Background:

Canucks Sports & Entertainment (CSE) is a premier North American live-entertainment company based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The CSE family includes the Vancouver Canucks (NHL), Abbotsford Canucks (AHL), Vancouver Warriors (NLL), Vancouver Titans (Overwatch League), Seattle Surge (Call of Duty League), Rogers Arena, Abbotsford Centre, and more. CSE is proudly governed by the Vancouver-based Aquilini Investment Group.

Established in 1932 as the Quebec Beavers, the Abbotsford Canucks American Hockey League’s (AHL) franchise holds the distinction of being one of the longest-standing professional hockey franchises in history. As a member of the Canucks Sports & Entertainment organization, Abbotsford Canucks represent an extension of the rich history of Canucks brand. The Abbotsford Canucks began play in the 2021-2022 season after the Team relocated to Vancouver from Utica, NY, under the previous name of the Utica Comets.

The Abbotsford Canucks call the Abbotsford Centre home. In partnership with the City of Abbotsford, the 7,000-seat arena plays host to sporting events, conferences, and world-class concerts. In 2023, the Abbotsford Centre underwent major scoreboard and LED ribbon board display renovations, further establishing the arena as a marquee live event venue in Western Canada.

The vision of Canucks Sports & Entertainment (CSE) is TO WIN. CSE challenges themselves to be the best, creating memories and making a lasting difference. Through authentic experiences and unforgettable moments for everyone, including their Team, fans, partners, and community, CSE’s aim to bring everyone together in shared experiences. Their internal culture values unique perspectives, ideas, and creativity that support a diverse, inclusive, respectful, collaborative, and fun work environment. With an unwavering belief in the boundless potential of connection, the Canucks endeavor to collaborate, inspire, spread joy, and foster inclusivity. Together, the Canucks Sports & Entertainment family lives by the values of DREAM - Discipline, Respect, Excellence, Accountability and Mindset.

Situated in the heart of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford is a vibrant city nestled between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Located just an hour from Vancouver,  Abbotsford offers residents the convenience of urban amenities within reach while enjoying the relaxed pace and natural beauty of suburban living. With breathtaking natural landscapes, including lush forests and meandering rivers, Abbotsford residents are offered a harmonious blend of outdoor recreational opportunities and city living, such as trendy boutiques, art galleries, theaters, museums, and swanky cafes. As one of the fastest-growing municipalities in British Columbia, Abbotsford is a hub of economic activity and innovation. It also boasts a rich cultural identity shaped by its diverse population. Abbotsford welcomes you with open arms to experience all it offers.

Links: https://abbotsford.canucks.com/

https://abbotsfordcentre.ca/

Any interested candidates should contact TurnkeyZRG directly.

Contacting Canucks Sports & Entertainment will only delay consideration of your qualifications.

Position Summary: 

The COO manages and oversees all facets of business operations for the Abbotsford AHL club, the Abbotsford Canucks and Abbotsford Centre operations with the primary goal of thriving within the AHL and the Abbotsford community. They will lead all functional areas of the business from tickets sales, corporate partnerships to marketing along with concert and arena operations, and food and beverage operations. They will be a visionary leader for the organization and work closely with internal and external stakeholders across the organization, city, province, and partners, to execute the overall business strategy of the enterprise. This role requires a leader with operational expertise who can bring together a team to grow both the club and event operations commercially and promote the overall brand of AHL hockey in Abbotsford and across the province.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Oversee and provide strategic leadership for AHL hockey and concert events held at the Abbotsford Centre, in Abbotsford, British Columbia, including approximately 36 AHL Team games and 50 concerts/entertainment events each year, as well as maximizing the building with other rental events.

• In collaboration with members of Canucks Sports & Entertainment’s Senior Leadership Team, develop and foster integrated initiatives that promote the ultimate hockey fan and concert goer experience.

• Develop and implement strategies that will maximize the number of events held at Abbotsford Centre for increased revenues.

• Oversee and provide strategic leadership to the Facility team responsible for the effective operation and maintenance of Abbotsford Centre and related equipment.

• Oversee finances and lead the business to continuous profitability.

• Develop and lead execution of external marketing, sponsorship sales, ticket sales, public relations and community relations plans.

• Oversee and provide strategic direction for day-to-day operations, including monitoring and forecasting revenue and expenses.

• Lead and direct all business aspects for both hockey and concert operations in Abbotsford Centre.

• Lead and engage a positive, highly driven team with a vision to win in all they do.

• Demonstrate and foster the organizations DREAM values of Discipline, Respect, Excellence, Attitude and Mindset.

• Implement, grow, and foster a sales-driven, entrepreneurial, hard-working culture.

• Represent the Club at a multitude of community events as the “face” of the Club.

Required Qualifications:

• Post-secondary university education in a related field of study with a minimum of 8-10 years’ of directly related experience.

• Experience creating strategic directions for businesses, including the development of tactical details in a wide range of operations such as marketing, ticket and sponsorship sales, hospitality, live entertainment, community, and venue operations, while maintaining a clear view of the big picture.

• Entrepreneurial, highly driven leader with deep professional sports ticket, sponsorship, and live entertainment sales experience.

• Consistently demonstrates and lives by our corporate values of Discipline, Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Mindset (DREAM).

• Experience with creating successful initiatives that focus on the customer experience.

• A strong record of personal and team achievement over his/her career with clear substantial personal contributions to the positive evolution of the business through innovative thinking and an ability to make things happen.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.

• Must be a team builder and team player with the ability to manage across a diverse organization.

• Proven record of developing and maintaining strong partnerships and collaborative spirit with peers in all lines of the business.

• Ability to relate professionally to all levels of staff, management, partners, and clientele.

• Demonstrated quick-learner with ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.

• Solid experience in leading, motivating and developing a positive and highly motivated team.

• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, technical, IT and numerical abilities are crucial.

• Flourish in a public and media-facing role by having a visionary and inspiring approach within the community.

• Ability to generate ideas and creative solutions.

• Ability to build strong relationships with key stakeholders.

• A high degree of personal integrity and consistently put the interests of the organization ahead of his/her own.

• Cross-cultural communication skills.

• Travel may be required within North America.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous NHL and/or AHL arena business operations experience a definite asset.

• Strong understanding of professional sports business strongly preferred.