Open Position: International Operations Manager
We’re Hiring! International Operations Manager, Alpenglow Expeditions
Location: Olympic Valley (Lake Tahoe), CA
About Alpenglow Expeditions
Alpenglow Expeditions is the leading operator of high-altitude climbing and skiing trips around the world. Founded by professional climber and skier Adrian Ballinger and based in Olympic Valley, California, Alpenglow guides a diverse range of activities — from backcountry ski tours and avalanche education in the Sierra to rapid-ascent expeditions on the world’s highest peaks, including Mt. Everest. For two decades, Alpenglow has set the standard for safety, guide quality, and client experience in the mountains.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking an International Operations Manager to own the full lifecycle of Alpenglow’s international expedition program — from program design and guide standards to local operator relationships and in-trip emergency response. Reporting to the General Manager and working closely with the International Client Manager, the International Logistics Manager, and the Chief Guide, this is the operational backbone of everything Alpenglow does internationally.
This role operates within a small, high-performing international team. The International Client Manager owns sales, client relationships, and pricing support. The International Logistics Manager executes post-booking logistics and primary client and local logistics operator communications. The Chief Guide owns guide hiring, training, risk management and curriculums. The International Operations Manager maintains standards, manages relationships with operators, and holds overall accountability for program quality.
What You’ll Do
Expedition Logistics: Keep every trip running smoothly
• Manage all pre-trip, in-trip, and post-trip logistics in coordination with local operators and the • International Logistics Manager
• Oversee the financial aspects of international trips — LO payments, budgeting, and cost tracking.
• Work with the sales and marketing team to accurately price out new expeditions.
• Manage office team and 30+ international guides
• Gather post-trip feedback from clients and guides and synthesize findings into continuous program improvement
Program Design & Management: Own Alpenglow’s international expedition programs
• Maintain client prerequisite requirements and guide qualification standards for each program
• Maintain curriculum, itineraries, gear lists, and logistics frameworks
• Build new programs from concept through operational readiness
• Review all marketing materials for technical accuracy, flagging corrections as needed
• Annual expedition calendar management, with the sales and marketing
Local Operator Relationships: Be Alpenglow’s primary liaison to the world
• Build, manage, and maintain strong working relationships with all international local operator (LO) partners
• Hold operators to Alpenglow’s risk management and quality standards through ongoing performance evaluation
• Negotiate and manage operational agreements and expectations
• Identify and vet new operator partners as the program grows
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Keep the international team aligned and effective
• Provide the International Client Manager with accurate, up-to-date program information to support sales and pricing conversations
• Provide the International Logistics Manager with accurate, up-to-date program information to support logistics, staffing, and expedition quality
• Bring strategic program recommendations to the General Manager and leadership team
• Maintain team-wide alignment on risk management protocols, program changes, and LO updates
The Position
• Full-time, year-round, salaried
• Based in our Olympic Valley office, this is an in-person role and not available remotely
• Flexibility to incorporate expedition field work into the annual schedule
Who You Are
• 5+ years of experience both guiding and organizing multi-day expeditions, with a strong preference for international developing-world trip experience
• IFMGA license or AMGA alpine certification desired
• Deep knowledge of high-altitude and/or remote expedition logistics
• Strong financial acumen, including experience managing trip budgets
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-variable logistics in remote or international environments
• Calm, decisive judgment under pressure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with Alpenglow’s program regions and local operator ecosystem is a plus
Compensation
Base Salary: $65,000-80,000/year depending on experience
Benefits and Perks:
• 3 weeks paid time off
• SIMPLE IRA with a 3% company match
• Palisades Tahoe season ski pass
• Pro deals and industry gear discounts across our brand partners
• Domestic & International Trip benefit, take part in Alpenglow programs
Ready to Join Us?
Send your resume and cover letter to recruiter@alpenglowexpeditions.com with the subject line “International Operations Manager”. We’d love to hear from you.