Department Manager, Operations Support

MEC; Whistler; On-site; CAD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

MEC is expanding in Whistler and is seeking an experienced retail leader to join our founding leadership team as Department Manager, Operations Support.

You will lead back-of-house operations, inventory flow, loss prevention, health and safety, and budget for daily store performance, partnering with the General Manager and Senior Staff to deliver an exceptional member experience.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of leadership experience in a retail/service environment.
• Experience with inventory systems and retail operating systems.
• Knowledge of loss prevention and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead back-of-house operations and inventory flow.
• Drive loss prevention and health and safety initiatives.
• Lead, coach, and develop the operations team.
• Support member service effectiveness and store operations.

Skills

Leadership experience

KPI interpretation

Inventory management systems

Loss prevention

Communication

Decision making

Outdoor lifestyle

Evenings/weekends flexibility

Job description

Why Join MEC

MEC is expanding! We're opening our newest store in Whistler, and we're looking for an experienced retail leader to join our founding leadership team. As a Department Manager, you'll have a unique opportunity to help shape the culture, build the team, and bring MEC's purpose and values to life from day one in one of the world's most iconic mountain destinations.

Why Join MEC

MEC is expanding! We're opening our newest store in Whistler, and we're looking for an experienced retail leader to join our founding leadership team. As a Department Manager, you'll have a unique opportunity to help shape the culture, build the team, and bring MEC's purpose and values to life from day one in one of the world's most iconic mountain destinations.

The Opportunity

As the Department Manager, Operations Support, you are a key store leader responsible for driving day-to-day operational excellence. You lead back-of-house operations, inventory flow, loss prevention, health and safety, and operational support functions that keep the store running safely, efficiently, and in alignment with MEC standards.

Reporting to the General Manager, you partner closely with the Senior Staff Team to identify risks, improve operational performance, and build strong operational capability within the team. You balance disciplined execution with people-first leadership, ensuring operational excellence supports both the member experience and business results.

What You’ll Be Responsible For Operational Excellence

• Lead inventory, stockroom, OMS, shipment, and back-of-house operations
• Ensure operational standards, SLAs, and workflows are executed accurately and consistently
• Identify operational risks and gaps, implementing corrective action plans
• Serve as a key escalation point for systems, facilities, and operational issues

Loss Prevention, Health & Safety

• Lead loss prevention practices, audits, and cycle counts to protect inventory integrity
• Support a safe and compliant work environment, including Joint Health & Safety Committee leadership
• Respond to incidents, identify trends, and drive corrective actions

People Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the operations team through training, feedback, and regular check-ins
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning for operations roles
• Build engagement, accountability, and operational capability across the team
• Foster an inclusive, respectful, and high-performing team environment

Member Service & Store Operations

• Act as the Member Service Manager on the floor when required
• Support consistent execution of Member Service Desk, Cash, Rental, and RAC processes
• Partner with store leadership to ensure operational execution supports a strong member experience

What You Bring

• 1–3 years of leadership experience in a retail or service environment with accountability for operations and people leadership
• Strong operational and business acumen, with the ability to interpret KPIs and drive consistent execution
• Experience with inventory management systems, OMS workflows, and retail operating systems
• Working knowledge of loss prevention, inventory controls, and workplace health & safety
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across teams and partners
• Sound judgment and comfort making decisions in fast-paced, operationally complex environments
• Passion for outdoor activities and the outdoor lifestyle
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays

Work Environment

This is an active, hands-on leadership role requiring regular presence in back-of-house and on the sales floor. The role includes standing, walking, lifting (up to 50 lbs), and navigating stockroom and store environments while supporting daily operations.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

MEC is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive, respectful, and barrier-free workplace. We value diversity and believe our teams are stronger when everyone feels safe, supported, and able to be themselves at work.

Compensation

• This role ranges from $48,100 to $58,000 depending on skills and experience.