Senior Manager, Business Operations, Toronto FC & Toronto Argonauts

  • Full-time

Company Description

At Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership (MLSE), we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that is representative of our community and where all employees feel they belong and can reach their full potential. We are Canada’s preeminent leader in delivering top quality sport and entertainment experiences and one of North America’s leading providers of exceptional fan experiences. We are the parent company of the National Hockey League’s Toronto Maple Leafs, the National Basketball Association’s Toronto Raptors, Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC, the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts and development teams with the Toronto Marlies (American Hockey League), Raptors 905 (NBA G League), Toronto FC II (MLS NEXT Pro League) and Raptors Uprising Gaming Club, the Toronto Raptors Esports franchise in the NBA 2K League.

MLSE owns and/or operates all the venues our teams play and train in, including Scotiabank Arena, BMO Field, Coca-Cola Coliseum, Ford Performance Centre, BMO Training Ground, and OVO Athletic Centre. We also provide fans in Toronto with incredible live music and entertainment events, as well as exceptional culinary experiences through our restaurants (e11even and RS) and clubs (Hot Stove Club, ScotiaClub and Platinum Club). Through MLSE Foundation, we have invested more than $45 million into Ontario communities since 2009 and with MLSE LaunchPad, we provide a place where youth facing barriers use sport to recognize and reach their potential.

We achieve all of this through our Common Purpose - to unite and empower our employees to create extraordinary moments for our fans and each other. Come be a part of the team.

Job Description

As the Senior Manager, Business Operations, Toronto FC & Toronto Argonauts you will be responsible for leading internal and external stakeholder management, as well as coordinating with governing bodies MLS Canada, Canadian Football League, Canada Soccer, Ontario Soccer, and Football Ontario in matters relating to operation of the club’s business and overall strategy. Working daily with the VP Business Operations, this role is the key stakeholder bringing together the broader business teams at MLSE to optimize business results including driving revenues, managing expenses, and driving brand growth. A physical presence at BMO Training Ground, BMO Field, and Scotiabank Arena will be important, and presence at TFC and Argos games is mandatory.

This is a crucial role over the next 3 years specifically:

  • Grow the TFC business leading up to and beyond FWC26, with the goal of elevating both the TFC and MLS brands to a Tier 1 in our market.
  • Elevate BMO Field as a premier venue in North America to host major international events, international friendlies, other major sporting events, and concerts.
  • Grow the Argos business and elevate the priority of the CFL within MLSE and Toronto, with a goal of delivering record revenues for the Argos business while navigating the challenges/opportunities of BMO Field in 2026.
  • Play a lead role in BMO Field big event strategy inclusive of World Cup, and potential future Grey Cup.

Responsibilities & Duties

  • Provide strategic leadership in the planning, development, and management of the Toronto FC and Toronto Argonauts business and establish yourself as a leader among peers internally, at the league/governing body level, and within the broader sports business community.
  • Develop, plan and present the annual TFC/Argos business plan for both Internal (MLSE Staff) and External (MLS and CFL) constituents.
  • Shared accountability with leader to drive and manage revenue and expenses across the Toronto FC and Toronto Argonauts business, P&L management in collaboration with MLSE stakeholders.
  • Establish effective daily and weekly communication with Internal stakeholders comprised of department leads and operators to successfully deliver the Toronto FC and Toronto Argonauts business. Successful communication within our business is a critical component of this role, in order to elevate and drive focus across both businesses.
  • Responsible for business innovation to drive new revenue and cost efficiency through our soccer and football portfolios. Key focus of maximizing revenue and growth post FIFA World Cup 2026, leveraging new spaces, reimagining the venue use to optimize venue scheduling.
  • Responsible for delivery of annual Business Operations revenue, tied to BMO Field Events (Canada Soccer matches, International Friendlies, potential future Grey Cup), Player Marketing/Endorsement revenue, Global Institute of Sport partnership/Study Hub and working directly with the business units to support the revenue and brand goals with team front office participation.
  • Responsible for leading the development and execution of potential future Grey Cup business plan in conjunction with VP Business Operations, to deliver the most successful and lucrative Grey Cup of all time.
  • Responsible for the Toronto FC II business partnership strategy, with a short-term goal to evolve the business model transforming this property into a viable business.
  • Responsible for the 2026 Argos business model, managing through 2026 BMO Field schedule around FWC26 Toronto, with the potential of neutral site games or schedule innovation.
  • A key contributing member of the internal MLS Canada growth strategy, with a focus on driving broadcast, youth engagement and New Canadian engagement.
  • Along with the VP Business Operations, responsible for adidas/New Era uniform strategy/relationship at the club level working in conjunction with MLSE Marketing to develop annual jersey plans for both clubs, while delivering uniforms that deliver on performance objectives for the soccer and football teams. Working in conjunction with Toronto FC and Toronto Argonauts Equipment managers, lead the delivery of VIK across both Toronto FC and Toronto Argonauts to ensure effective use of the allotment.
  • Establish and maintaining strong working relationships with Toronto FC and Toronto Argos Executive Front Office is critical, specifically at the Team President, General Manager, and Head Coach level in order to achieve the desired culture within the business to deliver on our All For One and Pull Together promise.
  • Work closely with other Directors at TFC/Argos on delivering Monthly reporting, meeting delivery with the broader Business Operations team and firmly cement the department within both clubs.
  • Responsible for leadership of (2) direct reports including the BMO TFC Women in Soccer Fellowship, and the Toronto FC Business Operations Intern.

Qualifications

Note: Before reviewing the qualifications listed below, we want you to know that we understand you may not meet all the qualifications described and have other relevant expertise and experience. We invite you to please share this with us in the "Message to the Hiring Manager" section of our online application.

  • Strategic Leadership Experience: Proven track record in leading business operations within professional sports, with a focus on stakeholder management and cross-department collaboration.
  • Revenue and Expense Management: Demonstrated ability to drive and manage P&L, maximizing revenue and achieving cost efficiencies through innovative strategies.
  • Strong Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a history of establishing effective communication channels with internal teams and external stakeholders.
  • Business Innovation Skills: Ability to identify and implement innovative business models and partnerships to enhance revenue streams and grow brand presence.
  • Stakeholder Relationship Management: Established relationships with league and governing body officials, as well as internal executives, to foster collaboration and align on strategic goals.
  • Project Management Abilities: Proficient in developing and presenting comprehensive business plans, with experience managing multiple projects simultaneously to meet deadlines.
  • Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Skilled in navigating challenges and leveraging opportunities within the evolving landscape of professional sports.
  • Leadership Development: Experience in mentoring and leading teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and performance aligned with organizational values.

Additional Information

Apply by: October 16th, 2024

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

At MLSE, we are committed to building an equitable, diverse and inclusive organization.

We are an equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability. MLSE will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in the job application process. If you have difficulty using our online application system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email [email protected]. Please note this email is only for accommodation requests. Resumes sent to this email address will not be considered. 

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