Director of Mountain Operations

Red Lodge Mountain; Red Lodge (MT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent ski resort in Montana is looking for a Director of Mountain Operations to lead all on-mountain operations. This role requires strong leadership and operational expertise to ensure safety and efficiency while fostering teamwork and excellence. The ideal candidate will develop policies, manage budgets, and oversee staffing while complying with regulations. This is a full-time management position offering opportunities to impact guest experiences significantly.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership skills in a mountain operational environment.
• Proven experience in managing on-mountain safety and operations.
• Ability to build relationships with stakeholders and community.

Responsibilities

• Lead all mountain operations while ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Develop and manage operational budgets.
• Recruit, train, and support operations managers.

Skills

Leadership

Operational expertise

Teamwork

Safety management

Job description

The Director of Mountain Operations plays a pivotal role in shaping the guest and employee experience. This leader oversees all on-mountain operations with a focus on safety, efficiency, and quality, while fostering a culture of teamwork and excellence. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, operational expertise, and a passion for the mountain environment, ensuring that every guest visit is memorable and every team member thrives.

Essential Job Responsibilities/Duties/Tasks include the following; other duties may be assigned:

• Lead all mountain operations, setting and achieving departmental goals in alignment with company initiatives.
• Ensure safe, efficient mountain set-up, signage, and daily operations; proactively identify and mitigate hazards.
• Partner with managers to develop policies, procedures, and practices that reduce risk and enhance guest and employee safety.
• Cultivate a culture of safety, teamwork, and operational excellence.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders including JMA Ventures, Town of Red Lodge, USFS, and regulatory agencies.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations for mountain lifts and equipment; coordinate with inspectors and oversee reporting.
• Oversee Forest Service operational and avalanche control plans.
• Coordinate and lead annual and/or seasonal inspections of Mountain Operations with both General Liability and Worker’s Compensation Inspectors.
• Lead incident investigations, ensuring accurate documentation, reporting, and follow-up.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets; train and support managers in financial accountability.
• Partner with HR to recruit, train, evaluate, and mentor operations managers; provide feedback, recognition, and performance guidance.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, and training for all mountain operations leaders.
• Maintain strong communication across employees, managers, and senior leadership.
• Serve as director on duty when assigned; respond to guest and employee concerns with professionalism and timeliness.
• Represent Red Lodge Mountain in the community and industry forums.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing

Industries

• Recreational Facilities