Job Title: General Manager – Climbing Gym
Location: Whitehorse, Yukon
Job Type: Full-Time (40 hrs)
Reports to: Board of Directors
Start Date: July 1, 2025
Closing Date: June 6th or until filled?
Salary: Based on Qualification ($70k-$80k Cdn)
About Us:
Are you stoked on climbing? Are you passionate about community, collaboration, and working alongside other like-minded people? We’re looking for a professional, experienced, and personable individual to join our team as General Manager (GM) at northern Canada’s first large-scale indoor climbing facility!
With 3000 square feet of wall space for both bouldering and ropes, we’re seeking someone who can support the opening and operations of a brand new state-of-the-art facility.
Where you’ll work: Climb Yukon Collective is located in Whitehorse, Yukon, on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. Your office boasts stunning mountain views and sits right next to the mighty Yukon River in the heart of Whistlebend, Whitehorse’s fastest growing neighbourhood.
Life in Whitehorse is pretty great, with something for everyone! As a major hub along the Alaska Highway, Whitehorse has major grocery stores, diverse restaurants and bars, a vibrant arts scene, and plenty of schools. The “Wilderness City” has no shortage of recreation opportunities suitable for singles, families, and old timers! Summers are for world-class mountain biking, expedition or adventure paddling, climbing, and endless hiking under the Midnight Sun. Winter is made for cross-country skiing (we produce Olympians, no big deal), neighborhood shinny, lake skates, resort skiing, ice dunks under the Northern Lights, and touring in our vast backcountry.
This strong community puts on endless events and gatherings, celebrates Indigenous leadership and culture, welcomes a diversity of backgrounds and experiences, and realizes that we’re all better when we live, work, and play together.
Climb Yukon Collective is a vibrant and community-oriented climbing facility dedicated to providing an inclusive and engaging space for climbers of all levels. We offer top-notch climbing, fitness, youth, and event programming in a dynamic and welcoming environment. Climb Yukon Collective is operated under the registered non-profit society of Climb Yukon Association. Climb Yukon Association is the PTSO for indoor climbing in the Yukon and is a member of Sport Yukon and Climb Escalade Canada.
Position Summary:
The GM is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operations of the gym, ensuring an excellent customer experience, strong team management, and sustainable financial performance. The GM will provide strategic leadership, build a positive and high-performing team culture, report to the Board of Directors of the Association, and ensure smooth coordination between climbing operations, fitness, events, retail, and maintenance.
Key Responsibilities:
The GM position reports to the board of directors on all aspects of the facility operations in accordance with the Association’s management policies and executive limitations.
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and support department managers (e.g., front desk, route setting, youth programs, instructors, fitness, maintenance).
- Build a positive, inclusive, and productive team culture through communication, training, and regular performance feedback.
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and staff scheduling.
- Direct mentorship, training, and facilitating the daily tasks of the floor staff.
- Work alongside coaching staff to ensure the delivery of exceptional Youth Programming.
Operations & Customer Experience
- Ensure daily gym operations run smoothly and safely, maintaining high cleanliness and safety standards.
- Deliver an exceptional member and guest experience by overseeing customer service standards and handling escalated concerns.
- Monitor and maintain facility equipment and climbing infrastructure in partnership with the appropriate staff.
Strategic & Financial Management
- Manage budgets (monthly/annual), payroll, and financial performance with a focus on growth and sustainability.
- Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to guide operational decisions.
- Collaborate on pricing strategies, membership plans, and promotional campaigns.
Community Engagement & Programming
- Support or lead the development of events, competitions, and outreach initiatives to strengthen the climbing community.
- Build partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and outdoor organizations.
- Promote inclusivity and diversity in all gym offerings.
Compliance & Safety
- Ensure compliance with all local health and safety regulations.
- Maintain and enforce internal safety policies and emergency procedures.
- Oversee risk management practices related to climbing activities and facility use.
Qualifications:
Required:
- 3+ years in operations or general management, ideally in recreation, hospitality, or sports industries.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated experience managing staff and building team culture.
- Budgeting, scheduling, and business operations experience.
- Passion for climbing and a solid understanding of gym culture and operations.
- Will be required to undergo a criminal record check.
- Class 5 drivers licence.
- Standard first aid with CPR endorsement.
Preferred:
- Experience working in a climbing gym or outdoor recreation facility.
- Familiarity with route setting, climbing instruction, or risk management protocols.
- Proficiency with scheduling, CRM, and POS software (e.g., Rock Gym Pro, Mindbody).
Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive salary and benefits based on experience.
- Free gym membership and discounts on gear and classes.
- Opportunities for professional development and climbing certifications.
To Apply:
Please send your resume and a short cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to [email protected]
