Job Title

Position Summary The Manager, Arena Operations is responsible for the day-to-day leadership, planning, and execution of arena operations across the WinSport campus. This role ensures arenas are athlete-ready, event-ready, safe, and efficiently operated, while aligning with broader operational strategies, sustainability goals, and financial expectations. Reporting to the Director, Arenas and Building Operations, the Manager translates strategic direction into operational excellence, leads frontline teams, and maintains the highest standards of ice quality, safety, and customer experience. Key Responsibilities Arena Operations Leadership Lead daily operations of all ice arenas, including ice maintenance, event changeovers, and facility readiness. Create, manage, and implement arena-related and icehouse-related safe work policies and procedures. Work alongside the arena services and events team to ensure operations serve any range of clients that attend and/or host arena bookings at our facilities. Participate in or lead safety inspections and investigations, working with the safety team to ensure the highest level of worker and public safety. Establish and enforce arena operating procedures, schedules, and service standards. Provide visible leadership during events, tournaments, and peak operating periods. Event Conversions and Support Work directly with event production crews before, during and after events to ensure smooth setup and teardown. Oversee and/or assist with the setup of decking, glass removal/install, stage setup/teardown, video board setup/teardown/operation, arena board teardown/setup, stadium seating changes, etc. Build staffing plans and detailed conversion schedules for the WinSport Event Centre, minimizing downtime and protecting surfaces. Coordinate information pertinent to the event setups with participating business units including the arena team and building operations. Ensure seamless transitions between high-performance sport, community programming, and public use. Asset Care and Maintenance Coordination Plan, execute, and work with contractors to perform work related to capital upgrades and repairs in the arenas. Guide and support the arena team to maintain and repair arena and icehouse assets including rink boards, glass, ice resurfacers, edgers, etc. Guide and support arena team in the daily, weekly, and monthly arena and icehouse facility maintenance. Assist with booking large, planned maintenance in all areas of facility operations including the plant, arenas, dressing rooms, icehouse, etc. Manage and track daily plant inspections and communicate anomalies and concerns to the building maintenance team or refrigeration contractors to make repairs/changes. Financial Management and Procurement Manage arena operating budgets, including labour, supplies, and contracted services. Monitor expenditures, track variances, and recommend cost-effective solutions. Order supplies, PPE, tools, equipment, and other items related to the arena operations. Team Leadership Directly supervise senior ice technicians, ice technicians, and rink attendants. Schedule staffing to meet operational demands while optimizing labour costs. Recruit, train, coach, and evaluate staff to build a skilled, engaged workforce. Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. Stakeholder Engagement Build and maintain relationships with industry partners including other arena facilities, suppliers, contractors, etc. Serve as a primary operational contact for user groups, coaches, athletes, and event organizers. Address operational issues and concerns in a timely, professional manner. Represent arena operations in internal planning and coordination meetings. Qualifications and Experience Diploma or degree in Facility Management, Recreation Management, Mechanical Systems, or a related field. AARFP Arena Operator Level 2 or equivalent; ammonia/refrigeration safety training. Minimum of 5 years hands-on arena operations experience with 23 years in a lead or supervisor role covering multi-sheet facilities, conversions, and guest-facing events. Experience supporting high-performance sport or multi-use arena environments preferred. Forklift and aerial work platform experience considered an asset. Olympia LVR laser leveling system experience. Skills and Competencies Exceptional written and verbal communication, organizational and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with data analysis and reporting tools. Advanced knowledge of ice making, refrigeration systems, and arena operations. Excellent people leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, event-driven environment. Strong organizational and decision-making capabilities. WinSport Manager Behavior Expectations Collaboration Coordinates work across teams and consults key partners early to deliver outcomes. Removes barriers and roadblocks to progress, including partner-related issues. Balances priorities and resources. Safety Identifies patterns and recurring safety risks. Adjusts plans, staffing, or resources to reduce risk. Ensures teams are trained and prepared. Integrity Holds teams accountable for commitments and performance. Makes fair, ethical, and transparent decisions with teams and partners. Addresses underperformance and builds trust through honest, transparent dialogue and genuine care. Sustainability Aligns work and resources to achieve goals using performance data and trends. Makes trade-offs based on outcomes, capacity, and metrics. Builds team capacity through planning, pacing, and recovery. Inspiration Creates environments where teams deliver confident, consistent guest experiences. Uses guest insight and feedback to guide improvements and innovation. Acts with urgency to turn ideas into better experiences. Belonging Ensures team members are included in decisions that affect their work. Uses feedback to reduce barriers, frustration, and disengagement. Builds trust through consistent, fair, and respectful leadership. Working Conditions Work Environment Primarily office-based, in a professional, fast-paced environment. Work environment is cold, wet, and will include extensive walking and/or standing. Regular use of computer systems, phones, and other standard office equipment. Regular meetings and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, in person or virtually. Work Hours and Physical Demands Generally full-time, Monday to Friday with variation based on operational needs. Heavy lifting at times required. Occasional working at heights and walking on ice. Occasional overnight work is required. #J-18808-Ljbffr