General Manager | Full-Time | Canada Life Place

Oak View Group

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents.

Position Summary

Oak View Group is seeking a General Manager that will manage this high-performing team as the venue continues to be one of the preeminent entertainment providers in Canada. The General Manager is responsible for the efficient, professional, and profitable operation of Canada Life Place. In addition to managing the day-to-day business operations, the General Manager will be responsible for maintaining as well as soliciting new sources of revenue. Reporting to the Regional Vice President, the General Manager will be responsible for the overall management, promotion, and operation of the facility, including construction, purchasing, policy administration, booking, marketing, finance, food and beverage, box office, advertising, security, production, and maintenance. This position is responsible for the development, coordination, and management of all aspects and strategies for the venue's entertainment events.

This role pays an annual salary of $170,000 - $215,000 CAD and is bonus eligible.

Benefits for Full-Time Roles: Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Pension matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and statutory holidays).

This position will remain open until December 31, 2026.

About the Venue

Canada Life Place opened in October of 2002 with a seating capacity of 9,000 for hockey and ice events and over 10,000 for concerts, family shows, and other events. The venue not only strives to meet the needs of the community through diverse programming, but it also stands as a landmark of London Civic Pride and community accessibility, promoting a sense of vibrancy and culture while also providing a wide range of public sports and entertainment. The venue has recently undergone a $35 million upgrade and expansion that has involved improvements to the concession and lounge areas, artist and storage areas, and new event spaces. With a reputation and standard of excellence in the industry, Canada Life Place is a top stop for fans and performers alike.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates existing policies and procedures and recommends improvements that will better reflect the needs of the facility and/or improve the efficiency and safety of operations.
• Oversees and approves all activities regarding maintaining and operating the facility.
• Conducts weekly staff meetings and monthly client meetings.
• Oversees and approves a detailed operating budget.
• Responsible for recruiting, training, managing, and evaluating director-level staff.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with City of London organizations, personnel, media, lessees, employees, and the public.
• Aggressively promotes the use of the facility to maximize its utilization and negotiates lease agreements as determined necessary and in the best interests of the facility.
• Oversees the development of standard operating procedures for all operational functions of the facility, e.g., marketing, finance, box office, operations/maintenance, administration, suites, ice programing, food and beverage, and related areas.
• Oversees the preparation of required and necessary reports/records for the City of London as well as Oak View Group.
• Meets regularly with the Director of Operations to discuss events and back-of-house needs and issues.
• Meets regularly with the Director of Finance to discuss all financial information and issues.
• Meets regularly with the Director of Events and Ice Programming to discuss event and ice programming issues and needs.
• Meets regularly with the Director of Marketing to discuss publicity, show promotion, suite sales, and group experiences issues and needs.
• Meets regularly with the Assistant General Manager to discuss overall facility issues.
• Meets regularly with the City of London’s Contract Administrator to discuss the operation and budget of the facility.
• Engages promoters to bring high-level events and concerts to the venue.
• Works alongside the London Knights OHL Hockey Club on matters relating to ticket sales, operations, and marketing.
• Oversees RFPs and RFQs for essential services such as ticketing, pouring rights, sponsorships, and pizza rights.
• Oversees capital planning for the facility.

Qualifications

• Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business, facility management, public administration, or related fields.
• 5-7 years of progressive and responsible experience in the management of a large multi-purpose facility.
• Ability to research, develop, and maintain relationships with artist agents and artist management, as well as local, regional, and national promoters. Any existing relations with concert promoters or agencies would be considered an asset.
• Proven leadership skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of event solicitation and presentation, public relations, advertising and media relations, event planning, facility operations, budget preparation, and personnel management.
• Ability to apply conflict resolution and problem-solving skills in a team-oriented environment.
• Knowledge and experience in collective bargaining and working within a unionized environment.
• Ability to express ideas clearly through both oral and written communication.
• Superior sales and marketing skills.
• Knowledge and experience in budget preparation and control.
• Considerable knowledge of safety regulations and other federal, provincial, or local laws and regulations.
• Effectively work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate with employees, co-workers, volunteers, management staff, and guests in a clear, professional, and courteous manner, which fosters a positive, enthusiastic, and cooperative work environment.
• Ability to make sound business/operations decisions quickly and under pressure.
• Proficiency with computer applications, including building automation, event management, and maintenance.
• Ability to work well in a team-oriented, fast-paced, event-driven environment.
• Previous experience in dealing with premium services, including suites and concessions, would be considered an asset.
• Possess thorough working knowledge of all applicable alcohol service policies and health and safety standards.
• Ability to consistently adhere to the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently with little direction.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.