Sports Program Director Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

OEG Sports & Entertainment delivers North America’s leading sports and entertainment experiences to connect our fans to their passions. Located in the heart of the ICE District, OEG owns the 5-time Stanley Cup Champion Edmonton Oilers, the WHL’s three-time Memorial Cup Champion Edmonton Oil Kings, and the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors. OEG operates Rogers Place, North America’s premier and most technologically advanced sports and entertainment venue. The 18,647 seat, $480 million arena is among the most technologically enabled sports facilities in North America as well as the first LEED Silver-certified NHL Facility in Canada.

Our vision is to be a Global Leader in Sports & Entertainment. Together, we inspire our fans by connecting them to their passions, which is ours as well! We play hard as a team, and with devoted integrity towards our common purpose. We have commitments to innovation and growth, combined with performance excellence that ensures a fair return on investment. We develop our people to be leaders in our industry, and we invest in our communities. Through our world class talent, we strive to WIN. ON and OFF the ICE.

About the Role:

Reporting to the VP & GM, Rogers Place, the Director, Operations and Maintenance is responsible for the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and event readiness of Rogers Place, ICE Plaza, and Fan Park — one of North America’s premier sports and entertainment venues. Leading a skilled team of trades, operations staff, and contractors, the Director ensures the building and its systems remain safe, reliable, and event-ready at all times. The role owns preventive maintenance programs and the Computerized Maintenance Management System, manages operating and capital budgets, oversees service contracts and vendor performance, and partners with Event Operations to deliver seamless venue conversions. The Director is also a key liaison with the City of Edmonton on the long-term maintenance agreement and serves as Event Commander and Back of House Manager during major events.

Your Focus in this Role:

• Develop, implement, and maintain procedures and maintenance programs that conform to manufacturer’s recommendations for systems, purchased equipment and corporate standards, which are customized to the specific needs of the Rogers Place, ICE Plaza and Fan Park.
• Lead and support a diverse team, including contractors, in the operation and maintenance of a multi-purpose facility on a day-to-day basis, including, Plumbing, Electrical, Painting, Carpentry and General Maintenance, ensuring all team members are properly trained.
• Coordinate repair work in OEGHQ as it relates to plumbing, electrical, carpentry, paint, drywall etc.
• Maintain Computerized Maintenance Management System.
• Responsible for the move/add/change process within the venue.
• Develop and facilitate operating procedures for facility conversions, which are customized to the specific needs of the event.
• Implement ABI time and attendance for all hourly staff.
• Working with Director, Event Operations, develop and maintain a conversion program to ensure venue readiness for events.
• Assist in oversight of day-to-day operation of contracted housekeeping.
• Manage operations and maintenance service contracts and vendor relationships, including procurement, negotiation, service-level agreements, and ongoing monitoring of contractor performance.
• Support planning and execution of specific Capital Projects.
• Liaise with City of Edmonton on capital expenditures as it relates to repair work and the 35-year overall maintenance agreement, including participation in the Integrated Infrastructure Services Steering Committee.
• Serve as an Event Commander as required during major events.
• Serve as Back of House Manager for events as required.
• Participate in the development and administration of the Operations budget including forecasting and ongoing monitoring.
• Inspect operating function to evaluate efficiency methods, and investigates, analyzes, and resolves operational and maintenance issues.
• Ensure team members are well versed in the knowledge of all areas covered by Occupational Health and Safety.
• Ensure maintenance team’s adherence to all safety codes as well as compliance and adherence to hazardous materials standards, codes, licenses, recordkeeping and permits as appropriate.
• Available on “on-call” basis during off hours for emergency situations.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Responsible to create and foster a culture of teamwork and a positive working environment.

Who You Are:

• You’re a calm, decisive leader who stays composed and solutions-focused under the pressure of live events and tight conversion timelines
• You lead from the front — you develop, coach, and motivate skilled trades and operations teams, and people want to work for you
• You’re safety-minded in everything you do and hold yourself and your team to a high standard
• You’re a strong collaborator who builds trusted relationships across departments, with contractors, and with external partners such as the City of Edmonton
• You’re hands-on and resourceful, with a bias for action and a talent for making things happen
• You’re organized and detail-oriented, and you balance planned maintenance programs with the reactive demands of a 24/7 venue

Education, Experience and Skills:

• Post-secondary education in facility or building systems management, engineering technology, building operations, or a related discipline; an equivalent combination of trade certification and progressive experience will be considered.
• 8–10+ years of progressive experience in facility or building operations and maintenance, including 5+ years in a leadership role; experience in a large arena, stadium, or complex multi-use public-assembly facility is strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of electrical, plumbing, building automation, and life-safety systems – in a large commercial or institutional facility.
• Demonstrated experience designing and managing preventive maintenance programs and administering a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Solid understanding of Alberta Occupational Health and Safety legislation, building and fire codes, and hazardous materials requirements, with a track record of building a strong safety culture.
• Proven experience developing and managing operating and capital budgets.
• Experience managing service contracts, procurement, and vendor and contractor performance.
• Project management experience supporting capital projects; PMP or a recognized facility/asset management designation (e.g., FMP, CFM, RPA) is considered an asset.
• A relevant journeyperson trade certification (e.g., electrician, plumber/gasfitter, refrigeration, or power engineering) is considered an asset.
• A valid Alberta driver’s licence and the ability to pass any required background checks.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Ability to work independently and under tight deadlines while maintaining excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work with a dynamic group of individuals in many different departments and prioritize tasks
• Positive, energetic and professional attitude
• Requires strong interpersonal skills
• Possess a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• High level of poise and professionalism when dealing with all internal and external stakeholders
• Proactive and resourceful with an ability to “make things happen”
• Good balance of creative/communications instincts and logical, analytical skills
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by event and promotions schedule

What’s in it for you?

• 100% Employer Paid Benefits + RSP Matching Program
• Oilers, Oil Kings, and Live Entertainment Ticket Options
• Healthcare and Lifestyle Spending Account Options
• On-Site Parking and Transit Allowance
• On-Site Gym
• Beautiful Office Space located Downtown Edmonton within Rogers Place – with easy access to the LRT!
• Social Work Culture + Employee Events

Next Steps:

Thank you for your interest in joining our team! Those moving forward in the process will be contacted by a member of our team.

Stay in Touch!

Official Edmonton Oilers Website | NHL.com