Ice Operations Manager
Ice Operations Manager - $70,000 - $80,000 annually
Position Summary: The Ice Operations Manager is responsible for day-to-day ice operations at the arena and practice facility, ensuring safe, consistent, NHL-quality ice surfaces. This role directly manages and schedules union staff and part-time staff. Manages TRIA Rink usage and scheduling, a key point of contact with resident clients and partners. Works closely with Hockey Operations, Building Operations, Event Management, and Engineering departments to support games, practices, and special events.
Responsibilities/Essential Functions:
- Manage day-to-day operations of arena and practice facility, serving as the primary Ice Plant Manager for the NHL Practice Facility, overseeing daily ice plant and facility operations to ensure safe, high-quality ice conditions and operational readiness.
- Manage and schedule union and part-time ice operations staff members.
- Manage ice schedule at facilities and work with Event Management and Booking departments to ensure event-related ice operations are properly planned, communicated, and scheduled.
- Manage daily ice maintenance and resurfacing operations, including scheduling ice cuts and regular preventative maintenance at both venues.
- Supervise the maintenance, repair, and operation of all ice-related systems and equipment, including refrigeration, ice resurfacing equipment, and dasher boards at both venues.
- Develop and maintain preventative, routine, and emergency maintenance plans; coordinate required reports, logs, records, inventory, and supply tracking at both venues.
- Partner closely with mechanical and structural staff to coordinate maintenance and repair activities.
- Ensure adequate coverage for facility schedules at both venues.
- Assist with the preparation and management of the annual facilities maintenance and equipment budget.
- Manage practice facility budgets and related financial tracking (including POS where applicable).
- Ensure compliance with all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Recommend operational improvements, policy updates, and process enhancements related to ice and facility operations.
- Maintain required professional certifications and remain current on best practices and developments in ice arena operations.
- Provide emergency on-call support as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements:
Formal Education & Certification:
- Bachelor’s degree in Facility Management, Mechanical Engineering, a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Minimum three to five plus years of experience in ice operations or rink management experience.
- Refrigeration certification or technical trade background preferred.
- Experience operating and maintaining ice rink refrigeration systems and general mechanical aptitude preferred.
- Experience managing multi-sheet or high-usage ice facilities preferred.
Knowledge & Experience:
- Strong knowledge of ice-making systems, refrigeration, and best ice-making practices.
- Proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.
- Ability to operate ice resurfacing and related equipment.
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with ice scheduling software.
Personal Attributes:
- Effective leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to manage and motivate teams.
- Strong ability to follow and execute written, verbal, and electronic instructions.
- Excellent communication skills for interacting with internal departments, external clients, and vendors.
- Self-motivated and capable of working long hours independently with minimal supervision.
- Professional and tactful when dealing with the public and resolving conflicts.
- Calm and effective under pressure, especially during live events or operational challenges.
- Skilled in managing conflict and maintaining a positive team environment.
Work Conditions:
- This position works long, irregular hours, including overnights, weekends, and holidays, based on events or projects throughout campus.
- Physical requirements include sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, twisting, lifting, grasping, etc. for the entirety of the shift.
- Lifting requirements include being able to lift 50 pounds.
- Ability to work extended periods in cold environments.
- Work outdoors as needed year-round.
ADA/EEO Statement:
Our company is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application process or perform the essential functions of the job, please contact the People Team to request an accommodation. We will engage in an interactive process to assess your needs and provide appropriate accommodations to enable you to perform the essential functions of the position unless it would cause an undue hardship.
We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment. We value diversity and inclusion in our workplace and promote a work environment that respects and supports individuals without bias.