Backcountry Supervisor

Job Description

Backcountry Supervisor - Rhythm Rides

Location: Niseko

Dates: Mid-November through to April

Reports to: Backcountry Programs Manager - Niseko

Direct Reports: None

Team Leadership Responsibility: Lead Guides and Backcountry Guides during daily operations and delegated manager cover

Department Scope: Lift-Accessed Backcountry and Backcountry Touring

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

Wages:

Hourly: From ¥2,600 per hour to ¥2,850 per hour

Monthly From:¥511,890 to ¥557,197

Seasonal Estimate: From ¥2,559,485 to ¥2,785,985

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

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

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 Supervisor - Niseko supports the daily operation, safety and service delivery of Rhythm Rides' Niseko Backcountry Department. The Supervisor works with the Backcountry Manager to lead daily guide operations, supervise the guide team and support on-snow delivery. In the Manager's absence, the Supervisor leads the guide operation within delegated authority.

This is a full-time supervisory role with regular on-snow involvement through guide observation, field support, safety-program delivery, coaching and training. The Supervisor works closely with Guest Services and the Operations Logistics team to ensure guide, guest, equipment and logistics requirements are communicated clearly and daily delivery is well coordinated.

The Backcountry Supervisor - Niseko is accountable for:

• Reliable daily guide operations, including leadership during the Backcountry Manager's absence
• Clear delivery of daily safety requirements and operating parameters
• Strong supervision, coaching and development of the guide team
• Effective delivery of national guide-training priorities
• Safe, professional and consistent guest experiences
• Strong cross-department communication and flexible operational support when required
  
  

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Daily Guide Operations and Manager Cover

• Support the planning and delivery of daily guide operations.
• Lead the guide operation during the Backcountry Manager's absence.
• Review bookings, guest needs, guide availability, sign-off levels, conditions and operational constraints.
• Allocate guides and adjust assignments within delegated authority.
• Confirm group plans, alternatives, communication arrangements and operational requirements.
• Coordinate departures, field check-ins, debriefs and next-day planning.
• Escalate significant staffing, guest, safety or operational matters promptly.

Guide Team Leadership

• Set clear daily priorities and expectations for Lead Guides and Backcountry Guides.
• Monitor workload, fatigue, readiness and professional conduct.
• Observe guide performance on snow, including terrain choice, group management, communication and guest care.
• Provide practical coaching, mentoring and feedback.
• Record relevant observations and support formal check-ins and performance reviews.
• Promote a positive, accountable and learning-focused team culture.

Daily Safety Management Program

• Support delivery of the Guide Safety Management Program within the national framework.
• Review weather, avalanche information, field observations, terrain, hazards and human factors with the Backcountry Manager and guide leadership.
• Lead or support the technical component of the daily safety briefing.
• Communicate approved terrain, operating limits, closures and safety priorities clearly.
• Monitor conditions and guide communications throughout the day and escalate concerns promptly.
• Act as the authorised technical delegate only when formally appointed and within the approved framework.
• Support incident response, end-of-day debriefs and the capture of important field observations.

Guide Training and Development

• Deliver training priorities set through the national Guide Training Pathway.
• Lead or support on-snow training, terrain orientation, rescue practice, technical refreshers and observed guiding.
• Coach guides through daily operations and field observation.
• Support practical assessments and provide evidence for progression and sign-off decisions.
• Identify development needs, emerging talent and guides requiring additional support or restrictions.
• Provide feedback on training needs, pathway effectiveness and future capability.

Collaboration and Peak-Period Support

• Work closely with Guest Services, the Operations Logistics Manager and guide leadership to coordinate daily delivery.
• Ensure guest needs, operational changes and product restrictions are communicated clearly.
• Support smooth information flow and operational transitions between Guest Services, guides and the Operations Logistics team.
• Provide short-term cross-department operational support during peak periods, incidents, staff absences or disruptions when requested and appropriate.
• Maintain a flexible, team-first approach while keeping guide operations as the primary responsibility and respecting each department's functional ownership.

Role Boundaries

• The Backcountry Manager owns department leadership, staffing, daily operations and final local technical authority.
• The National Training Manager owns national safety systems, training strategy, pathway design and sign-off governance.
• The Operations Logistics Manager - Niseko owns the Backcountry Rentals & Operations Support function, including rental, equipment and associated logistics operations.
• This role supports clear communication and cross-department cooperation with Operations Logistics but does not own the rental, equipment or logistics function.
• Budgets, national policy development, formal disciplinary action and final guide sign-off do not sit with this role.
  
  

Key Measures of Success:

• Safe, consistent and well-coordinated daily guide operations
• Reliable leadership during the Backcountry Manager's absence
• Clear safety communication and consistent implementation of operating parameters
• Strong guide performance, development, engagement and adherence to standards
• Effective delivery of on-snow training and coaching
• High guest satisfaction and professional product delivery
• Strong communication and collaborative support between guides, Guest Services and Operations & Logistics
  
  

What you need to succeed:

Qualifications and Experience

• Avalanche Operations Professional Level 1 or recognised equivalent.
• Current Wilderness First Responder or recognised equivalent.
• At least three years of professional backcountry guiding experience.
• Experience in a Lead Guide, supervisory or technical-support role.
• Experience supporting daily hazard assessments, guide briefings and emergency response.
• Experience coaching guides and delivering practical on-snow training.
• Strong knowledge of Niseko terrain, access, hazards and emergency procedures.
• Valid Japanese or recognised international driver licence.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong judgement in snow, avalanche, terrain and group risk management.
• Clear and timely decision-making under pressure.
• Strong guide-supervision, operational leadership and guest-service skills.
• Ability to lead effective briefings and communicate clearly.
• Strong coaching, mentoring and feedback skills.
• Organised, reliable, collaborative and able to manage competing priorities.
  
  

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.