Manager, Sleeman Centre

Why Guelph

When you join the City of Guelph, you join a team of over 2000 employees who deliver services the community relies on every day. Together, we are bringing to life Guelph’s vision of an inclusive, connected, and prosperous city where we look after each other and our environment. As a single tier municipality, we offer a variety of occupations and career specialities within our organization. Guided by the goals and objectives of the Future Guelph: Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision for an inclusive, connected, prosperous city.

What we offer

We offer competitive wages and comprehensive benefits to meet the needs of our diverse employees. Many of our positions offer:

• Paid vacation days, increasing with years of service
• Paid personal days;
• Defined benefit pension plan with OMERS, including 100-per-cent employer matching;
• Extended health and dental benefits, including Health Care Spending Account;
• Employee and Family Assistance Program;
• Parental leave top up program;
• Learning and development opportunities including tuition assistance
• Employee recognition programs.

Position Overview

Guelph's premier venue for sports and entertainment located in the heart of the City's historic downtown, Sleeman Centre hosts the Ontario Hockey League’s Guelph Storm Hockey team, concerts, sporting and family events as well as trade shows and special events. The City of Guelph is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to join our team as the Manager of Sleeman Centre. Reporting to the General Manager of Culture and Recreation, the successful candidate will be responsible for the comprehensive oversight of the Sleeman Centre facility operations, event management, expanding programming, and oversight of Market Square events. This role requires a visionary leader with a passion for the sports and entertainment with a commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural community.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Provide visible and positive leadership to staff, fostering an inclusive, respectful, and motivating work environment.
• Recruit, train, and lead staff, establishing and managing performance standards.
• Attract, promote, and manage special events and rental programming, cultivating and maintaining relationships with clients and community to increase use of Sleeman Centre.
• Prepare, negotiate and execute special event estimates, contracts, settlements and manage ticketing services for events.
• Manage facility operations, oversee repairs and maintenance, and ensure high operational standards with equipment including but not limited to refrigeration system, HVAC, food and beverage equipment.
• Manage operations of Market Square’s wading pool, ice rink and special events.
• Direct the execution of the license agreement with the Ontario Hockey League's Guelph Storm, cultivating strong relationships with the team's staff and customers, and ensuring efficient event operations and the application of best practices in OHL rink management.
• Lead the execution of the Naming Rights and sponsorship agreement with Sleeman Breweries Ltd.
• Secure grant funding for projects and events, ensuring compliance with reporting deadlines.
• Develop goals and objectives for the department, setting action plans in alignment with the Corporate Strategic Plan and departmental business plan to improve efficiency and safety of operations.
• Develop and monitor capital and operating budgets, track budget performance, provide financial forecasts, and report on variances and mitigating strategies.
• Oversee the facility Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario liquor permit and monitor compliance.
• Lead with a focus on Health and Safety within the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Ensure compliance with Collective Agreements, City policies, Council resolutions/by-laws and other applicable federal and provincial legislation; support all legislated inspection and safety programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and requirements

• Completion of post-secondary education in Business Administration, Sports Management, Event Management, Recreation, Facility Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in facility management, event planning, sports entertainment, or a related field.
• Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Considerable experience managing, leading and training staff in a unionized, customer focused environment.
• Understand the needs of the entertainment, sport and recreation sector, arenas, corporations, community groups, promoters and other potential clients.
• Considerable experience of ice operations including installation, maintenance, removal and modifications to accommodate special events on ice.
• Experience in the preparation and execution of grant applications as well as report writing.
• Experience attracting special events, negotiation contracts, creating programming, and marketing in an entertainment facility.
• Detailed experience with financial systems, budget forecasting, variances and financial reporting.
• Excellent customer service skills, commitment to continuous improvement and quality service.
• Ability to apply conflict resolution and problem-solving skills in a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent communications skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of staff, stakeholders and the public.
• Knowledge of Ticketmaster or equivalent ticketing system.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Liquor License Act of Ontario.
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Previous experience in dealing with premium facility services including suites, club seats, concessions, and a restaurant, considered an asset.

Hours of work35 hours a week, including evenings, weekends and holidays.

Pay/SalaryNon-Union Grade 7: $105,560.00 - $131,950.00

How to applyQualified applicants are invited to apply using our online application system by Monday, May 5, 2025. Please note all applicants must complete the online questionnaire specific to this position at the time they submit their resume and cover letter in order to be considered.

The City of Guelph is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel welcome, valued and engaged. Our employment policies strictly prohibit all forms of discrimination on any of the grounds in relevant laws. All employment practices are solely based on individual merit, qualifications, and organization's needs at the time. In keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, we are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals in our job application procedures. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the hiring process, you may contact us to make your needs known in advance.

Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.