General Manager

Job Details

Job Location: Sandia Peak Ski Area - Sandia Park, NM 87047

Position Type: Full Time

Job Shift: Day

The Role

Sandia Peak is hiring a high‑agency, ownership‑minded leader to run the resort like a CEO.

This isn’t a "keep the lifts turning" general manager role. New Mexico’s original ski area—skiing since 1936—recently reopened under Mountain Capital Partners after a multi‑year closure, and it’s in the middle of a real revitalization. Aging infrastructure is being modernized, the operating plan is being rebuilt, and the next phase of growth is wide open. We’re looking for someone to drive the strategy, lead development and capital execution, and rebuild the guest experience and team culture at one of the most distinctive mountain destinations in the Southwest.

If you’re the kind of leader who sees opportunity everywhere, takes accountability like an owner, and can rally a team to deliver in a complex, high‑profile, public‑land operation—keep reading.

About Sandia Peak—Where New Mexico Learned to Ski

Sandia Peak sits in the Sandia Mountains about 35 miles northeast of Albuquerque, on Cibola National Forest land, with Southwestern skies and long views over the high desert. It’s a community institution—the ski area that first brought the sport to New Mexico— with 35 trails, 300 skiable acres, and 1,700 feet of vertical served by three double chairlifts and a surface lift.

Backed by MCP—which has invested more than $75million across its resorts since 2015 in lifts, snowmaking, and other improvements—Sandia Peak’s next chapter is yours to lead.

The Opportunity

As General Manager, you’ll partner with Mountain Capital Partners leadership to set and execute a multi‑year strategy that grows Sandia Peak’s impact and performance—financially, operationally, and culturally.

You’ll build and lead a strong management team that runs daily operations at a high standard, so you can stay focused on strategy, development, capital execution, stakeholder alignment, and measurable growth.

What You’ll Own

• Strategy & Growth
  • Live and lead MCP’s mission and culture—growing the sport of skiing and giving people the freedom to ski.
  • Own the long‑term strategy and growth plan for Sandia Peak.
  • Partner with MCP leaders to define and drive the resort’s strategic plan for growth, expansion, and guest experience.
  • Translate strategy into annual operating plans, department goals, and measurable KPIs.
  • Lead the management team with a strong operating rhythm: clear priorities, accountability, and results.
• Development, Capital Projects & Public‑Land Partnership
  • Plan and manage capital improvement projects from concept through execution, with strong cost control, timeline discipline, and measurable outcomes.
  • Lead the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and NEPA process to advance proposed projects and secure approvals on Cibola National Forest land.
  • Partner with external stakeholders to drive development on public and private land.
  • Serve as the resort’s primary ambassador with the community, government, industry, media, and key partners.
• Financial & Operational Performance
  • Own the resort’s P&L; lead annual operating and capital budgeting in partnership with MCP and resort leaders.
  • Ensure operational excellence across mountain, base, resort services, and hospitality—while building the systems and leaders that reduce reliance on the GM for daily execution.
  • Build a performance culture that improves guest satisfaction, employee retention and engagement, and profitability.
• Building Leaders & Scaling the Organization
  • Recruit, develop, and retain a leadership team capable of running first‑class operations.
  • Mentor and grow leaders into broader responsibility and advancement within MCP.
  • Create a talent pipeline and succession plans that increase the organization’s capacity over time.

What This Role Demands

• An ownership mindset—act like it’s yours.
• High agency—you make things happen.
• Strategic horsepower paired with operator credibility.
• Exceptional leadership and communication.
• Comfort navigating complexity: USFS / NEPA, capital projects, community relationships, guest expectations, and seasonal labor dynamics.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 10 years in a management role in the ski industry or a business of similar complexity.
• Direct P&L ownership and financial management experience.
• Demonstrated project management ability—planning, budgeting, and delivering capital projects on time and on budget.
• Ability to work effectively with the U.S. Forest Service (or comparable land‑management / regulatory partners).
• Hands‑on leadership experience in at least two operational areas, such as: lift operations, lift maintenance, grooming, snowmaking, ski patrol, terrain park, vehicle maintenance, ski school, tickets, rentals, retail, guest services, food & beverage, hospitality, or facilities maintenance.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in business, management, or a relevant field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).

Preferred

• Hands‑on leadership experience across three or more of the operational areas listed above.
• Direct experience with the USFS and the NEPA process.
• Experience working with developers on public and private land.
• Experience managing large capital projects in a ski resort setting.
• Master’s degree in business, management, or a relevant field.

Why Sandia Peak

• A true build‑and‑grow seat. You’re not maintaining the status quo—you’re helping relaunch and modernize a beloved resort, with MCP’s backing behind you.
• Legacy and meaning. Sandia Peak introduced skiing to New Mexico in 1936. You’ll help write its next chapter.
• Real scope and authority. CEO‑style ownership of strategy, P&L, development, and culture.
• A place worth showing up for. Big terrain views, a devoted community, and Albuquerque at the foot of the mountain.

Working Environment / Physical Activities

An average of 60% indoors (office) and 40% outdoors in changing weather conditions (varies seasonally). Approximately 65% sitting, 25% standing, 10% walking (varies seasonally). Ability to lift / push / pull up to 100 lbs, and occasionally carry up to 50 lbs. Regular use of vision and hearing, with occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, handling, and feeling. Occasional exposure to fumes, odors, gases, mechanical and electrical hazards, high exposed worksites, and burns.