Senior Manager of Mountain Operations
Vail Resorts · Wilmot, WI · 2 wk ago
Management$70k–$100k/yrFull-time
Job Summary
The Senior Manager of Mountain Operations provides oversight and leadership of all on mountain operations departments at Wilmot: lift maintenance, lift operations, grooming, snowmaking, terrain parks, vehicle maintenance, and general mountain activities. As a member of the Resort’s Senior Leadership Team, this position is a key contributor in the development, communication and implementation of resort strategies, goals, initiatives, culture and engagement, and a responsible member of the team in executing and meeting all business objectives.
Job Responsibilities
- Lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams; recruit, hire, coach, and build leadership bench strength for succession planning.
- Foster a ‘one team’ culture prioritizing employee and guest safety while promoting accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee all mountain operations departments ensuring alignment with resort and corporate strategies, goals, and initiatives.
- Develop, manage, and track departmental budgets, workforce plans, and operational performance metrics.
- Drive safety initiatives with the goal of zero incidents; partner with Health & Safety and lead emergency preparedness and response efforts.
- Serve as Incident Commander in emergency situations and ensure training and readiness across teams.
- Ensure proactive maintenance programs for lifts, vehicles, and infrastructure to minimize downtime and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Lead capital planning, project management, and execution of capital investments (CapEx).
- Enhance operational efficiency through cross-department communication, collaboration, and process improvement.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, peers, leadership teams, regulatory agencies, and local communities.
- Maintain subject matter expertise in mountain operations and proactively apply industry best practices and innovations.
- Participate in and contribute to best practice groups across the enterprise.
- Ensure timely and effective communication across teams and departments.
- Adapt quickly to changing business, environmental, and operational conditions.
Job Requirements
- Minimum 5 years of experience in mountain operations or senior leadership.
- 3+ years managing multiple departments in a leadership role.
- Strong financial management and budgeting experience.
- Demonstrated leadership, team-building, and talent development capabilities.
- Crisis management and emergency response experience.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong public speaking ability.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with enterprise systems preferred.
- Advanced skiing or riding ability preferred.
- Knowledge of regulatory compliance and hazardous material handling.
- Ability to work in variable and extreme weather conditions.
- Valid driver’s license required.
- High school diploma required; college degree preferred.
Job Benefits
- Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND 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
Full Time Roles
- Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
- Free ski passes for dependents
- Critical Illness and Accident plans
Job Specifications
- Starting Wage: $70,290.00 - $100,415.00 + annual bonus
- Employment Type: Year Round
- Shift Type: Full Time hours available
- Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age
- Housing Availability: No