The Opportunity
CKC is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and highly organized individual to fill the critical role of National Team Operations Manager. This role is central to the delivery of CKC’s High Performance Program, ensuring Canadian Sprint and Paracanoe athletes, coaches, and Integrated Support Team (IST) members are supported through world-class logistical, administrative, and operational planning.
Reporting to the Chief Technical Officer (CTO), the National Team Operations Manager provides leadership across CKC’s high performance operations, including National Training Centre support, IST coordination, and logistical delivery for domestic and international competitions and camps. This role is pivotal to Canada’s preparation for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, World Championships, and other major international events.
Key Responsibilities
Competition & Camp Logistics
- Coordinate all logistical arrangements (flights, accommodation, ground transport, equipment, entries, accreditation) for National Teams at World Cups, World Championships, Pan American, Olympic, and Paralympic Games.
- Plan and manage national and international training camps, ensuring effective coordination of schedules, venues, and IST support.
- Coordinate vehicle transport and special event logistics (e.g., boats, trailers, equipment deliveries).
High Performance Operations
- Provide functional leadership to IST staff and oversee operations of CKC’s National Training Centres (Halifax and Montreal), ensuring seamless service delivery to athletes and coaches.
- Support day-to-day team operations including equipment procurement, transport, and clothing orders, aligned with supplier relationships and sponsorship agreements.
- Monitor and manage High Performance budgets and expense policies in collaboration with the CTO and Finance Manager.
Games & Multi-Sport Planning
- Act as CKC’s primary liaison with Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) to develop and execute optimal Olympic and Paralympic Preparation Plans.
- Attend key preparation workshops for Pan Am, Olympic, and Paralympic Games to ensure seamless integration of CKC’s plans with multi-sport partners.
Athlete & Sport Partner Support
- Administer the Athlete Assistance Program (AAP / carding) process, including applications, updates, and liaison with Sport Canada.
- Manage relationships with Sport Canada, Own the Podium (OTP), Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES), Canadian Sport Institutes, and other partners to align reporting, funding, and compliance.
- Ensure compliance with anti-doping requirements, including communication with CCES, ITA, and management of CKC’s registered testing pool.
- Execute delivery of athlete support programs, such as RBC Training Ground, Bell Athletes Connect, CAN Fund, CAIP insurance, etc.
Leadership & Culture
- Promote and reinforce a positive, values-based team culture in alignment with CKC’s Safe Sport commitments.
- Provide strong, supportive leadership to athletes, coaches, IST, and volunteers in high-pressure competition environments.
- Contribute to CKC’s long-term high performance strategy through reporting, monitoring, and collaboration with leadership.
Qualifications & Skills
- University degree in sport management, sport science, business, or related field (or equivalent combination of education/experience).
- Minimum 5 years of experience in high performance sport leadership, logistics, or program management.
- Proven ability to manage complex logistics, budgets, and risk in fast-paced international sport environments.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to influence without direct authority and build effective relationships with athletes, coaches, IST, and partners.
- Knowledge of Olympic and Paralympic qualification systems and the international sport landscape.
- Demonstrated organizational excellence, attention to detail, and adaptability.
- Bilingualism (English/French) is preferred.
Personal Attributes
- Demonstrated commitment, initiative, and resilience.
- Positive leadership approach under pressure, with strong problem-solving and adaptability.
- Team-first mindset, with a belief in empowering others to succeed.
- Professionalism, discretion, and respect for Safe Sport principles.
Travel & Availability
- This role requires significant travel, including:
- Major international competitions (World Cups, World Championships, Pan Am, Olympic, and Paralympic Games).
- National and international training camps.
- Regular visits to National Training Centres (Halifax and Montreal).
- Evening and weekend work is required. CKC provides a compensatory time-off policy to balance workload.
Application Process
Applications (cover letter and résumé including salary expectations) should be submitted by email to:
Ian Mortimer, Chief Technical Officer – imortimer@canoekayak.ca
Deadline: October 27, 2025 – 4:00 pm Eastern time
Applicants must be able to comply with all CKC Policies including screening and background checks.
For more information about Canoe Kayak Canada, please visit: www.canoekayak.ca
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Canoe Kayak Canada
Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) is the recognized national sport organization for competitive paddling in Canada, including the Olympic disciplines of Sprint and Slalom, and the Paralympic discipline of Paracanoe. With a proud history of international success, CKC’s vision is to be a Canadian sport for families, communities, and champions. From grassroots clubs to high performance athletes, CKC is committed to fostering excellence, inclusivity, and growth. Canoe Kayak Canada is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace.