Backroads Utah

Excited to grow your career? We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help one of our associates grow professionally before recruiting new talent to our open positions. If you think the open position you see is right for you, we encourage you to apply! Our people make all the difference in our success.

Important Information:

Reports to: Mike Weed, Director of LD - NOAM

Location: Preferred location is Salt Lake City Hub, followed by Pernes les Fontaines. This is an office-based role.

Length of Season: Full time, Year round

About the role:

The TPS Program Manger reports to Mike Weed, Director of LD NOAM and serves as the strategic owner for the TPS program. This role is responsible for setting program direction, aligning regional execution, strengthening performance management, and ensuring the program scales consistently with the broader Leader Development & Field Staff strategy. This is an incredible opportunity for a motivated and experienced individual to take their career to the next level and make a meaningful impact within our Global Hubs.

What you’ll be doing:

• Key areas of responsibility include program strategy and operations, talent and performance management, training and resources, stakeholder partnership, and systems and continuous improvement.
• Set the overall TPS program strategy and lead execution, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the TPS subject-matter expert and primary People and Culture partner for contracts, pay rates, and compensation structures.
• Design and maintain the TPS program structure, workflows, staffing model, seasonal priorities, mentorship approach, and required deliverables.
• Oversee TPS performance expectations, monitor program and individual results, coach mentors and TPS staff, and coordinate action plans for escalated or low-performance cases.
• Drive program consistency and scalability across regions and hubs.
• Oversee the TPS hiring process and hiring materials in partnership with Mike Weed/Director of LD NOAM and relevant LD stakeholders.
• Suggest and implement changes to TPS hiring website & candidate process
• Oversee the design and alignment of the TPS training experience and content across new-TPS training and BLUE
• Analyze performance trends and field feedback to identify, prioritize, and implement improvements to the TPS program.
• Oversee TPS systems, tools, performance tracking, and program infrastructure to ensure reliable reporting and efficient program operations.
• Respond to escalated performance concerns and low-performance cases
• Maintain all TPS resources—including the handbook, workflow resources, quick guides, and training materials—and lead an annual review to ensure accuracy, consistency, and relevance.
• Lead the TPS Mentor Program, including mentor hiring, onboarding, training, staffing, meeting content, and performance management.
• Own and approve TPS Mentor Meeting agendas and content.
• Partner with Field Lead and Field Expert Program stakeholders to align regional execution with TPS program goals, standards, and expectations.
• Provide program leadership at all TPS training sessions by setting direction, aligning facilitators and stakeholders, and addressing performance needs.
• Lead the end-of-season TPS PCL process, ensuring that required inputs, reviews, and follow-up actions are completed.
• Partner with LD/Scheduling Analyst to determine TPS hiring & staffing needs on an annual basis.

What you’ll need to be successful:

• Prior experience as a Field Staff and H&T Mentor strongly preferred
• Deep understanding of the TPS role, Mentor structure, and Training lifecycle.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to motivate, coach, develop, and provide constructive feedback to team members while leading by example.
• Ability to coach others, navigate performance conversations, and support individual and team development.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and cross-functional communication skills, with the ability to build productive partnerships and effectively collaborate with stakeholders at all levels and across diverse backgrounds.
• Business acumen and sound judgment, with the ability to balance team needs, operational priorities, and organizational objectives.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret and communicate data.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with the ability to quickly adjust to changing priorities and circumstances.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and helping others succeed through mentorship and development.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with Backroads systems.

Eligibility, compensation, & benefits:

Compensation is determined according to the candidate's experience and qualifications. Pay rates may differ depending on work location. This position is open to US Citizens or those with work authorization in France.

I can't imagine a better way to travel the world than under your own power and in the company of like-minded adventurers. Sure, Backroads provides superb accommodations and meals, amazing Trip Leaders and unforgettable local encounters. But whether you're sticking with the group or breaking off on your own, all of our planning and support are ultimately aimed at one simple thing: giving you the flexibility you need to discover the world on your own terms.

Tom Hale, Founder & President