Director of Business Strategy and Operations

GSL Group; Victoria; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team as the Director of Business Strategy and Operations for the Victoria Royals. You will lead day-to-day operations, drive revenue growth, and shape strategic initiatives. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in business development, strong leadership skills, and a passion for sports management. If you're ready to make an impact in a vibrant environment, apply now!

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior role such as strategic account management or business development.
• Demonstrated ability to drive significant revenue through partnerships.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all business operations for the Victoria Royals, including ticketing sales and marketing.
• Manage and lead the ticket sales team, setting performance goals and providing training.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with finance, ticketing, and executive leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Relationship Management

Negotiation

Public Relations

Analytical Skills

Education

Degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management

Job description

We innovate | We have tenacity | We empower | We get things done | We are unique | We have fun

As the Director of Business Strategy and Operations, you will be responsible for leading the day-to-day business operations and providing strategic oversight, leadership, and development for the sales and marketing teams. This role is critical in executing—and helping shape—the Victoria Royals' annual strategic plan.

You are a dynamic, strategic leader with a demonstrated track record of exceeding revenue targets, developing high-performing teams, and driving business growth. Your deep experience in coaching sales professionals, cultivating key partnerships, and leading cross-functional initiatives will be key in aligning the team with organizational goals.

As the Director, your responsibilities will include:

1. Oversee all business operations for the Victoria Royals, including ticketing sales, marketing, branding, team store, live entertainment (gameday), and promotional efforts.
2. Manage and lead the ticket sales team, setting performance goals, providing training, and guiding sales execution. Plan and execute integrated marketing and sales campaigns in collaboration with ticketing and marketing teams.
3. Collaborate and assist with the corporate sales strategy to meet or exceed revenue targets.
4. Foster a high-performance, collaborative sales culture through coaching, accountability, and recognition.
5. Oversee game night execution of events, experiences, and activations.
6. Assist in the leadership / activation on a portfolio of Sponsorship accounts through project management, sales cycle support, and a commitment to service excellence.
7. Support the development and execution of annual business, marketing, and project plans.
8. Plan and execute partner-related events to support relationship-building and activation.
9. Oversee financial performance tracking.
10. Represent the company at various community events to promote the Royals; working a flexible schedule as needed.
11. Oversee the Royals Team Store and ensure yearly sales targets are exceeded and business practices adhered to.
12. Assist in the leadership of the operations of the Victoria Royals’ gameday including activations, partnership servicing and scripting.
13. Collaborate cross-functionally with finance, ticketing, and executive leadership to align business strategy and operations.
14. Use KPIs and reporting to inform decisions, measure performance, and guide continuous improvement.
15. Evaluate and improve business processes across sales and marketing to enhance operational efficiency.

Here's what you'll bring to be successful in the role:

1. Significant experience in a senior role—such as strategic account management, business development, municipal relations, or marketing—and experience within a similar environment, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
2. Degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, or a related discipline preferred.
3. Demonstrated ability to drive significant revenue through partnerships.
4. Knowledge of contracting, negotiating, and change management.
5. Knowledge of structuring sales quota goals and revenue expectations.
6. Ability to network and build/maintain strong relationships with decision-makers in industry, government, community groups, and industry associations.
7. Excellent interpersonal, communication (oral, written, presentation), and relationship management skills.
8. Excellent public relations skills with tact and diplomacy.
9. Experience leading a team of account executives through coaching, development, and personalized attention.
10. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
11. Excellent strategic planning skills for long-term growth strategies.
12. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment with diverse members.
13. Strong entrepreneurial spirit.
14. Excellent interpersonal skills for engaging with internal and external clients.

If you love being part of a growing, passionate team, are self-motivated, energetic, and eager to make your mark, don’t delay—apply now! The future awaits!

The Victoria Royals, part of the GSL Group, are one of 22 major hockey league teams in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and are part of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), the main feeder into the NHL.

GSL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to providing a work environment free from harassment and discrimination. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, job requirements, and business needs. GSL is passionate about fostering an inclusive culture where talented people of all backgrounds want to work.