Operations Program Manager Jobs in Cedar City, UT

Summary:

The Lift Operations Manager is a key member of the Brian Head Resort leadership team, leading a department of up to 85 lift operators, approximately 8 lift supervisors, and one administrative team member. This manager is expected to be a visible, approachable, and decisive leader who sets the tone for the entire department. The ideal candidate has a proven background in lift operations supervision or management, strong knowledge of regulatory standards, and the ability to recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team in a demanding mountain environment.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Team Management
  • Oversee Recruiting, hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and managing of a department of up to 85 lift operators, ~8 lift supervisors, and one office/admin team member.
  • Serve as a visible, approachable leader who fosters a positive department culture and leads by example with professionalism and integrity.
  • Conduct regular one-on-ones, seasonal performance reviews, and corrective action processes in accordance with company policy.
  • Establish clear department goals and coach supervisors and staff toward achieving them in a timely and professional manner.
  • Develop and maintain strategies for staff retention, including recognition programs and a supportive team environment.
• Training & Documentation
  • Design, implement, and continuously improve a comprehensive training program for all lift operations staff, ensuring every employee is fully trained before operating equipment independently.
  • Maintain meticulous, up-to-date training records for every team member, ensuring documentation is complete, organized, and audit-ready at all times.
  • Track training completion rates and proactively identify and close any gaps prior to the start of each operating season or upon new hire onboarding.
  • Facilitate and document safety programs, drills, and certifications in compliance with ANSI and U.S. Forest Service requirements.
  • Document all significant employee conversations, counseling sessions, and corrective actions thoroughly and promptly.
• Regulatory Compliance & Safety
  • Ensure all lift operations fully comply with current ANSI B77 standards, U.S. Forest Service Special Use Permit requirements, and all applicable state and federal regulations.
  • Stay current on regulatory updates and industry standards; proactively update department procedures as requirements evolve.
  • Facilitate daily morning briefings covering relevant operational, weather, and event information.
  • Ensure all equipment is operated safely, competently, and in a knowledgeable manner by all personnel at all times.
  • Work with Mountain Operations Director, Risk Manager & Ski Patrol Director to conduct the incident response and documentation processes when operational issues or guest/employee incidents arise.
• Communication & Cross-Departmental Collaboration
  • Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with staff, supervisors, resort leadership, and guests.
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with other resort teams.
  • Collaborate with department directors and managers across the resort to accomplish shared company goals.
  • Represent the Lift Operations department in resort leadership meetings and planning discussions.
• Administration & Operations
  • Develop and manage the Lift Operations departmental budget, including labor, supplies, and operational expenses.
  • Utilize Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, Drive, Calendar, etc.) and resort technology systems to manage scheduling, communications, records, timecards, and reporting.
  • Develop and maintain department policies, procedures, and standard operating guidelines.
  • Conduct counseling and corrective action plans to ensure compliance with company policies and support the resort’s mission and values.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range: $58,000 – $62,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, FSA, 401(k), Life Insurance, and Paid Time Off Plan.
• Free season passes to all Resorts within the collective.
• Discounts on food, beverage, and retail outlets within the collective.
• Opportunity for additional discounts on merchandise and goods through company contracts.
• Carpool incentives and van share transportation options.
• Access to a community of active, like-minded individuals in a mountain resort setting.
• Networking and travel opportunities within the resort collective.

Job Qualifications:

• Experience
  • Minimum 2 years of direct experience in a Lift Operations Supervisor or Manager role at a ski resort or comparable mountain operations environment.
  • Demonstrated, working knowledge of ANSI B77 lift safety standards and U.S. Forest Service regulations governing aerial tramways and surface lifts.
  • Proven experience recruiting, hiring, and managing large teams (50+ employees preferred).
  • Track record of building and maintaining thorough employee training programs with detailed documentation.
• Skills & Competencies
  • Approachable, people-oriented leadership style with the ability to connect genuinely with front-line staff and resort leadership alike.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document conversations, incidents, and procedures clearly and professionally.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and follow through consistently.
  • Proficient in Google Workspace and comfortable using computers and digital tools as a core part of daily operations.
  • Basic mechanical aptitude with working knowledge of chairlift and surface lift systems.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across departments and build relationships with both operations and guest-services-oriented teams.
  • Intermediate-level or above skier or snowboarder (required).

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift or move heavy objects (50+ lbs.) using appropriate techniques.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods in varying and extreme weather conditions.
• Must have the ability to perform demanding physical labor for extended periods.
• Must be able to work at high altitudes (9,600 ft – 11,300 ft above sea level).

Position Type and Expected Work Hours

• This is a full-time, year-round, salaried position.
• Standard schedule includes a mix of weekdays, weekends, and holidays based on operational needs.
• Availability during peak seasons, special events, and emergency situations is expected.

NOTICE:  This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. This job description may be changed to include new responsibilities and tasks or change existing ones as management deems necessary.