Photography Manager

At Mountain West Studios, our vision is to make kids smile

We've built a solid reputation as a premier provider of school photography, quality products and incredible service to schools and families in Western Canada for the past 45 years.

We are passionate about what we do and it shows We are a family-owned and operated company that boasts a small, yet supportive and fun work environment.

**We are looking to hire a dynamic, experienced Photography Manager for a full-time position out of our Burnaby Head Office.**

**Duties**:

- Provide leadership for all aspects of photography operations to ensure high-quality photography on photo days: Schoolday, Graduation, Family, Convocation, Studio and Special Events.
- This leader must display the ability to create a fun photo day experience for children aged 3-18.
- Provide leadership to photographers to ensure successful execution of all photography programs, including maintaining a high level of photographic quality, scheduling, equipment management, productivity, operations procedures, and territory budgeting.
- Hiring training and mentoring seasonal photographers, supervising and coaching staff, employee retention, performance reviews, executing and monitoring established goal objectives, payroll reporting, policy interpretation and implementation, and day-to-day performance management.
- Work closely with the Director of Client Partnerships and the team of Territory Managers to ensure that they are aligned in company processes and procedures with effective use of resources, identifying opportunities to strengthen performance, and executing improvement initiatives.
- Responsible for the best utilization of company resources and maximization of productivity for high-quality, positive photo day experiences, including the utilization of employee-evaluation metrics for performance feedback, development, and improvement.
- Provide direction, assistance and feedback to Territory Managers from the booking process through to the CRM (PLUS), data management, and production tasks.
- Accountable for metrics related to operations and photography.
- Collaborate with the Territory Managers, Sales Support staff and Lab Operations team to ensure positive and productive working relationships.
- Demonstrate care and concern for workplace safety and health by promoting and modelling all safety rules and guidelines.
- Ensure compliance with all company policies within the region.
- Equipment coordination, inventory and management.
- Will require travel to various territory offices.

**Requirements**:

- Bachelor’s degree OR a combination of related education and experience.
- 5+ years of experience working in a photography management role.
- Experience with managing a remote photography team.
- Proven experience in working in and managing a seasonal business and hiring seasonal staff.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Experience setting and executing strategic plans.
- Proven ability to hire the best talent and coach direct reports to do the same.
- Can effectively set priorities for themselves and others in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Strong computer skills including Google workspace and Microsoft Office.
- Strong financial acumen and the ability to manage a budget plan.
- Ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
- A self-starter who is willing to go above and beyond, eager to share their knowledge of photography with the team.
- High-integrity, thoughtful, and driven to provide quality training and support.
- Committed to establishing strong relationships within the company and with clients.
- Willing to convey a fun, yet professional and positive image and attitude.
- Committed to continuing professional growth of self and others.
- Excited about our business and helping us grow.
- Proficient in English, written and oral, as both are required for this position.

**Benefits**:

- Extended medical and health coverage that includes medical and dental.
- Basic life insurance and disability programs.
- Paid holidays and generous paid time off.
- Bonus programs that include annual performance goals and incentives.

**About Us**:
We are a family-owned and operated, proudly Canadian company located in the heart of Burnaby, close to Metrotown. We offer a small yet supportive work environment. MWS is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

**About Mountain West Studios**:
Since 1980, Mountain West Studios has built a solid reputation as a quality provider of school portraits in Western Canada. Our managers, experienced lab staff, and knowledgeable customer service representatives play an important role in our success. The benefits of being family owned and operated are evident in our quick response times - important decisions are made in a timely manner.