Backcountry Rental and Operations Supervisor

Job Description

Backcountry Rental and Operations Supervisor - Rhythm Rides

Location: Niseko

Dates: 9th November through to 31st March

Wages:

Hourly from ¥2,300 to ¥2,550 per hour

Monthly From:¥400,200 to ¥443,700

Actual amount will vary depending on the actual number of working days, hours, and shift conditions.

Position Type: Seasonal Hourly Position, hours variable depending on business, between 30 to 40 hours per week

Travel Allowance: Up to ¥100,000, reimbursed on actual flight cost

Reports to: Operations Logistics Manager - Niseko

Direct Reports: Backcountry Rental & Operations Assistants - Niseko

Department Scope: Backcountry Rentals, Guest Avalanche Packs, Guide Equipment and Daily Operations Support

About us:

Rhythm is about creating epic experiences for our customers, which starts with our people. We live by our values and put people first. We take pride in creating working and living environments that foster innovation, adventure, and balance. Working at Rhythm is more than a job; it's an experience you will have forever.

The Role:

The Backcountry Rental & Operations Supervisor leads the daily Backcountry Rentals & Operations Support function in Niseko.

The role ensures guest rental equipment, avalanche packs, guide equipment and operational gear are prepared accurately, safely and on time.

The Supervisor provides day-to-day leadership to the Backcountry Rental & Operations Assistants under the direction of the Operations Logistics Manager. The role works closely with Backcountry Programs, Guest Services and guides to coordinate equipment and daily logistics. The Operations Logistics Manager retains ownership of staffing, budgets, purchasing, procedures and overall function performance.

The Backcountry Rental & Operations Supervisor is accountable for:

• Safe and accurate backcountry rental fittings
• Daily readiness of avalanche packs, guide equipment and operational gear
• Accurate inventory, maintenance and equipment records
• Reliable daily logistics and cross-department coordination
• Clear daily leadership and support for the rental and operations team
  
  

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Daily Team Leadership

• Lead the Backcountry Rental & Operations Assistants during daily operations.
• Set daily priorities and allocate work within the plan agreed with the Operations Logistics Manager.
• Provide input on staffing needs and daily deployment; the Operation Logistics Manager owns rosters and labour planning.
• Train and coach staff in fittings, equipment preparation and operational procedures, and provide performance feedback to the Operations Logistics Manager.

Backcountry Rental Operations

• Review booking, sizing and equipment information from Guest Services.
• Prepare and fit touring skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, skins, poles and related equipment.
• Resolve equipment, sizing or suitability concerns before departure.
• Manage equipment issue, return, inspection, cleaning, drying and storage.

Avalanche Packs and Guide Equipment

• Prepare guest avalanche packs each day, including approved transceivers, probes and shovels.
• Complete required functional, battery and condition checks before issue.
• Prepare and maintain guide radios, satellite communication tools, chargers and batteries.
• Prepare and maintain guide first-aid, rescue and other operational equipment.
• Track issue and return and remove damaged or unsafe equipment from service.

Daily Operations Support

• Review the daily run sheet and confirm equipment and logistics requirements.
• Support departures, equipment movement and end-of-day returns.
• Resolve routine equipment or departure issues and escalate significant concerns promptly.

Inventory and Equipment Readiness

• Maintain accurate inventory, issue, return, maintenance, loss and damage records.
• Complete stock counts and investigate discrepancies.
• Monitor servicing, repair and replacement needs and report them to the Operations Logistics Manager.
• Provide equipment information and recommendations to support servicing and replacement planning.
• Support preseason setup, peak-period preparation and end-of-season storage.

Guest Experience and Collaboration

• Maintain clear daily communication with Operations Logistics, Backcountry Programs and Guest Services.
• Confirm booking, sizing and special-requirement information with Guest Services.
• Provide a professional fitting experience and resolve routine equipment issues.
• Communicate equipment shortages or limitations promptly.
• Work with guides to identify recurring equipment issues and improve preparation.
• Share recurring feedback and equipment trends with the Operations Logistics Manager.
  
  

Role Boundaries

• The Operations Logistics Manager owns staffing, rosters, labour budgets, purchasing, procedures, formal performance management and overall function performance.
• The Backcountry Programs Manager owns guide allocation, daily guide operations and technical safety decisions.
• Guest Services owns sales, reservations, pre-arrival communication and general guest-service management.
• The Supervisor leads daily execution of Backcountry Rentals & Operations Support within delegated authority.
  
  

Key Measures of Success:

• Accurate and timely rental fittings and equipment preparation
• Reliable daily readiness of avalanche packs and guide equipment
• Safe, well-maintained and accurately tracked equipment
• Efficient departures with minimal equipment delays
• Clear communication and timely escalation of concerns
• Strong daily team leadership and cross-department coordination
  
  

What you need to succeed:

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience supervising or leading a rental, equipment, outdoor operations or logistics team.
• Strong knowledge of backcountry ski and snowboard touring equipment.
• Strong knowledge of avalanche safety equipment.
• Experience with inventory, rental or equipment-tracking systems.
• Experience supporting time-sensitive outdoor or mountain operations.
• First-aid and avalanche-awareness training are preferred.
• Valid Japanese or recognised international driver licence; snow-driving experience preferred.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong day-to-day leadership and organisation.
• High attention to detail and commitment to safe equipment preparation.
• Strong fitting, maintenance and troubleshooting skills.
• Calm and organised during busy operations.
• Clear communication with guests, guides and operational teams.
• Strong record-keeping and follow-through.
• Practical, collaborative and safety-focused.
  
  

The Perks and Benefits:

As a Rhythm employee, you’ll experience the same legendary hospitality we extend to our guests. We’re passionate about looking after our crew, and here are just a few of the perks you’ll enjoy when you join our team:

• Live, Work, and Play in Paradise: Immerse yourself in one of the world’s top mountain resorts.
• Work with a Legendary Crew: Join a team that’s passionate, fun-loving, and deeply connected to the industry.
• Subsidised Staff Accommodation: Affordable housing options and housing assistance to help you settle in.
• Epic Social Scene: From team ride days and department dinners to staff parties, events, and day trips, our social calendar is packed with opportunities to connect and unwind.
• Wellness and Lifestyle Benefits: Access the Rhythm Wellness program, enjoy free snowsports or bike demos, and take advantage of generous store discounts for you, your friends, and your family.

At Rhythm, we work hard, but we play even harder. If you know anyone who’s worked with us before, they’ll tell you this isn’t just a job- it’s an experience of a lifetime. Our fun, supportive culture is the heart of everything we do because people like you make Rhythm what it is.

The Perks and Benefits:

As a Rhythm employee, you’ll experience the same legendary hospitality we extend to our guests. We’re passionate about looking after our crew, and here are just a few of the perks you’ll enjoy when you join our team:

• Live, Work, and Play in Paradise: Immerse yourself in one of the world’s top mountain resorts.
• Work with a Legendary Crew: Join a team that’s passionate, fun-loving, and deeply connected to the industry.
• Subsidised Staff Accommodation: Affordable housing options and housing assistance to help you settle in.
• Epic Social Scene: From team ride days and department dinners to staff parties, events, and day trips, our social calendar is packed with opportunities to connect and unwind.
• Wellness and Lifestyle Benefits: Access the Rhythm Wellness program, enjoy free snowsports or bike demos, and take advantage of generous store discounts for you, your friends, and your family.

At Rhythm, we work hard, but we play even harder. If you know anyone who’s worked with us before, they’ll tell you this isn’t just a job- it’s an experience of a lifetime. Our fun, supportive culture is the heart of everything we do because people like you make Rhythm what it is.