Position: Business Operations Manager
Reports to: President, Niagara River Lions
Location: Thorold, Ontario
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time, Salary + Bonus
Overview:
The Business Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operational functions of the team, with a specific focus on community relations, partnership fulfillment, event management, retail and merchandise, game day operations, and administrative support. This role is integral in ensuring that all aspects of the team’s operations run smoothly and efficiently, both on and off the court. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in sports operations, excellent organizational skills, and a passion for sports and community engagement. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with cross-functional teams to create exceptional fan experiences, activate sponsorships, and manage high-profile events.
Key Responsibilities:
Community Relations:
- Develop and execute community engagement strategies to build and strengthen the team’s relationship with local communities, fans, and partners.
- Coordinate community outreach programs, including youth basketball clinics, charity events, school visits, and other initiatives that promote the team’s brand and values.
- Manage player appearances and community events, ensuring that the team’s outreach efforts align with community goals.
- Cultivate relationships with local organizations, youth basketball organizations, schools, and community leaders to enhance the team’s visibility and impact in the local market.
- Track and report on community engagement activities and their outcomes, ensuring they align with the team’s broader corporate social responsibility goals.
Partnership Fulfillment:
- Lead the execution and fulfillment of all partnership agreements, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of all contractual obligations.
- Track and report on partnership deliverables to ensure partner satisfaction and long-term renewals.
- Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams to deliver integrated sponsorship opportunities that meet partner expectations and deliver measurable results.
- Ensure timely communication with sponsors regarding upcoming events, changes, or new opportunities.
Game-Day and Event Operations:
- Oversee all game-day operations to ensure a smooth and engaging experience for fans, sponsors, and partners.
- Manage logistics including but not limited to set up and tear down, fan experience, volunteers, game day staff and contractors, VIP experiences, merchandise and sponsorship fulfillment.
- Ensure compliance with league and operational standards.
- Act as the liaison with the game venue before, during and after each game
- Plan and execute other business and community events including but not limited to, season ticket holder events, Dunkin’s kids club events and partner appreciation events.
- Oversee event staffing, ensuring that volunteers, employees, and partners are trained, aligned, and prepared for event day responsibilities.
Retail and Merchandise:
- Oversee the design, selection, and ordering of team and retail merchandise, ensuring alignment with brand standards.
- Manage inventory control, including forecasting demand, tracking stock levels, and coordinating with suppliers to maintain sufficient inventory.
- Collaborate with marketing to develop merchandise strategies that drive fan engagement and boost sales, both online and in physical retail locations.
- Train staff on point-of-sale equipment and ensure compliance
- Approve and track complimentary merchandise given out
Administrative & Other Duties:
- Manage and track operational budgets for community programs, events, retail operations, and partnership activations.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and ensure efficient allocation of resources to maximize profitability
- Prepare and maintain detailed reports on operations, event performance, and partnership fulfillment.
- Identify areas for process improvement and implement changes to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve quality.
- Assist with scheduling and coordinating internal meetings, external partner communications, and other operational activities.
- Help manage contracts and agreements related to events, sponsorships, merchandise, and community programs.
- Maintain organized records for operational processes, vendor contracts, and other documentation.
- Provide administrative support to the President and other departments as needed.
- Other duties as reasonably assigned
Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, Event Planning, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
Experience:
- Experience in sports operations, event management, community relations, or related fields, preferably within a professional sports organization or entertainment venue.
- Experience in retail and merchandise management, including inventory control and sales analysis.
- Understanding of sponsorship activation and partnership fulfillment.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams and managing relationships with external vendors, sponsors, and community leaders.
Skills & Abilities:
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, with a focus on detail and customer service.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Passion for sports, community engagement, and creating memorable experiences for fans.
Physical Demands:
- Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required for events and game-day responsibilities.
- Ability to stand for extended periods during events and manage on-site logistics during high-energy activities.
Applicants can forward their resume and to jobs@riverlions.ca with the subject line, “Business Operations Manager” We thank all applicants, however only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.
The NBG is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and supported, and the opportunity to reach their full potential.