Strategic Operations Manager Jobs in Kalispell, MT

At Pursuit, we offer more than just a place to visit, we create opportunities for our guests to truly connect with iconic destinations. Our experiences include world-class attractions and distinctive lodges, all designed to highlight the unique beauty of each location. Beyond that, we offer thoughtfully crafted restaurants, retail, and transportation services that help our guests immerse themselves fully in the experience. What ties it all together are the friendly faces you'll find along the way, the thoughtful amenities, and the delightful details that make every visit feel personal and unforgettable.
Lead in one of North America's most spectacular destinations. Nestled at the doorstep of and within Glacier National Park, Pursuit's Glacier Park Collection offers more than a career opportunity, it offers the chance to shape unforgettable guest experiences in a place defined by breathtaking landscapes, iconic hospitality, and a deep connection to the outdoors. As Director of Operations, you'll play a critical leadership role overseeing our collection of lodges, inspiring exceptional teams while helping create memories that last a lifetime for guests from around the world.
The Director of Operations for Pursuit's Glacier Park Collection is a key member of a collaborative and entrepreneurial senior management team. Reporting directly to the Vice President and General Manager for the Glacier Park Collection, the Director of Operations is responsible for the onsite leadership and advancement of our lodging operations. This role plays a pivotal part in transforming guest hospitality, enhancing employee engagement, and driving daily operations, financial performance, and community involvement.

• Strategic Collaboration: Partner with the VP, Director of Health, Safety & Environment (HSE), the Director of Maintenance & Engineering, the Director of Food and Beverage, the Director of Retail, the People team and shared services leadership on developing and executing strategies, business plans, and goals for the Glacier Park Collection.

• Operational Leadership: Lead the operations managers across lodging operations to achieve key performance indicators, including financial goals, guest satisfaction, employee engagement, and community involvement. Promote and lead a safety-first culture in all areas of operations.

• Team Empowerment: Provide leadership and coaching that fosters a solution-driven, continuously improving team culture.

• Talent Development: Collaborate with the People Team to meet staffing objectives, improve employee retention, and cultivate internal talent.

• Hands-On Leadership: Engage directly with details, processes, and procedures to identify issues, implement solutions, and drive operational improvements.

• Guest Experience Transformation: Oversee and guide efforts to enhance and transform the guest experience.

• Tourism Relationship Building: Develop and maintain strong relationships within the Glacier Park tourism industry including the Blackfeet Tribe to support the state as a premier destination.

• Operational Oversight: Regularly conduct walk-throughs of lodging facilities to inspire and lead on-the-ground leadership.

• Asset Management: Partner with the Director of Engineering & Maintenance to advance the management and improvement of physical assets.

• Accountability & Controls: Implement controls to ensure accountability, identify risks, and seize opportunities within operations.

• Financial Reporting: Provide regular reports on financial performance, including month-end results, future expense forecasts, and contributions to annual budget development.

• Communication with Leadership: Report business needs, operational challenges, and proposed solutions to the VP of Glacier Park Collection weekly.

• Performance Metrics and KPI Management: Develop and manage specific KPIs for each operational area and ensure team alignment with those targets. Regularly track performance against goals in Cultural Amp.

• Operational Efficiency Improvements: Identify and implement process improvements that drive operational efficiency and cost savings across all departments.

• Vendor and Supplier Management: Oversee and manage relationships with key vendors and suppliers, ensuring they meet quality and service standards.

• Staffing and Scheduling optimization: oversee the creation of efficient staffing schedules to match operational needs, ensuring optimal guest service while managing labor costs.

• Guest feedback integration: oversee the implementation of real time guest feedback systems and act as the final point of escalation for guest complaints. Develop and execute a strategy for addressing recurring guest concerns and work cross-functionally to improve the overall guest experience.

This role will be required to travel frequently to sites within the collection in Montana as well as periodically to other Pursuit business locations

• 10+ Years in Hospitality, Lodging, and Travel: Extensive experience in the hospitality industry with a track record of success in managing and improving lodging operations.
• Proven Leadership: Demonstrated leadership experience in world-class, market-leading hotels, with a focus on building and leading high-performing teams.
• Operational Excellence: Experience with best-in-class operating systems, training programs, and the management of large, complex hotel properties.
• Financial Acumen: Expertise in managing annual budgets, P&L statements, and capital budget requests, with a strong ability to forecast and manage financial performance.
• Guest Satisfaction: Proficiency with guest satisfaction platforms (e.g., Revinate, TripAdvisor) and the ability to analyze feedback, build actionable plans, and respond to concerns professionally.
• Experience in Remote or Challenging Environments: Understanding the unique challenges of operating in remote or seasonally dependent locations, particularly in Glacier Park or similar regions.
• Community Engagement: Proven ability to engage with local communities and build strong, positive relationships that benefit both the business and the surrounding area. Lead community outreach efforts working with the Promise to Place committee and developing partnerships with local organizations, schools, and nonprofits to build goodwill and brand presence in the region.
• Sustainability Practices: Familiarity with or experience in implementing sustainability initiatives, particularly those that align with the environmental and cultural sensitivities of Glacier Park. Lead operational initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact of operations, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, and water conservation.
• Crisis Management: Experience in handling crisis situations, including natural disasters, public relations issues, and operational emergencies, with a calm and effective approach.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of relevant local, state, and federal regulations, particularly those affecting the hospitality industry in Glacier Park, such as land use, environmental protections, and labor laws
• Must hold a valid Driver's License
• Must be legally eligible to travel internationally without restriction
• Physical Requirements: Ability to walk, lift with assistance, stand, and reach are all daily requirements, with variable weather conditions across all seasons.

Critical Competencies/Skills:

• Strategic Thinker: Ability to see the big picture and make decisions that align with both short-term goals and long-term strategic objectives.
• Passion for Glacier National Park: Deep commitment to Glacier National Park and its communities, with a genuine interest in contributing to their growth and sustainability.
• Effective Communicator: Strong communication skills, capable of articulating ideas clearly and listening to others' perspectives.
• Pragmatic Problem-Solver: Able to dive into details when necessary, with a focus on practical solutions that improve operations and address challenges.
• Team-Oriented: Collaborative leader who values input from team members and fosters a culture of mutual respect and support.
• Resilient: Maintains a positive attitude and composure in the face of challenges, setting an example for others to follow.
• Customer-Centric: Strong focus on enhancing the guest experience, understanding that satisfied customers are key to success.
• Financially Savvy: Solid understanding of financial metrics and the ability to manage budgets effectively.
• Adaptable: Comfortable with change and able to adjust strategies and tactics as necessary to meet evolving business needs.
• Servant Leadership: Demonstrates humility, authenticity, and a hands-on approach; able to attract, develop, and inspire top talent while fostering diversity and inclusion
• Strategic & Operational Acumen: Skilled in driving business performance through operational efficiencies, setting clear goals, and aligning teams to achieve organizational objectives
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Expertise: Brings strong business acumen, critical thinking, and creativity to navigate complex challenges and deliver innovative solutions.
• Collaborative & Transparent: Builds trust through open communication, intellectual honesty, and partnership; thrives in fast-paced environments and under pressure
• Hospitality Passion & Cultural Connection: Deep appreciation for authentic guest experiences, outdoor orientation, and creating a positive, high-performing team culture

• You'll be working in an iconic, unforgettable, and inspiring location. Regardless of what your role is with us; you'll really get the chance to explore and see amazing scenery and wildlife in and around Glacier National Park.
• You'll be meeting team members from across the globe and get to participate in tons of team events.
• You'll spend your days in and around our amazing properties.
• Our home is filled with trees, lakes, and blue-bird skies; rather than buildings, freeways, and smog.
• You need to be prepared for a physical working environment with walking, stair climbing, bending, reaching, lifting (up to 50 pounds with assistance) as required
• We work as a team and believe that we succeed together - these job duties may change based on the needs of the team and the company as a whole.

About Us:
We're more than a hospitality and attractions company. We connect people to iconic places through unforgettable and inspiring experiences; Our team members included.
Thoughtfully united by their unique power to inspire and invigorate, our collection of hotels and lodges, recreational attractions, ground transportation services, retail, food and beverage, sightseeing, tours, and travel products are tied together by iconic, destination-worthy locations in Alaska, Montana, the Canadian Rockies, Reykjavík and Costa Rica.
Pursuit is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PRSU. As a member of the S&P SmallCap 600 index, we specialize in attractions-led hospitality, consistently generating revenue and delivering value to our shareholders.
What will your work environment be like?
At Pursuit, our locations are more than just a place to work - it's a space where you can bring your whole self, collaborate with talented teams across departments, and build lasting friendships. We believe in fostering an environment where work and play coexist, so whether you're tackling projects or enjoying our many perks, you'll feel supported and valued. With a variety of great benefits, we're committed to ensuring that your time with us is as fulfilling as it is fun.
Our team shares a passion for adventure and an authentic desire to play host to the world. We are united by our connection to the people and places we're lucky to call home. Our workforce is diverse. Our team members come here to embrace the extraordinary. To watch the sunrise and set each day in a place that, for many people, exists only in their imagination. To build career experience beside seasoned professionals a community of people who say 'yes' to adventure time and time again. To be a part of the #PursuitLife and live each day with purpose, turning moments into memories
PURSUIT PERKS

• Join an inclusive, global team and make life-long connections
• Enjoy free access to Pursuit attractions and 50% off for friends
• Get discounts on hotel stays, dining, and retail
• Access subsidized mental health and wellness resources

Equal Employment Opportunities Information
Pursuit is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics. Pursuit places a high value on diverse backgrounds and experiences, recognizing that they serve as catalysts for creativity and innovation. We encourage individuals who are eligible to work in the country where the role is located to apply and join our inclusive team! We are working to eliminate barriers for applicants and team members from equity-deserving groups. If you can't apply online or need accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact our Talent & Acquisition Team at ta@pursuitcollection.com.
We thank all candidates for their interest; however, please note that only applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted directly.