Canlan Sports is the largest private-sector owner and operator of recreational sports complexes in North America. The company's success in the sports and recreation industry is attributed to a focus on innovative programming, service excellence, world-class sports communities, and an understanding of its customers' expectations and the commitment needed to deliver industry-leading participant experiences.

We are currently seeking a proactive Director of Operations for Eastern Canada, to be situated at our corporate office in North York, Ontario. This seasoned professional will oversee the operations of Canlan Sports facilities across Eastern Canada, ensuring effective execution of products and services, fostering a positive employee and customer experience. This role will report directly to the Vice President, Operations, and work closely with the Sales, Marketing, and Customer Experience teams, supported by Human Resources and the Vice President of Operations, aiming to surpass predefined targets through informed decision-making, leveraging analysis, experience, and industry knowledge. Additionally, a strong comprehension of industry trends and key competitors within the respective areas is essential.

The ideal candidate will offer robust and supportive leadership to the General Managers, nurturing a culture of collaboration, support, and mutual respect. The focus will be on steering each Canlan Sports facility towards accomplishing the objectives set in their yearly operating plan.

The successful candidate will demonstrate adept negotiation skills even in challenging situations, maintaining positive relationships under pressure. Upholding high ethical standards and integrity in all interactions, taking personal responsibility, and serving as a positive role model for direct reports.

This role involves regular travel within the region, estimated at 30% to 40% of the time.

If you are passionate about thriving in a fast-growing environment and are dedicated to making a meaningful impact while striving for continuous enhancement, we encourage you to connect with us!

Qualifications and Education

• 8+ years' experience in an Operations / Retail Sales & Service / Food & Beverage management position, preferably in sports, entertainment, or hospitality services
• Significant senior-level expertise in Lean Operations/Six Sigma, with a proven track record of success in Multi Unit Management
• College Certificate or University Degree in business or a related field
• Operations/Hospitality/Entertainment/Sports Management with related seminars/ training (e.g., Refrigeration, accounting, etc.)

Abilities, Attributes and Experience

• High level competency of Microsoft Office
• Possess strong business acumen. Able to view the business broadly and understand resource restraints placed on it by financial, team member, management, industry, sales, and other internal/external factors.
• Experience with budget and business plan development
• Strong and effective leadership. The ability to lead and motivate groups and individuals at the mid and upper levels of management. Exhibits a firm, but friendly, hands-on management style. Must “lead by example” by effectively coaching and mentoring direct reports and evaluating teams to perform all tasks within their areas of responsibility. The ability to celebrate individual successes and balance that with team success and that of the rest of the company. Operations - Customer, Profit, Results and Safety orientation; with a commitment to customer satisfaction. Must have a value-added mindset and be customer centric.
• Strong negotiating skills. Able to quickly overcome obstacles to cooperation and to foster harmonious relations.
• “What-if” scenario planning / Problem solving skills / Managing for results. Calm under pressure and able to quickly address urgent matters. Able to think creatively and strategically to successfully mediate and negotiate with individuals and groups internally and externally.
• Strong project management skills. Able to balance competing priorities, complex situations, and tight deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills
• Strong working knowledge of financial analysis and performance metrics.
• General Management experience, with strong understanding of all business principals.
• Strong in conflict management
• Proven ability to plan and manage operational process for maximum efficiency and productivity.
• Strong working knowledge of industry regulations and legislative guidelines

If you are interested in this role and becoming part of the Canlan team, please apply online.

NOTE: Only those applicants under consideration will be contacted. Please accept our utmost appreciation for your interest. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on race, color, creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military service, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions or any other classification protected by federal, provincial, and local laws and ordinances. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request. This Equal Employment Opportunity policy applies to all practices.