Task Force Director of Operations (Interim Assignment)

Grand Casino Mille Lacs & Hinckley; Burlington; On-site; CAD 166,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality management firm in Halton Region is seeking an interim Director of Operations to lead a critical transition. The role involves managing hotel operations, advancing talent strategies, and supporting financial forecasting. Candidates should have over 10 years of leadership experience in hospitality. The position is a temporary assignment with a salary range of $120k to $198k, focused on service continuity and operational excellence.

Benefits

Critical leadership role

Career development opportunities

Competitive salary range

Qualifications

• 10 years of progressive leadership experience.
• Previous operational management experience for hotels with 300+ rooms.
• Knowledge of profit and loss statements and budget forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Lead hospitality teams for smooth daily operations.
• Partner with leaders to drive revenue growth and improve market share.
• Present monthly financial reviews and updates to shareholders.
• Oversee property budgets and compliance with brand standards.

Skills

Leadership

Financial planning

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Job description

MAADAADIZI - MLCV Task Force Director of Operations (Interim Assignment)

Overview

Maadaadizi Investments manages a diverse portfolio of hotel, restaurant, and hospitality assets on behalf of Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures (MLCV). We are seeking a temporary, hands-on leader to guide operations through a period of transition. The Task Force Director of Operations will be responsible for steadying operations and ensuring continuity of service while guiding MLCV through an important period of transition. Success in this role requires strong operational and financial management, the ability to lead with optimism, support property leadership teams, and inspire confidence across the organization. In addition to strengthening operations, the role carries responsibility for advancing MLCV’s Band Member talent strategy, evaluating potential asset repositioning opportunities, and partnering with Finance to develop forecasts that support long-term decision-making.

Who We Are

Maadaadizi was founded by MLCV as a vehicle to diversify the revenue base of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe beyond Indian gaming. The company demonstrates a commitment to advancing the Band toward greater economic self-sufficiency and independence. While Maadaadizi began with a broader real estate investment lens, it quickly found its strength in the hospitality sector. In the Ojibwe language, Maadaadizi means “s/he begins a journey.” For us, that journey has been one of diversification, expanding into new industries, building resilience, and creating opportunities that enrich the lives of Mille Lacs Band Members and the communities we serve.

Essential Duties

• Lead and develop high-performing hospitality teams, ensuring smooth daily operations and consistent guest experiences.
• Partner with General Managers, property leaders, and brand representatives to drive revenue growth, capture market share, improve ADR and RevPAR, and control variable costs.
• Present monthly financial reviews and shareholder updates, providing accurate forecasts and ensuring properties achieve targeted flowthroughs.
• Oversee property action plans, budgets, and compliance with brand and ownership standards while supporting Band Member development and a culture of servant leadership.

Your Priorities

• Strengthen Operations (Top Priority): Provide day-to-day leadership of Maadaadizi’s hotel portfolio, overseeing Resort Manager and General Managers with a regular onsite presence in the Twin Cities, for on average 3 days per week. Focus on efficiency, service continuity, and confidence on the front lines. Monitor market trends to adjust rates, manage cost per occupied room, and track guest satisfaction to ensure operational excellence.
• Advance Band Member Talent Strategy: Collaborate with MLCV Talent to increase hiring, retention, and advancement opportunities for Mille Lacs Band Members. Mentor property leaders and design development plans that broaden operational exposure and strengthen career pathways.
• Support Strategic Evaluation: Support MLCV leadership and consultants to assess opportunities, including potential asset repositioning, and provide property data.
• NorthStar Forecast with Finance: Partner with MLCV Finance to build forward-looking forecasts and support enterprise-wide decision-making.

Career Development

What We Offer You

• This is a high-profile opportunity to step into a critical leadership role. The assignment will stretch you to think strategically, lead boldly, and act with compassion while leaving a lasting legacy for MLCV, the Mille Lacs Band, and your own career journey.

Compensation

• This is a temporary, up to 18-month, assignment directed under an employment contract. The position is benchmarked to the standard base salary of an E13 role in MLCV (120k minimum, 159k mid, 198k maximum).

Qualifications

• 10 years’ progressive leadership experience.
• Previous managerial operations experience for hotels with 300+ hotel rooms.
• Knowledge and full understanding of financial planning, profit and loss statements, and budget forecasting.
• Detail-oriented, with strong analytic and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to understand a problem, structure the analysis needed to solve it, and produce innovative and insightful solutions.
• Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead with optimism, raise morale, and inspire confidence in a transitional environment.

Note on Organizational Planning

MLCV is currently exploring a range of options for managing its hotel portfolio, which includes the possibility of engaging an external asset management or property management firm. Please be aware that this opportunity may be cancelled if MLCV determines an alternative path is in the best interest of the organization and the Band.

MLCV will exercise Anishinaabe or Indigenous Preference and Priority in the hiring process in accordance with applicable laws. Mille Lacs Band Members are strongly encouraged to apply.