Assistant Manager, Gaming Operations

Full-time; Contract (January 2025 to March 2026)

Date Posted: November 14, 2024

Who we are...

The Pacific National Exhibition is an iconic institution in BC, famous for bringing generations of people together to celebrate and build memories. This 114-year-old, non-profit organization has an annual operating budget of over $70 million dollars and generates revenue through four activity streams: the 15-day annual summer Fair and winter Fair which average more than 700,000 people annually, Playland amusement park which welcomes 400,000 guests annually including Fright Nights, and a busy year-round portfolio of events including concerts, trade shows and film, cultural and community events. In total we bring over 2 million people through the site each year. The fourth activity stream is park care and facility maintenance. The PNE is proud of the work it does at Hastings Park and has a vibrant team that is passionate about events, guest experience and delivering memorable experiences.

At the PNE, we strive to create an environment that reflects our organization's core values: Enthusiasm, Excellence and Evolution. With a focus on these core values, we are committed to achieving our mission which is to "Deliver Memorable Experiences" for all who interact with the PNE whether it is our guests, our employees or the community.

Supporting the Manager, Gaming, the Assistant Manager, Gaming Operations is responsible for leading event operations for the PNE Prize Home Lottery and the PNE Winter Lottery. They will demonstrate effective project planning and processes to manage milestones, timelines, budgets and priorities while working collaboratively with cross-functional teams and external partners.

Candidates must have demonstrated project or event management as well as exceptional interpersonal, communication and leadership skills. Due to the operational nature of our events and programs, the candidate must be comfortable with a fluctuating schedule and a work environment that changes from very hands-on to one of planning and leadership. Our ideal candidate will have 2-4 years of event management experience, preferably within the area of revenue-focused operations.

Why join our Team?

• Exhilarating and fun-loving culture
• Flexible work environment
• Opportunity for free or discounted tickets to shows, events, sports games, and much more
• Staff discounts for Playland, The Fair, and Fright Nights, as well as all PNE Food Stands
• Competitive compensation package
• Opportunity to create lasting memories and friendships!

What will you do this year?

In your role as an Assistant Manager, Gaming Operations, your primary accountabilities will be to:

• Oversee planning and project management of the PNE Prize Home build
  • Support Manager, Gaming with year-round Prize Home project planning.
  • Develop and manage department operating budgets as well as hold accountability for monitoring control of expenses within approved budgets.
  • Oversee the house design and construction build process for the PNE Prize Home including managing contractor timelines, establishing and maintaining processes for managing the scope of the project as well as assessing and reporting risks.
  • Assist with the award and handover of the PNE Prize Home to the winner.
  • Develop and actively manage positive relationships with external vendors, suppliers and contractors.
  • Collaborate cross functional teams such as the Marketing department to develop and execute the annual sales campaign with a focus on hitting budgeted revenue targets and driving initiatives to boost sales.
  • Oversee the assembly of necessary material and preparation of reports needed to comply with the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) requirements.

• Oversee planning and event operations of the Prize Home Mall Tour program:
  • Develop and manage a sales and brand focused mall tour program for both the summer and winter lotteries within the Metro-Vancouver region.
  • Develop and manage department operating budgets as well as hold responsibility for driving mall tour revenue.
  • Maintain timely and accurate ticket reconciliation process.
  • Develop an effective schedule of display dates at Metro-Vancouver locations and coordinate with malls to procure display space.
  • Oversee event logistics for move in, operation and tear down of even mall events.
  • Organize branding, towing, and display of prize vehicles.
  • Hire, train, motivate, schedule and supervise roughly 10 mall vendors with a sales focus as well as oversee administrative needs of the mall vendor team (completing necessary paperwork for hiring, payroll, uniforms, IDs etc.).
  • Ensure all orders are taken and processed in an accurate and compliant manner.

• Oversee event operations of the Prize Home open house dates and onsite display:
  • Coordinate and schedule affiliated media and sponsored events at the offsite Prize Home location.
  • Supervise the Gaming Events coordinator and roughly 30 union employees both for weekend offsite open house dates and onsite Fair display.
  • Support in the planning and set up of the Fair PNE Prize Home Display onsite during the Summer Fair.
  • Schedule, supervise and evaluate performance of the Prize Home hosts.
  • Complete necessary paperwork for hiring, payroll, uniforms, IDs etc.

In addition to your primary responsibilities, as the Assistant Manager of Gaming Operations, you will support the Gaming department team where need, including:

• Manage Gaming daily operations and planning in collaboration with cross functional departments as well as external partners and suppliers
• Support the operational aspects of all Gaming Fair programs (including Onsite Lottery Sales, Wheel of Fortune, Prize Home) - includes set-up, employee management, operations, security measures in place
• Prepare and present department plans and reporting
• Ensure compliance with government gaming regulations

What else?

• Graduated from a post-secondary program, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be 19 years or older and registerable with the BC Gaming Policy & Enforcement Branch.
• Must have at least 2-3 years of management/supervisory experience in Operations, Sales and/or Customer Service in the Entertainment, Sales, or Hospitality industry.
• Must have previous administrative experience working with financials, budgets, sales targets with ability to accurately handle and reconcile large volumes of cash/tickets.
• Must have a strong knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office, cloud-based applications, and databases.
• Knowledge of and experience working in the Gaming industry and/or a call center is considered an asset.
• Must be able to work an event-based work schedule which includes weekends, late nights, extended hours, and extended workweeks.
• Proven ability to work in matrixed or cross-functional organizations building strong relationships with the public, industry partners, and business stakeholders to deliver events and services.
• Knowledge of the planning, production, and management of events within the entertainment industry.
• Ability to create planning documents and tools to efficiently execute events.
• Must possess good decision-making skills with the ability to react well to high-pressure situations and tight timelines.
• Must have strong time management, organizational, and communication/interpersonal skills with an excellent leadership ability.
• Required to have a valid 5th class BC Driver's license and the ability to provide a clear and up-to-date Driver's Abstract as regular work locations are throughout the Metro-Vancouver region.
• Successful candidates must undergo a Criminal Record Check.

Who are you?

• Organized
• Methodical
• Proactive
• Skillful communicator
• Critical thinker
• Committed to striving for excellence

Where and when to APPLY?

Applications can be submitted via the PNE website at www.pne.ca/jobs and will be accepted until the role is filled.

Additional Information

The PNE's compensation offerings are in alignment with a pay-for-performance pay philosophy that recognizes individual, and teamwork performance. The role is a permanent, full-time position with a typical salary range of $60,000 - $70,000 per annum. The starting salary will be based on the successful candidate's competencies, including but not limited to knowledge, skills, experience, and internal pay structures. As a part of the PNE's total compensation package, this position may be eligible for other benefits subject to program eligibility requirements.

The PNE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive workforce that reflects the diverse community we proudly serve. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or age. If you require any support or accommodations throughout any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the People & Culture Department at hr@pne.ca .