Job Description
Job Description
Our mission is to create the Experience of a Lifetime for our employees, so they can, in turn, create the Experience of a Lifetime for our guests. We own and operate the most renowned destination resorts in the world as well as regional and local ski areas outside major cities, and connect them all through one unrivaled network. We are looking for ambitious leaders, innovators and creators to join our talented team. If you’re ready to pursue your fullest potential, we want to get to know you!
Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).
Job Summary:
As a Senior Director of Store Operations, you are the catalyst in developing extraordinary leaders, creating unforgettable experiences for our guests and employees, and driving growth across a multi-unit portfolio of Vail Resorts Retail stores across 16 mountains and other key locations across two countries. In this dynamic leadership role, you drive culture, strategy implementation and high levels of accountability, ensuring operational excellence across locations. You are an executive presence and able to report, analyze, synthesize, and report on complex and anecdotal data to help drive decision making for the retail division. Co-leading over 2,500 team members, this Senior Director will partner in overseeing the success of nearly 250 business units and hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. You set the tone and expectations for our valued team members and are champions for the employee and guest experience. You are a leader of leaders - bold, driven, people-focused, and passionate about delivering results in for some of the largest and most well-known ski resorts in the world. Your responsibilities will also include internal and external stakeholder management, interacting with most senior leaders within mountain operations, and liaising with external partners within the most well-known brands in the outdoor industry, including Patagonia, The North Face, Oakley, and Burton.
Job Specifications:
- Starting Wage: $135,000 - $173,000 + annual bonus + equity
- Employment Type: Year Round
- Shift Type: Full Time hours available
- Housing Availability: No
Job Responsibilities:
- Proactive member of the Senior Operations Leadership Team engaged in leading, directing and managing shared Company initiatives, planning, and reporting. Strong peer support and ability to navigate close working relationships needed.
- Manage a division of the Store Operations team, over ~250 locations, and provide leadership by creating a collaborative, innovative and results-oriented environment across regions to ensure successful execution of goals.
- Demonstrated ability to work optimally within a team and be assertive in driving successful management strategies while promoting high performance standards across the team.
- Review financial and operational performance and recommend business shifts supported by action plans to drive sales, optimize expenses (i.e. payroll) and improve bottom-line performance to achieve Company goals, financial responsibility, and influence.
- Analyze business through key metrics and benchmarks while leading continuous improvement. Work collaboratively with field organization in the assessment of store performance.
- Drive and execute strategies related to stores’ sales and profitability plans to meet or exceed sales revenue budget. Build and manage annual operating budget and capital improvement (long- and short-term) budgets.
- Build constructive and effective relationships with cross-functional business partners (ex. Mountain Senior Leadership Teams, Merchants, Finance, Marketing, IT, HR, Health & Safety) to define, develop, and execute merchandising, marketing, and operational strategies that drive market share and growth; as well as improve store efficiency and customer experience.
- Responsible for recruiting and maintaining a fully staffed retail & rental field organization; as well as the on-going training and development of all direct reports. Develops and maintains a succession planning strategy in line with the organization’s talent philosophy.
- Develop and deliver change management mentorship and training to achieve organizational process integration and sustainability.
- Collaborate on the development of the strategic roadmap and define long-term sustainable capabilities to drive proactive customer-centric processes.
- Involved in comprehensive real estate strategy collaborating with peers in Retail Operations to optimize the business results and business strategy.
- Ability to develop, influence and effectively align points of view to diverse audiences of all levels.
- Other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree and/or a minimum of 15+ years of multi-unit leadership experience with growing levels of responsibility.
- Ability to read, interpret, and initiate action against financial reports.
- Outstanding track record for building a driven organization in a growth-oriented company.
- Inspirational leader with the ability to form effective internal and external business partnerships that influence the business.
- Ability to think strategically, understand sophisticated business challenges and formulate effective solutions designed to improve results.
- Experience setting a shared vision and direction and building the excitement needed to influence a wide variety of stakeholders.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to achieve desired results in a fast-paced, highly competitive, multi-tasking environment.
- Possess strong organizational, problem-solving, communication, negotiation, and resolution skills.
The expected Total Compensation for this role is $135,000 - $173,000 + annual bonus + equity. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.
Job Benefits
- Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
- MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Excellent training and professional development
Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:
- Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
- Free ski passes for dependents
- Critical Illness and Accident plans
Employees can work remotely from British Columbia, Washington D.C., and the 16 U.S. states* in which we currently operate. This includes: California, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Washington State, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Please note that the ability to work in person or off-site, and the particulars related to such work, are subject to change at any time; and, accordingly, the Company reserves the right to change its policies and/or require in-person/in-office work or off-site work at any time in its sole discretion.
In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.
Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.
Requisition ID 509660
Reference Date: 07/09/2025
Job Code Function: Store Operations