General Manager Designate

The Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede is seeking a General Manager Designate to provide leadership and overall accountability for its diverse year-round operations, personnel, events and financial performance. With a sizable year-round and seasonal workforce and a broad calendar of agricultural, sporting, entertainment, community and private events, MHES is a complex operation requiring strong business leadership and sound decision-making.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the General Manager Designate will have significant responsibility for the organization's day-to-day business and operations, including financial and operational decisions, people leadership, events, facilities, pricing, negotiations and stakeholder relationships. The General Manager will work closely with staff, volunteers, shareholders, sponsors, agricultural partners, businesses and the broader community while ensuring the organization remains financially sustainable and positioned for the future.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who combines a strong agricultural background with proven business acumen, sound judgment and an exceptional ability to build and maintain relationships. The successful candidate will bring the experience and professionalism required to lead a complex operation, make informed business decisions and represent MHES credibly in the community, while also bringing the curiosity and creativity to identify opportunities that effectively use the organization's facilities, assets and established relationships.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide overall leadership and direction for the day-to-day business and operations of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede
- Lead, support and develop the organization's year-round and seasonal workforce, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and strong communication
- Work closely with the Board of Directors to implement the organization's strategic direction, priorities and longer-term plans
- Provide strong financial leadership and oversight, including budgeting, financial performance, pricing, cost management and the assessment of financial opportunities and risks
- Make informed commercial and operational decisions on behalf of the organization, considering both immediate needs and the longer-term financial impact on MHES
- Evaluate proposed events, programs and opportunities using sound business judgment, considering anticipated revenues, costs, operational requirements and financial risk
- Oversee the planning and successful delivery of a diverse calendar of events and activities, including the annual Exhibition & Stampede and other agricultural, sporting, entertainment, community and private events held throughout the year
- Ensure the organization is appropriately staffed and resourced to effectively manage multiple events and activities, including those occurring concurrently




- Provide overall leadership for the effective operation and use of the organization's facilities and grounds
- Participate in significant negotiations, contracts, facility matters and other business decisions on behalf of the organization
- Build, maintain and strengthen relationships with shareholders, sponsors, agricultural partners, vendors, businesses, community organizations, government representatives and other key stakeholders
- Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers and committees to ensure events and initiatives are effectively planned, resourced and delivered
- Foster strong relationships with the organization's volunteer community and recognize the important role volunteers play in MHES's success
- Represent the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede professionally at community events, agricultural and industry functions, and in interactions with business, government and community stakeholders
- Identify and evaluate new ideas and opportunities that effectively use the organization's facilities, assets and established relationships
- Identify opportunities to improve operations, processes and the overall effectiveness of the organization
- Exercise sound judgment when considering changes to policies, practices and operations, balancing opportunities for improvement with organizational history, stakeholder needs and Board direction
- Balance the organization's longstanding history and traditions with the need to continue evolving and responding to the changing needs of its community
- Manage competing priorities and make sound day-to-day decisions, recognizing when significant strategic, financial or governance matters require Board involvement
- Be visible and accessible to employees, volunteers, partners and stakeholders and establish trusted relationships across the organization and community
- Be available to work outside regular business hours as required, particularly during major events and peak operating periods

Qualifications & Experience

- Demonstrated leadership experience with responsibility for people, operations, financial performance and multiple competing priorities
- Experience or a demonstrated background within agriculture or an agriculture-related industry
- Strong business and financial acumen, with demonstrated experience working with budgets, financial information, pricing, costs and operational decision-making
- Demonstrated ability to evaluate business opportunities, understand financial and operational risk, and make sound decisions based on both short and longer-term considerations




- Proven experience leading and developing employees and creating an effective, collaborative and accountable team environment
- Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish credibility and trust with employees, volunteers, Board members, sponsors, partners and community stakeholders
- Demonstrated professionalism and executive presence, with the ability to represent an organization credibly with business, government and community leaders
- Strong judgment and decision-making skills, with the ability to understand an organization and its stakeholders while identifying appropriate opportunities for change and improvement
- An entrepreneurial and creative mindset with the ability to develop ideas, recognize opportunities and assess their practical and financial viability
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy, event-driven environment
- A practical, hands-on leadership style combined with the ability to think strategically and contribute to longer-term planning
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience working with a Board of Directors or other governance body is considered an asset
- Experience within events, exhibitions, hospitality, facilities management or another similarly complex operating environment is considered an asset
- Experience working with volunteers or volunteer-led committees is considered an asset
- Post-secondary education in business, agriculture, management or a related discipline is considered an asset. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will also be considered
- A genuine interest in becoming an active member of the Medicine Hat community and building a longer-term career with the organization

Location & Work Requirements

This is an on-site leadership position based in Medicine Hat, Alberta. MHES operates year-round, with activities and events occurring throughout the week and on weekends. The General Manager will need the flexibility to work outside regular business hours when required, particularly during major events and peak operating periods.

The incoming General Manager will have the benefit of a transition period with the current General Manager, providing continuity and the chance to gain a robust understanding of the organization, its operations, relationships and annual event cycle.

Pay: From $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Dental care
- Extended health care

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Medicine Hat, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

- What is the largest number of employees and approximate annual operating budget you've been responsible for managing?
- Please briefly describe your background or connection to the agricultural industry or agricultural community.

Work Location: In person

📌 General Manager Designate (Medicine Hat)
🏢 Debbie Mastel and Associates
📍 Medicine Hat