as a Lutsen Mountains Leadership Team member to align all mountain operations with the company's vision and goals.
- Build strong, positive relationships with key stakeholders outside of direct reports; including local municipalities, utility companies, USFS and other regulatory agencies
- Develop and maintain subject matter expert status of all mountain operations functions, proactive industry trends and potential impacts on and opportunities for Lutsen Mountains.
- Ensure company records are updated and necessary permits are in place for capital projects and continued operations
- Increase operational efficiency and effectiveness through on-going intra- and inter-departmental communication and cooperation
- Prioritize and adapt in a constantly changing business and environmental setting
- Performing routine inspections of all mountain operations facilities and infrastructure to ensure proper maintenance and operation of systems. Promptly coordinate corrective action
- Ensuring prompt and thorough completion of administrative tasks, required reporting, and documentation
- Informing and consulting the GM, as soon as practical, on all abnormal or unusual conditions or incidents
- Supporting the creation of and managing department and capital budgets while tracking performance
- Aiding in planning of future on-mountain development and capital improvement projects
- Prioritizing and adapting in a constantly changing business and environmental setting
- Helping other departments as requested during periods of high volume to maximize guest experience
Skills and Knowledge Requirements
- Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university; or eight to ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in the ski industry relating to lift operations, snowmaking, equipment maintenance, lift maintenance, grooming, and/or mountain safety.
- 5+ years in Senior Leadership managing multiple departments
- Extensive knowledge of ANSI B.77 Standard for Passenger Ropeways
- Effective written & verbal communication skills with the ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
- Proven leadership skills in staff development, organization, and collaboration.
- Reading and writing work-related documents in English. Ability to read and understand technical manuals, diagrams, and instructions.
- Ability in Microsoft 365 with ability to learn and implement new computer programs.
- Ability to lead people, manage time, and carry out multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of supervisors, clients, guests, and the public.
- Must have or obtain a valid State of Minnesota Class D Driver License.
Preferred Qualifications
- Graduate of accredited Ski Area Management Program.
- Intermediate or Advanced skiing/riding ability
- Experience with OSHA compliance as well as extensive mountain safety experience.
- General Construction and Large-Scale Project Management experience.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to work extended hours outdoors in adverse weather conditions, including extreme cold and heat.
- Must walk, hike, stand, climb, and balance on variable, uneven terrain.
- Ability to safely operate snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles on difficult uneven terrain.
- Lifting, carrying, and pushing up to 25 lbs. regularly, 30-50 lbs. often, and up to 75 lbs. occasionally.
- Ability to workdays, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays as business needs dictate.
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed. In addition, as we are a recreational business, availability on peak holiday timeframes and weekends is required.