POSITION: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

DEPARTMENT: Abbotsford’s American Hockey League (AHL) Club

REPORTS TO: Sr. Executive of Canucks Sports & Entertainment

In September 2021, the Vancouver Canucks AHL affiliate, will relocate permanently to the Abbotsford Centre in Abbotsford, British Columbia. This move will bring significant opportunities for both the team and the Abbotsford community and will bring Canucks hockey to even more fans throughout the Lower Mainland. We are now searching for a dynamic strategic leader for this new BC-based enterprise, which will also include a concert business and full arena operations management of the 7,000+ seat venue in early 2022.

SUMMARY:

The COO manages and oversees all facets of the Abbotsford AHL club business operations and Abbotsford Centre operations with the primary goal of thriving within the AHL and the Abbotsford community. He or she will lead all functional areas of the business from tickets sales and corporate partnerships to marketing, finance, HR, along with concert and arena operations, and food and beverage operations. He or she will be a visionary leader for the organization and work closely with internal and external stakeholders across the organization, city, province and partners, to execute the overall business strategy of the enterprise. This role requires a leader who can bring operational expertise to grow both the club and event operations commercially and promote the overall brand of AHL hockey in Abbotsford and across the province.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(Other duties may be assigned as required)

Oversee and provide strategic leadership for AHL hockey and concert events held at the Abbotsford Centre, in Abbotsford, British Columbia, including approximately 36 AHL Team games and 50 concerts/entertainment events annually, as well as maximizing the building with other rental events
In collaboration with members of Canucks Sports & Entertainment’s Senior Leadership Team, develop and foster integrated initiatives that promote the ultimate hockey fan and concert goer experience
Develop and implement strategies that will maximize the number of events held at Abbotsford Centre for increased revenues
Oversee and provide strategic leadership to the Facility team responsible for the effective operation and maintenance of Abbotsford Centre and related equipment
Oversee finances and lead the business to continuous profitability
Develop and lead execution of external marketing, sponsorship, ticket sales, public relations and community relations plans
Oversee and provide strategic direction for day-to-day operations, including monitoring and forecasting revenue and expenses
Lead and direct all business aspects for both hockey and concert operations in Abbotsford Centre
Hire a highly-driven management team and other personnel with the vision of developing a first-class organization
Implement, grow, and foster a sales-driven, entrepreneurial, hard-working culture
Represent the Club at a multitude of community events as the “face” of the Club

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience creating strategic directions for businesses, including the development of tactical details while maintaining a clear view of the big picture
Previous NHL and/or AHL arena business operations experience is a definite asset
Entrepreneurial, highly-driven leader with deep professional sports sales experience
Experience with creating successful initiatives that focus on the customer experience
A strong record of personal and team achievement over his/her career with clear substantial personal contributions to the positive evolution of the business through innovative thinking and an ability to make things happen
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills
Must be a team builder and team player with the ability to manage across a diverse organization
Proven record of developing and maintaining strong partnerships and collaborative spirit with peers in all lines of the business
Ability to relate professionally to all levels of staff, management, partners and clientele
Demonstrated quick-learner with ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines
Solid experience in leading, motivating, and developing employees
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, technical, IT and numerical abilities are crucial
Flourish in a public and media-facing role by having a visionary and inspiring approach within the community
Ability to generate ideas and creative solutions
Ability to build strong relationships with key stakeholders
A high degree of personal integrity and consistently put the interests of the organization ahead of his/her own
Strong understanding of professional sports business strongly preferred
Cross-cultural communication skills
Travel may be required within North America

Vancouver, and its neighboring city, Abbotsford are two of the most diverse cities in the world and Canucks Sports & Entertainment strives to create a workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and represents our beautiful, unique communities. We value unique perspectives, ideas, and creativity that support a diverse, inclusive, respectful, collaborative, and fun work environment. Canucks Sports & Entertainment is committed to building and supporting a diverse team.

Abbotsford Canucks