Position:
Manager, Recreation
Vacancies:
1
Job Type:
Permanent, Full-Time
Department:
Leisure Services
Reports to:
Director, Community Services
Grid Line:
OOS-5
Work Location:
Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex
Job Posting Date:
October 13, 2026
Job Closing Date:
Posting will remain open until filled
General Accountability:
The Manager, Recreation provides management, planning, direction, and operational oversight of the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex (arenas, field house, and concession). This position requires a strong and creative leader with expertise in recreation programming, facility operations, and customer service delivery. The incumbent works with a high degree of independence in an environment that requires ongoing initiative and proactive leadership to ensure that recreation offerings (facilities and programs) and customer service experiences are accessible. responsive and aligned to community needs.
Duties:
Cultivates and leads a positive culture and respectful work environment which aligns to the organizational values and workplace culture
Develops short and long-range strategies and direction for the division that aligns with the Town’s strategic vision
Provides leadership, coaching, and guidance to the recreation teams (Community Outreach, Adult and Child Programs, User Groups, Customer Service and Facilities)
Hires, trains, and supervises the recreation, program and facility staff
Establishes and sets employee performance expectations for the division, and provides mentorship and direction to keep the team motivated, focused and encouraged to identify innovative approaches to enhance and continuously improve performance and service delivery
Instills cooperative and collaborative teamwork as the leader of a diverse recreation group
Establishes and implements the service delivery model for the division ensuring excellent customer service
Monitors customer feedback and satisfaction levels, identifying opportunities to enhance service delivery and improve the overall customer experience
Responds to and resolves complex customer concerns and escalated service issues in a professional and timely manner
Develops and maintains effective working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
Coordinates closely with the Manager, Aquatics to support integrated recreation service delivery and facility operations
Liaises with community groups, user groups, boards, agencies and industry partners to foster positive relationships and advance recreation activities
Monitors industry and community trends and develops strategic recommendations to address emerging needs and opportunities
Develops and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Establishes, monitors, and evaluates operational performance measures for recreation facilities and programs, including participation levels, facility utilization rates, revenues, customer satisfaction, service levels, and other key performance indicators. Uses data, trends, and customer feedback to support decision-making, identify improvement opportunities, and recommend operational changes
Coordinates and directs the preparation of long-range operational and capital budgets and business plans for the division. Monitors and analyzes revenues, expenditures, cost recovery targets, and operational performance, identifying opportunities to improve financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and service delivery. Develops financial forecasts and recommends adjustments to fees, charges, programs, and facility utilization strategies as required
Provides strategic and operational oversight for recreation facilities, programs, customer service operations, and associated services
Ensures the development, implementation and administration of bylaws, policies, procedures, and standards, for effective and efficient operation and maintenance
Maintains accurate operational records, reports, and statistics as required by the Town and regulatory authorities
Oversees facility operations to ensure buildings, amenities, and services are safe, accessible, well-maintained, and responsive to community needs
Coordinates the development and administration of operating budgets, capital budgets, business plans, and long-term financial strategies for the division
Monitors and analyzes revenues, expenditures, cost recovery targets, and operational performance to support sound financial management and sustainability
Develops financial forecasts and identifies opportunities to improve revenue generation, cost recovery, operational efficiency, and service delivery
Recommends and implements strategies related to fees, charges, facility utilization, programs, and services to optimize performance and community benefit
Establishes, monitors, and evaluates key performance indicators for recreation facilities and programs, including participation levels, facility utilization, revenues, customer satisfaction, service levels, and operational effectiveness
Uses operational data, trends, and customer feedback to measure performance, identify improvement opportunities, and recommend changes to programs, services, and operations.
Supports evidence-based decision-making through the analysis and reporting of operational and financial performance
Keeps current on applicable federal, provincial, and municipal legislation, regulations, and industry standards related to recreation services and facilities
Ensures compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations, policies, standards, and operating requirements
Oversees facility-specific risk management programs and mitigation strategies to protect employees, patrons, assets, and operations
Supports incident investigations and ensures appropriate emergency response procedures, operational controls, and regulatory requirements are implemented and maintained
Provides professional advice, recommendations, reports and presentations to Council, senior leadership boards, committees, community organizations and the public)
Participation in Council, committee and board meetings as required
Contributes as a member of the Town's leadership team by supporting corporate initiatives, strategic priorities, and organizational change
Keeps current on all federal, provincial, and municipal legislation and regulations pertaining to Recreation to ensure the Town’s services are in adherence. Ensures all applicable laws and regulations applying to the provision of service are always followed
Oversees facility-specific risk management programs and ensures recreation facilities operate in compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, industry standards, and Town policies. Identifies operational risks, develops mitigation strategies, supports incident investigations, and ensures appropriate emergency response procedures are established, maintained, and communicated
Champions and actively promotes the Town’s Health and Safety program and supports the development of a respectful, healthy, and safe work environment
Ensures employee and user safety through the implementation of appropriate policies, procedures, training and safe operating practices
Participates in the Town’s Emergency Management Program, including activation of the Emergency Operations Centre
Leads the response and recovery efforts related to facility-specific emergencies and operational disruptions, including utility outages, flooding, equipment failures, refrigeration system issues, facility closures, and other incidents that may impact service delivery. Develops and maintains business continuity and contingency plans to minimize disruptions and ensure continuity of operations
Demonstrated experience overseeing the operational and financial performance of recreation facilities, including revenue generation, cost recovery, performance measurement, risk management, and service delivery optimization
Qualifications:
Post-secondary education in Recreation, Physical Education, Business Administration, Hospitality, Public Relations, or similar fields
Ten years of progressively responsible work experience in a related field
Experience working within the recreation industry and/or facility management
Five years’ managerial experience preference will be given to candidates with previous public sector experience
Experience in change management, adept at navigating fluid priorities and dynamic activities
Proven experience in team building, leadership, and supervision with a commitment for continuous improvement
Experience with community liaison, partnership, and sponsorship development
Experience with operational and capital budget development and implementation
Knowledge of pool operations and arenas is an asset
Strong customer service relationship skills
Proven business administration skills related to financial management, leadership, project planning, and strategic thinking and analysis
Tact, diplomacy with strong political and professional acumen
Excellent customer service skills with the ability to handle complaints, provide appropriate solutions and alternatives within the time limits, and follow up to ensure resolution
Ability to remain calm under difficult and stressful circumstances
Excellent time management with the ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines
Demonstrated expertise in effectively leading and managing a diverse team ranging from seasoned staff to newcomers taking on their first role
Proven verbal and written communication skills to influence decision makers and manages complex staff issues and customer complaints
Strong presentation skills
Technological proficiency (including a minimum intermediate skill level with MS Office)
Ability and willingness to work irregular hours, including in the evening and on the weekends on a regular and frequent basis