Adventure & Experiences Manager
Rate of Pay: Salary
THIS JOB IS LOCATED IN KANANASKIS, AB. SUBSIDIZED STAFF HOUSING IS AVAILABLE.
Experience the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge here: https://vimeo.com/261927699
Start a new Adventure while working for an Autograph by Marriott resort located in the heart of the iconic Canadian Rockies! The Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is surrounded by untouched beauty and rugged mountain peaks, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those seeking a culture that offers a work-hard, play-hard mantra, an empowering workplace, industry-best perks and benefits, and amazing development opportunities for those looking to grow a career. Join the Marriott family today!
THE RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Adventure & Experiences Manager is responsible for leading the evolution of our resort’s activity programming, building unique, resort-defining experiences that add strong value to the resort, with consideration for commercial impact, and reflecting the identity of Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge while embracing the spirit of the Canadian Rockies. This includes making sure our guests (of all ages) are introduced to adventure in Kananaskis, recognizing that adventure is different for everyone.
The manager will oversee monthly activity programming, special occasion programming (Christmas, Family Day, etc.), and develop special events to encourage visitation to K-Country. This is a people leadership role, managing a small team, with a strategic component to develop and plan activities at the property that grow revenue and enhance the resort’s reputation.
Reporting to the Director of Rooms, this is an on-site role with presence required on evenings and weekends depending on the season and business needs.
Reporting to the Director of Rooms, the primary responsibilities are:
- Lead the Guest Activities & Pool teams to deliver a fully immersive resort experience while staying in Kananaskis.
- Lead, train, develop, and schedule the Guest Activities and Pool teams, overseeing staffing levels and operational procedures.
- Oversee the Guest Activities and Pool teams ensuring adequate staffing and the effective execution of all operational procedures.
- Prepare and deliver value-added activities, such as nature walks, crafts, games, guided hikes, and curated experiences.
- Organize and execute all guest recreational activities, including program and process development, purchasing of supplies, Banquet Event Orders, and revenue/expense accountability.
- Coordinate all necessary permits for guided activities and special events with Alberta Parks, ensuring programs are properly licensed and comply with regulatory requirements and the resort’s business license.
- Design and deliver innovative activity programming, including signature experiences for the Black Diamond Club and resort-level activations such as nature-inspired engagements, creative workshops, and curated family offerings that enhance the guest journey.
- Oversee the smooth operation of indoor and outdoor recreation facilities (pool, hot tub and water park, lockers, game room, and fitness center), ensuring they are well-maintained, safe, and welcoming.
- Maximize revenues and control costs, assisting with tracking revenues and statistics.
- Monitor industry trends to identify and implement innovative product and service opportunities.
- Oversee departmental payroll administration, ensuring accuracy and adherence to internal procedures.
- Develop key partnerships with local and regional partners related to Guest Activities (e.g., Boundary Ranch, Canadian Rockies Rafting).
- Develop an annual activity plan to ensure execution of specialty themed festival weekends and recreational programming, including Easter, Family Day, Christmas, Seniors’ events, Labor Day, and Victoria Day celebrations.
- Effectively communicate with all hotel departments, participating in hotel-wide meetings and committees as required.
- Oversee and sustain current children’s programs, childcare services, and babysitting partnerships, introducing improvements or developments where needed.
- Manage by walking around: inspect all Guest Activities and pool areas, ensuring they are well-maintained, clean, safe, and fully prepared for daily operation, including overseeing the upkeep of the Children’s Creative Centre.
- Develop strong partnerships with Sales, Events, and Marketing teams to support promotion of activity programming, review promotional content, and ensure accurate communication through online channels and printed collateral.
- Collaborate with departments across the property to deliver guest programming experience, especially Food & Beverage, Rooms, and Sales & Marketing.
- Host pre-event communication meetings to ensure all department heads are knowledgeable about special events and long weekends, ensuring seamless execution.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIRMENTS
- Strong team player with proven leadership and exceptional communication skills.
- Highly energetic, warm, engaging, and self-motivated.
- Minimum of 3 years in people leadership roles with experience coaching and developing employees.
- Previous experience in successful event planning, programming, and execution.
- Able to work evenings, weekends, and be onsite during critical periods, including holidays.
- Valid CPR/First Aid certification.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to plan, track, and follow up on special events and activities.
- University degree or college diploma in Recreation, Entertainment, or Education, or 2 years of equivalent experience preferred.
- Displays enthusiasm and positivity in crafting engaging, adventure-driven activities for guests, including families and children.
- Self-driven, results-focused, and resilient under high-pressure situations.
- Detail-oriented with the ability to make sound, strategic decisions.
- Able to acquire and apply deep understanding of guest demand and market trends in the Kananaskis region and the Canadian Rockies.
- Proficient in general computer applications (Microsoft Office), as well as modern digital tools such as Canva and AI solutions to support design, planning, and program execution.
- Comfortable analyzing financial performance metrics and capable of developing systems to monitor ROI and participation levels.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 6–8 hours per shift) during events and outdoor activities.
- Ability to lift, carry, or move items such as activity equipment, materials and supplies.
- Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and perform light physical tasks when setting up or tearing down activities.
Amazing Perks:
- Personal days: 5 per year after 90 days of continued full-time employment
- Food and Beverage discounts at ALL 6 of our dining outlets
- Growth and development opportunities, both personal and professional
- Onsite newly renovated staff accommodations which include an employee gym
- One meal per day in our employee cafeteria (taxable benefit)
- Discounts on activities offered through our Activities Committee: Skydiving, Yoga, rafting, to name a few
- Health and Wellness benefits (some restrictions may apply)
- Vacation is accrued starting on your first day of work
- Marriott Destinations membership providing you with discounted room rates and food and beverage discounts at any of Marriott’s chain of hotels
- Discounted access to our Nordic Spa*
- Discounted Ski Pass and Golf rates*
- Kananaskis Parks Pass
Apply now or visit us to learn more information at www.livetheadventure.ab.ca
Experience the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge here: https://vimeo.com/261927699
*Season Availability, subject to cut off dates.
