Overview

The Senior Director, Business Operations is responsible for the oversight, coordination, and execution of the club’s day-to-day business operations. This role reports into the SVP/GM. This role functions as an internal operator and integrator, supporting senior leadership while directly managing cross-departmental processes, performance, and operational readiness.

This position requires a proven sports or live entertainment executive with experience in complex, high-volume environments who can build structure in a start-up setting while remaining hands-on during the club’s early seasons.

This role pays an annual salary of $125,000-$145,000 CAD and is bonus eligible.

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, Pension matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and statutory holidays).

This position will remain open until July 3, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the SVP/GM to translate strategic objectives into executable operational plans.
• Support the development of annual business plans, operational roadmaps, and performance benchmarks.
• Drive organizational alignment across all business departments, ensuring consistency in priorities, timelines, and execution.
• Identify operational risks and opportunities, proactively developing mitigation and improvement strategies.
• Oversee day-to-day business operations across ticket sales, corporate partnerships, marketing, finance, game operations, and administration.
• Establish and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all business functions.
• Implement performance management systems, dashboards, and reporting to track KPIs and department objectives.
• Lead cross-functional planning for major initiatives, promotions, special events, and league requirements.
• Support preparation and management of annual operating budgets and multi-year financial forecasts.
• Monitor expenses and revenues to ensure alignment with approved budgets.
• Oversee procurement processes, vendor selection, and contract administration.
• Ensure appropriate internal controls, approval processes, and financial discipline are maintained.
• Coordinate with finance and ownership on reporting, audits, and financial reviews.
• Provide senior business oversight for all home games, special events, and non-hockey events as applicable.
• Partner with hockey operations, venue management, and third-party service providers to ensure seamless execution.
• Lead pre-season, game day, and post-event operational planning and debrief processes.
• Drive continuous improvement of fan experience, operational efficiency, and service delivery.
• Assist in building the club’s business operations team, including hiring, onboarding, and training.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and performance management for direct reports and cross-functional leaders.
• Help establish organizational culture, values, and expectations consistent with ownership vision.
• Support People & Culture processes including performance reviews, workforce planning, and compliance.
• Serve as a primary liaison with the AHL league office on business and operational matters.
• Coordinate compliance with AHL policies, reporting requirements, and best practices.
• Partner closely with venue ownership/management to align staffing, scheduling, and operational responsibilities.
• Support sponsorship fulfillment, community initiatives, and external partner engagement.
• Ensure compliance with league policies, contractual obligations, insurance requirements, and local regulations.
• Identify and manage operational risks related to staffing, safety, security, and event execution.
• Collaborate with venue, security, and emergency services on preparedness and response planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or professional certification preferred.
• 5-7+ years of progressive leadership experience in professional sports, live entertainment, or venue operations.
• Prior experience with hockey operations, minor league sports, or start-up franchise environments strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success managing complex operations, budgets, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong financial literacy with experience overseeing budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships.
• Exceptional organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure, and highly visible environment.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.