Manager, Ice Operations

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:

The Manager, Ice Operations is accountable for the quality, safety, and readiness of the field of play and all ice surfaces at Rogers Place and ICE District, delivering an NHL-standard ice program for Edmonton Oilers games and a smooth transition to and from concerts and other events. The Manager leads the Supervisor, Ice Operations and the Ice Crew and Plaza Ice teams, is a hands-on presence on game days, and works closely with Engineering, Event Operations, and the hockey club to keep the building event-ready.

Your Focus in this Role:

• Game Day Operations:
  • Own the setup and maintenance of the ice surface, including dasher boards, glass, nets, and other field-of-play equipment, ensuring they meet NHL regulations
  • Lead game-day ice operations in person, directing the Supervisor, Ice Operations, Ice Crew, and ice resurfacer operators
  • Ensure all field-of-play equipment is in proper working order before, during, and after events
  • Maintain clear communication with referees, team staff, and league officials regarding any ice-related or safety issues
  • Serve as the Manager on Duty for arena events as scheduled
• Ice Program and Quality:
  • Set and maintain the ice program (ice temperature and thickness targets, resurfacing schedules, edging and painting) and adjust it to event schedule, weather, and building load
  • Monitor ice quality through regular testing and logs, and act on feedback from players, team staff, and the NHL
  • Work with Engineering to align refrigeration plant and building HVAC/dehumidification settings with ice requirements
• Compliance and Safety:
  • Ensure compliance with NHL safety standards, regulations, and operational protocols
  • Monitor the field of play during games and events to address safety concerns or unexpected incidents
  • Respond promptly to emergencies, such as broken glass, debris, or ice repairs, minimizing game disruptions
  • Ensure adherence to all applicable safety codes as well as compliance with hazardous materials standards, codes, licenses, recordkeeping, and permits. Safe. Clean. Tidy
  • Maintain the technical library, records, and files for Ice Operations
• Coordination and Communication:
  • Serve as the primary operational contact between Ice Operations, game-day staff, and NHL officials
  • Communicate with broadcast and production teams to ensure alignment on timing and event flow
  • Coordinate with event management and arena security to ensure player, staff, and spectator safety
  • Participate in Facility Operations planning and decision-making, promoting a positive and collaborative environment within the department
  • Provide input to the VP & General Manager, Rogers Place on the scope and renewal of Ice Operations service agreements
  • Manage day-to-day performance of third-party service providers against the scope of their signed service agreements
• Staff Leadership and Training:
  • Recruit, train, and lead the Supervisor, Ice Operations, Ice Crew, and Plaza Ice Technicians
  • Develop and deliver training (including ice resurfacer and equipment operation) so the team is safe, knowledgeable, and efficient
  • Conduct pre-event briefings and post-event debriefs to maintain high performance and identify areas for improvement
  • Approve staffing schedules prepared by the Supervisor, Ice Operations and manage labour cost against budget
• Maintenance and Planning:
  • Lead off-season ice work, including ice removal, installation, painting, and logo placement
  • Plan ice-to-floor and floor-to-ice changeovers for concerts and multi-purpose events, ensuring a smooth transition between setups
  • Oversee inventory of ice maintenance equipment and field-of-play materials, coordinating repairs or replacements as needed
  • Maintain standard operating procedures and preventative maintenance programs for ice resurfacing equipment and field-of-play assets that conform to manufacturer’s recommendations, and keep the Computerized Maintenance Management System current
  • Prepare and manage the Ice Operations operating budget, including forecasting and ongoing expense monitoring, within targets set by the VP & General Manager, Rogers Place
  • Provide input to the rolling 5-year Capital Budget and the Major Maintenance and Modernization Plan for field-of-play and ice equipment
• Other duties as assigned.

PEOPLE LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Set appropriate context and prescribed limits for direct reports:
  • Organization framework (e.g. vision, goals, values)
  • Business plans and work plans (e.g. operational and resource plans)
  • Organization limits (e.g. legal, fiscal, and policy limits)
  • Manager’s personal limits (e.g. hear bad news early and directly, not from others).
• Ensure the application of OEG’s safety practices, policies and procedures by all direct and indirect reports.
• Specify the outputs or results expected (e.g. work quantity, quality, and timelines). This includes both current work and improving work processes and methods.
• Provide inputs and/or resources required, e.g. people (time & expertise), money (operating budget), and technology, and connect them to results expected.
• Delegate appropriate authority to direct reports to do required work.
• Be accountable for the output/results of direct reports.
• Support direct reports in using judgement and initiative in doing work.
• Provide feedback and coach direct reports to improve their effectiveness; invoke performance improvement plans, if necessary, in conjunction with Human Resources.
• Assess personal effectiveness of direct reports and recommend merit increases.
• Develop talent – provide appropriate development opportunities to direct reports, including building the Supervisor, Ice Operations as a capable back-up for the Manager role.
• Directly manages the Supervisor, Ice Operations and, through that role, the part-time Ice Crew and Plaza Ice Technicians.
• Lead and support a diverse team, including contractors, in the day-to-day operation of the field of play, ice surface, and outdoor/plaza ice in a multi-purpose facility.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with OEG’s policies and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance, rewarding, and disciplining employees in conjunction with Human Resources; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Who You Are:

• You’re a positive person with a customer-centric focus
• You’re a self-starter that is excited by autonomy and has a relentless drive to exceed expectations
• You’re open-minded and don’t mind adjusting on the fly
• You believe in a team-first mentality and you thrive in a collaborative, egoless environment
• You’re organized, have a keen eye for detail, and incredible time management skills
• You have a talent for building great working relationships at all levels within an organization

Education, Experience and Skills:

• 5+ years of ice or field-of-play operations experience in a professional sports or major multi-purpose venue, including at least 2 years leading staff
• Working knowledge of NHL ice and field-of-play standards and game-day operations
• Hands-on experience operating and maintaining ice resurfacers and edgers
• Functional understanding of ammonia refrigeration and arena HVAC/dehumidification as they affect ice quality
• Experience building schedules, managing labour costs, and working within an operating budget
• Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems and Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of OH&S, fire, and building code requirements applicable to arena operations
• Valid Alberta or Interprovincial Power Engineer certificate (Fifth Class or higher) or ice facility operator certification an asset
• Post-secondary education in facility, recreation, or technical operations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; calm and decisive under pressure
• Must be available for evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call coverage for events and emergencies

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