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 Director – Ski & Ride School Operations is responsible for delivering operational excellence across Vail Resorts’ Ski & Ride School (SRS) function by developing, executing, and scaling core operational requirements. In close collaboration with SRS Resort Operations leaders, this role is responsible for scaled Enterprise SRS activities, including SRS Supply Management, Training, and additional standardized operational practices that align with SRS business priorities and goals.
Reporting directly to the Vice President of Ski & Ride School and partnering closely with SRS Resort Operations Leaders and other cross-functional teams, this role plays a critical part in the annual planning process, in-season operations execution, and continuous process improvement. This role is a key leader in driving alignment across resort operations leaders through gathering and incorporating feedback, providing strong communication and engaging in the expertise of SRS leaders and cross-functional partners within the enterprise.
Job Responsibilities:
- Drive alignment to annual Ski & Ride School goals and business plan across the portfolio, in close collaboration with SRS Resort Operations leaders
- Serve as capability owner for SRS Supply Management including oversight of scheduling, inventory management, and payroll systems and execution
- In partnership with SRS Resort Operations leaders, lead the development of training standards, standard operating procedures and delivery principles to be scaled across all resorts
- Lead the development of labor standards in partnership with the VP of SRS, SRS Resort Operations leaders and the WFM team
- Lead Inventory Management process to ensure effective regional execution, partnering with each Regional Inventory Management leader
- Share responsibility for the financial performance of the Ski & Ride School P&L
- Own and continuously improve the annual planning process to drive consistency and rigor across resorts
- In collaboration with SRS Resort Operations Leaders, own the process for in-season enterprise-level operational decisions
- Serve as liaison for leadership communication, ensuring clear and consistent messaging and engagement across the SRS network
- Develop initiative structures that align stakeholders, drive accountability, and optimize communication and feedback loops across the function
- Build and lead a high-performing team, including direct reports and matrixed resources, to support operational delivery
Job Requirements:
Knowledge and Skills:
- Expertise in designing and executing operations (processes and systems) at scale
- Ability to operationalize strategic initiatives into consistent execution across a multi-site environment
- Strong project and program management skills
- Skilled in building communication systems, cascading critical information across large teams, incorporating feedback and fostering engagement
- Advanced stakeholder management and cross-functional leadership capabilities
- Experience developing and executing continuous improvement and intervention processes
- Ability to facilitate meetings and training.
- Experience in cross functional collaboration; ability to influence change.
- Strong critical thinking and communication skills, with a very high level of emotional intelligence, and autonomy.
- Proven computer skills, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
Experience:
- Proven track record of operational leadership in a scaled, multi-location environment
- Experience driving process improvements that enhance efficiency and guest satisfaction
- Demonstrated success managing complex operations and leading cross-functional teams
- Strong background in training development, inventory systems, and workforce management tools
- Leadership experience in hospitality, resort, or consumer service industries preferred
Key Decision Rights:
- Operational process design and implementation for SRS core functions
- Structure and priorities of annual operational planning and in-season execution
- Training standards and capability development across resorts
- Team management and resourcing to support functional delivery
KPIs:
- On-time execution of seasonal planning and in-season operational priorities
- Labor and inventory management efficiency across resorts
- Ski & Ride School P&L performance in collaboration with the SRS Strategy team
- Resort adherence to standardized systems and processes
- Team engagement, effectiveness, and feedback from resort operations leadership
The expected Total Compensation for this role is $117,000 - $157,000 + annual bonus + equity. 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.
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 508797
Reference Date: 05/30/2025
Job Code Function: Ski/Snow School
