Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Location: Métis Crossing, Smoky Lake, AB
Closing Date: Until Suitable Candidates Found
Position Status: Full time
Step Into a Story That’s Bigger Than You.
At Métis Crossing, you won’t just find a workplace, you’ll find a calling. This is a place where the past breathes through every fiddle strum, every bead, every story told around a crackling fire under the northern sky.
Perched on the banks of the majestic North Saskatchewan River, Métis Crossing is Alberta’s first major Métis cultural destination; a place of learning, healing, and celebration. Our Lodge, Cultural Gathering Centre, and sweeping landscape are not just buildings or land; they are living reflections of Métis pride and perseverance.
We’re looking for a Chief Operating Officer who can play a lead role in operations at Métis Crossing.
If you see ensuring that all operations and programming are delivered in ways that honor Métis traditions, values, and cultural protocols, this might be your calling.
What You’ll Get to Do
The Chief Operating Officer will lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of Métis Crossing, ensuring excellence in guest experience, alignment with cultural protocols, and operational efficiency. The COO is responsible for driving revenue growth and business development, championing both the “Legendary Guest Experience” and the “Legendary Team Experience,” and with the Director of Facilities, ensuring long-term operation of all facilities. The role also provides leadership in occupational health and safety, risk mitigation, crisis management, and governance support, serving as a key partner to the CEO, and Métis communities while balancing operational execution with forward-looking strategy.
Operational Leadership and Guest Experience:
- Oversee daily operations across hospitality, guest services, accommodations, retail, food & beverage, cultural programs, events, and facilities
- Ensure extended operating model of 24 hours per day, 365 days per year is fully implemented with appropriate staffing, scheduling, and cross-training with the ability to be flexible for closed days.
- Ensure alignment with Métis cultural protocols
- Ensure best practices in tourism
- Lead ERP selection, training and implementation across departments
- Achieve consistent and measurable guest satisfaction
- Ensure operations and programming reinforce Métis identity and cultural traditions
Business Development and Strategic Leadership;
- Develop and implement long-term strategies for growth, sustainability, and cultural impact
- Lead business development initiatives and drive revenue growth
- Partner with tourism partners to position Métis Crossing as a premier cultural tourism destination
- Cultivate partnerships with funders, industry stakeholders, and Métis communities
- Represent Métis Crossing at sector forums, conferences, and community events
- Achieve revenue growth targets, determined annually.
Processes and Team Leadership;
- Provide oversight of budgets, procurement, and vendor relations
- Drive efficiency and accountability through standardized processes
- Partner with HR on staffing, training, and succession planning
- Foster a respectful, collaborative, and culturally grounded work environment
- Build strong relationships with community leaders, Knowledge Holders, Elders, and citizens
- Deliver accurate and timely reporting to support effective governance
Who You Are
You have proven success in business development and revenue growth, including pricing strategies, upselling, and partnership development. You have experience leading multi departmental operations (e.g. accommodations, food & beverage, cultural programming, retail, and facilities).
You have:
- MBA or Bachelor’s degree in Business or relevant field.
- Minimum 10 years related experience, including 5 years in senior operational roles within tourism, hospitality, or cultural organizations
The Life You’ll Step Into
Imagine your morning beginning with the smell of fresh Bannock baking in the kitchen and the sound of laughter in the lobby. You walk the grounds where culture, cuisine, and community come together, where your leadership makes it all possible.
At Métis Crossing, you’re not just coordinating events, you’re nurturing a living, breathing reflection of Métis pride and hospitality. Every decision you make helps shape how the world experiences Métis culture.
What We Offer
- Work at Alberta’s first major Metis cultural destination
- Immerse yourself in a rich, vibrant, and values-driven environment
- Be part of a mission that connects people to Métis identity and culture
- Access mentorship, growth, and personal development opportunities
- Enjoy 3 weeks paid vacation and a comprehensive benefits package
Join Us
If you lead with heart, serve with pride, and believe hospitality can be a bridge between cultures, this is where you belong. Apply with your resume and cover letter (share your story, we want to hear it!) to [email protected].
Métis Citizens with the required qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person
