Senior Manager, Strategic Development

Our mission is to create the Experience of a Lifetime for our employees, so they can, in turn, create the Experience of a Lifetime for our guests. We own and operate the most renowned destination resorts in the world as well as regional and local ski areas outside major cities, and connect them all through one unrivaled network. We are looking for ambitious leaders, innovators and creators to join our talented team. If you’re ready to pursue your fullest potential, we want to get to know you!

Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).

Job Summary:

The Vail Resorts Finance Team is committed to Building Leaders and Driving Value. We are recruiting for an accomplished and results-oriented Strategic Development Senior Manager to support our acquisition efforts. In the past 15 years, this team has led the acquisition of over 30 ski resorts through transactions totaling over $2 billion, including Whistler Blackcomb, Park City, Crans-Montana, Stowe and three of the largest resorts in Australia, supporting a growing company of 42 resorts across Europe, Australia, Canada and the United States with a market capitalization of around $6 billion.

The Senior Manager of Strategic Development will have primary responsibility for rigorous business and financial analysis of potential transactions, management of due diligence and deal execution efforts, global market and industry analysis, and involvement in the broader development of industry relationships and acquisition opportunities. The Senior Manager will also have a central role in post-acquisition transition and integration efforts as well as help create the strategic development budget and maintain the team’s P&L on an on-going basis. In addition, the Senior Manager will have opportunities to support enterprise-wide strategic initiatives as well as special projects in collaboration with other teams within the finance organization. This position reports to the Senior Director of Strategic Development and has direct exposure to the CFO and the Executive Committee along with subject matter expert teams across the company as well as external stakeholders. 

Job Specifications:  

• Starting Wage: $95,000 - $145,000 + Annual Bonus
• Employment Type: Year Round
• Shift Type: Full Time hours available
• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age
• Housing Availability: No
  
  

Job Responsibilities:

• Perform due diligence efforts on active M&A transactions including business analysis and market assessments
• Build detailed valuation and business models for new acquisitions, business concepts and markets, along with developing strong business case recommendations
• Lead global market and industry research efforts, while also playing an active role in sourcing efforts within the industry
• Lead acquisition transition and integration efforts, including budgeting, in coordination with operations and corporate teams
• Support Senior Director of Strategic Development and VP of Strategic Development in special projects across the organization, including leading projects associated with long-term planning and strategic initiatives, analysis and presentations for the Executive Committee and Board of Directors
• Build relationships and influence across all levels of the organization and maintain high level of confidentiality within the organization as well as with external contacts

Leadership Qualities:

• A multi-faceted Manager who is a leader, partner, and “doer”; the successful Manager will be comfortable operating in financial systems and spreadsheets, and equally comfortable leveraging his or her capabilities to work independently to conduct analysis, assemble an informed point of view, and communicate recommendations/conclusions with clarity and conviction

• Intellectually curious and interested in taking on a broader role within the finance organization beyond deal-related work

• Orientation to business partnership and ability to handle difficult situations with a high-degree of diplomacy and composure; assist the business in achieving its strategic priorities through data-driven analytics without losing sight of the Finance organization’s mission to Drive Value

• A passionate and ambitious leader who demonstrates the core tenets of our talent philosophy:
• Learning Agility – Enjoys and excels in environments where they must tackle and solve complex strategic business challenges and issues. Demonstrates an ability to flexibly integrate the newest ideas, technologies, and approaches to business with strong intellectual and data-driven rigor
• Emotional Intelligence – Demonstrates the awareness of and ability to shape their impact on the team, and a wide range of stakeholders, to achieve ambitious goals
• Ambition – Demonstrates the drive to expand leadership responsibility and overcome obstacles to achieve a bigger impact in an increasingly competitive environment

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required (business, finance, or accounting degree preferred)
• 3+ years related work experience including financial modeling, business strategy, and M&A transaction execution
• Investment banking, private equity, and/or corporate development experience
• Outstanding analytical skills with ability to synthesize information, develop insights and communicate effectively in presentations and in-person meetings
• Excellent communication skills with ability to develop the “story” and form recommendations
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment with strong initiative and ability to multi-task
• Superb attention to detail balanced by ability to focus on the "big picture"

• Preferred skills:
  • • Unflappable executive presence and ability to remain “calm under fire”
    • High intellect and ambition
    • Unquestioned ethics and integrity
    • Excellent listener and open to feedback
    • Outstanding organizational and analytical skills
    • Collaborative team player

The expected Total Compensation for this role is $95,000 - $145,000 + Annual Bonus. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.
 

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

Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:

• 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

Vail Resorts offers a ‘Hybrid’ work environment where employees living within 50 miles of the Broomfield office work on-site Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and have flexibility to work off-site on Mondays and Fridays.  Employees living outside of a commutable distance can work remotely from British Columbia, Washington D.C., and the 16 U.S. states* in which we currently operate. This includes: California, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Washington State, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Please note that the ability to work in person or off-site, and the particulars related to such work, are subject to change at any time; and, accordingly, the Company reserves the right to change its policies and/or require in-person/in-office work or off-site work at any time in its sole discretion. 

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. 

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID  510232
Reference Date: 07/18/2025 
Job Code Function: Accounting