Statewide Concessions Program (PS5)

State of Washington; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission seeks a Statewide Concessions Program Manager to direct policy, standards, and operations for concession services across the state. The role focuses on agreements, partnerships, and ensuring high quality visitor experiences through third-party operators.

The ideal candidate brings program leadership experience, negotiation skills, and a track record of managing complex partnerships while aligning with agency goals and public assets stewardship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of experience in developing, negotiating, or managing agreements, contracts, or business partnerships.
• Additional qualifying experience can substitute year-for-year for education.
• Strong communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Ability to travel independently to remote park locations throughout the state.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide Concessions Program vision, goals, and performance standards.
• Develop and implement policies and guidance for consistent concession operations across the agency.
• Provide internal customer service, establishing clear standards and practical operating practices.
• Lead development, negotiation, and execution of concession agreements, including new opportunities and renewals.
• Conduct financial, operational and risk analyses to inform agreement terms.
• Ensure agreements comply with laws, policies, grant funding restrictions, and asset stewardship.
• Build relationships with concessionaires, partners, local governments, and communities.
• Serve as primary contact for concession operators and resolve issues.
• Develop program reports, briefings, and respond to records requests.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Relationship building

Cross-team collaboration

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field

Job description

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Job Title: Statewide Concessions Program (PS5)

Location: Lacey, WA.

Closes: September 15th, 2026, at 11:55 p.m. PDT

Travel: This position may require periodic travel to parks throughout the State Park system.

Washington State Parks is seeking an experienced and motivated Statewide Concession Program Manager to provide strategic direction, program development, and operational oversight to ensure high-quality visitor services delivered through third-party operators. The Concessions Manager establishes program standards, manages complex agreements, and collaborates closely with internal and external partners to advance agency goals, protect public assets, and enhance visitor experience.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned, forward-thinking leader with a strong foundation in program management, agreement development, and hospitality or service-contract oversight. They bring demonstrated experience guiding complex, multi-stakeholder programs, and a track record of shaping clear standards, policies, and operational practices that elevate service quality across diverse locations. They excel at building productive relationships with concessionaires, business partners, local governments, and internal teams, and they navigate negotiations, compliance requirements, and risk considerations with confidence and sound judgment.

This candidate pairs strong analytical skills—financial analysis, business planning, and operational evaluation—with the ability to communicate complex information to varied audiences. They are adept at resolving issues, supporting field staff, and representing the program in high-visibility discussions. They thrive in a role that requires statewide leadership, strategic alignment, and thoughtful stewardship of public assets. Above all, they are collaborative, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning, innovation, and delivering exceptional visitor experiences through third-party operators.

Some of the job duties include:

Program Leadership

• Leads the statewide Concessions Program, establishing program vision, goals, and performance standards.
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and guidance to ensure consistent, high-quality concession operations across the agency.
• Provides internal customer service working with multiple stakeholder programs, provides clear standards, policies, and operational practices that elevate service quality across diverse locations.

Agreement Development and Compliance

• Lead development, negotiation, and execution of concession agreements, including new opportunities and renewals. Cultivates new business relationships and fills open concession opportunities through targeted marketing and competitive recruitment processes.
• Conducts financial, operational and risk analysis to inform agreement terms. Verifies sales accuracy, cash controls, inventory integrity, and compliance with organizational and regulatory standards according to agreement terms.
• Ensure agreements comply with applicable laws, agency policies, grant funding restrictions, and public asset stewardship requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Builds and maintains relationships with concessionaires, business partners, local governments, and community organizations.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for concession operators, resolving issues and facilitating successful partnerships.
• Develop program reports, briefings, and presentations for agency leadership. Compiles correspondence, statistics, and program data in response to public records requests, inquiries from agency leadership, and requests from external agencies.

Schedule

Generally, Monday through Friday with core work hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Incumbent may be expected to adjust the work scheduled to meet business needs- occasional evening or weekends work may be required. A flexible or hybrid work schedule will be considered at the incumbent’s request, subject to supervisory approval.

Work Setting

This position works primarily in an office or home office environment.

Travel

This position will require periodic travel between parks, throughout the State Park system. Travel will be required for statewide meetings, concessionaire meetings, or public engagement. You must have the ability to operate a state vehicle.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor’s degree* in business administration or related field AND four (4) years of experience developing, negotiating, or managing agreements, contracts, or business partnerships.

*Additional qualifying experience can substitute year-for-year for education up to four years.

Strong communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences.

Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate across teams and disciplines.

Ability to travel independently to remote park locations throughout the state.

Desirable:

• Experience leading complex programs, projects, or operational functions involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience interpreting and applying policies, regulations, or legal requirements.
• Experience in concessions, commercial operations, public - private partnerships, or related fields
• Experience in parks, recreation, natural resources, or public sector environments.
• Experience with financial analysis, business planning, or revenue-generating operations.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement, vendor management, or community partnerships.
• Experience managing hospitality services or service contracts.
• Experience in the parks and recreation field.

Core Competencies

Technical Expertise - managing hospitality servicesor service contracts. Experience leading complex programs, projects or operational functions thatdemonstrate advanced knowledge of developing, negotiating, or managing agreements, contracts, or business partnerships.

Leadership & Program Management- provides statewide leadership and direction for concession program. Develops and implements agency-wide policies, standards, and best practices.

Compliance & Risk Management - ensures full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Proactively identifies compliance risks, conducts field investigations as needed. and maintains accurate documentation to protect public health.

Training, Communication & Workforce Development - develops and delivers training on concession operations, Provides expert consultation to regional and park leadership on concession opportunities, feasibility, and operational considerations.

Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving - applies logical and innovative approaches to concession management; financial analysis; business planning; and revenue generating operations.

Take Action to Learn and Grow - considering and incorporating new information and different perspectives.

Ability to Take Action to Meet the Needs of Others - collaborating with others to overcome challenges and find solutions.

This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed positions are filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional positions for up to sixty (60) days. For more information: https://wfse.org/

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.

Want to join a great organization? State parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives, this is a mission like no other state agency. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse, and beautiful state parks systems in the country. The state park system is comprised of 124 state parks and properties covering over 138,000 acres throughout the state. The park system includes marine parks, heritage sites, historic parks, interpretive centers, retreat centers, ocean beaches and hundreds of miles of trails. The agency is also responsible for the state’s winter recreation program, boating safety and vessel pump out program and numerous contracted concession operations. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for Washington's most treasured lands, waters, and historic places. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency. At State Parks, we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, persons over 40 years of age, and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

For information about the recruitment process and qualifications, please contact Wendy Vandel at [e-mail] or [phone]. For information about this position, please contact Nikki Fields at [e-mail] or [phone].

All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

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