Location: Niseko

Contract Term and Period: Seasonal / Full Time

Period: November 22nd 2023 – April 24th 2024

The Snowsports Manager will report to the Rides Director

Key responsibilities;

  • Training Program, design, coordination & delivery
  • Coordination and oversight of the Guide Program
  • 2 Days per week – Responsible for privates lesson operations

Positions that report to the Snowsports Manager include

  • Snowsports Trainers
  • Resort & Backcountry Guides
  • Guide Safety Officers
  • Guide Sales & Rental Specialist

Program Responsibilities include

  • In House Training Program
  • Backcountry & Resort Guiding

About Us

Our mission is to connect people with perfectly suited products and services every day, so they can live their ultimate mountain experience. Rhythm’s aim is to provide customers with the best possible equipment and service. We offer gear that’s perfect for everyone from beginner to expert riders, backcountry explorers, those who prefer the groomed runs, and even those who don’t intend on hitting the lifts at all. Each and every staff member at Rhythm has a love for snow and all that Japan’s winter months have to offer. They are all friendly experts who want to share their knowledge and extreme level of happiness with their customers.

The Role  

As a member of our snowsports management team your primary responsibility will be to oversee and manage all aspects of our snowsports operations, ensuring exceptional customer experiences, efficient operations and a high level of safety.  You will work as a team of three snowsports managers across our product range. However; your role will also have two primary ares of responsibility.

Training Manager

You will be responsible for designing and implementing the seasonal training plans, coordinating training schedules, and evaluating the performance of instructors to ensure the highest standards of instruction and safety.

Guide Program Coordinator

Oversee and manage all aspects of our backcountry guide program. You will be responsible for coordinating guide schedules, liaising with the Guide Safety Officers to develop trip plans & ensure the safety management plan/procedures are followed. Managing the sales/rental tech teams to optimize sales & coordinate guest gear fit out.

Key Responsibilities

Training Program Development and Implementation:

  • Develop comprehensive training programs for snowsports instructors, encompassing both technical skills and teaching methodologies.
  • Create training plans that align with industry standards, certifications, and best practices.
  • Design training materials, lesson plans, and evaluation tools to support the training programs.

 

Instructor Mentoring

  • Provide constructive feedback and guidance to instructors, identifying areas for improvement and recommending development opportunities.
  • Provide ongoing mentorship and support to instructors

Training Program Coordination:

  • Establish training schedules and coordinate the logistics of training sessions, Communicate training schedules and program updates to the team ensuring their attendance and participation.
  • Facilitate training sessions, workshops, and clinics, providing hands-on instruction, demonstrations, and feedback to instructors.
  • Foster a supportive and collaborative learning environment that encourages professional growth and development.

Training Administration

  • Manage the training budget, including allocation of resources for training materials, equipment, and professional development opportunities.
  • Prepare reports and provide updates on training activities, progress, and outcomes to senior management

 

Guide Coordination and Management:

  • Manage a team of skilled guides in their daily delivery of services.
  • Coordinate guide schedules to balancing guide work preferences with sales opportunities.
  • Assign guides to specific trips based on their expertise, experience, and client preferences.
  • Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide feedback to guides to promote professional growth

 

Safety and Risk Management:

  • Ensure the daily safety management plan & procedures are being followed
  • Consult with Guide Safety Officers to assess program eligibility to operate each day and change plans as necessary to ensure client/guide safety
  • Gather feedback from the guide team on changing safety/hazzards and communicate effectively with the team.
  • Schedule & monitor ongoing training with the guide team to ensure best practices.

 

Guide Sales & Guest BC Rental

  • Supervise & lead the Guide Sales & BC rental specialist team to ensure all daily tasks are completed, sales opportunties are maximised & rental equipment is maintained and fitted to the highest standard
  • Collaborate with the lead guides & Guide sales team to design the best trip plan which matches guests goals, preferences, skill level.
  • Ensure high-quality customer service, promptly addressing client concerns and resolving issues.

 

Program Administration .

  • Prepare reports and provide updates on program activities, performance, and outcomes to senior management.
  • Manage program logistics, including passes, transportation, and equipment inventory.
  • Managing payroll entries and approvals for all guide products

 

What you’ll need to succeed

  • Extensive experience as a snowsports instructor, with a strong background in teaching and training methodologies.
  • A passion for training & personal development & experience delivering training programs for snowsports instructors
  • Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire instructors to excel in their roles.
  • Familiarity with industry certifications and the ability to guide instructors in obtaining and maintaining relevant certifications.
  • Detail-oriented mindset with strong organizational and administrative skills.
  • A passion for and understanding of backcountry travel, terrain & safety practices
  • In-depth knowledge of snowsports techniques, safety practices, and industry standards.
  • Ability to make informed decisions under pressure and in dynamic situations.
  • Proficient in using technology tools and software for program management and documentation.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Experience delivering staff training
  • Minimum Ski or Snowboard level 3 or equivalent from a recognised ISIA member*
  • International Driver’s licence or Japanese Licence
  • AST Level 2 Avalanche Certification

Desired Qualifications

  • Trainer/Examiner qualification or current contract
  • Advanced First Aid – 40 hour or equivalent
  • Prior experience in Niseko & knowledge of its surrounding areas

 

The Perks and Benefits

As a Rhythm employee you will be shown the same hospitality that we give all our team. We love to look after our crew and these are just a few additional benefits you will enjoy working with us:

  • The opportunity to live and work and play in one of the world’s snowiest ski resorts
  • Work for one of the best companies in the industry who know what is means to have fun and truly love what we do
  • Competitive pay rates, employee bonus program and a subsidized lift pass
  • A variety of shift patterns to get you out exploring the hill
  • Subsidized staff accommodation and housing assistance
  • Team social activities, staff parties and events, team ride days, resort trips, department dinners and much more
  • Access to other great benefits such as the Rhythm Wellness program, free ski and snowboard demo, epic store discounts for you and your friends and family

We work hard but play harder and if you know anyone that has worked for us before you will know this is not just a list of benefits but an experience of a lifetime that is born from the fun culture we have. We put people first in everything we do, because people like you make Rhythm.

Next Steps:

If you possess the necessary skills, flair, and stoke (enthusiasm) to share, Rhythm encourages you to apply below. If you align with the company’s core values and desire an unforgettable winter experience, we eagerly await your application.

Please note that this response is based on the information provided in the agenda and the provided text about Rhythm. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.

 

More info HERE.