Job Description
Summary of Functions
The Director of Slots owns the strategy, performance, and profitability of the Slot Department at Northern Quest Resort & Casino. Leading through a management team, the Director sets slot product, technology, and floor strategy; owns the department's operating and capital budget; delivers a guest experience consistent with the Kalispel Hospitality promise; and safeguards Tribal assets through full compliance with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians–State of Washington Gaming Compact, NIGC regulations, and Tribal internal controls.
Success is measured by slot revenue and margin growth that outpaces the competitive market; budget and capital commitments delivered as forecast; an unblemished regulatory and internal-control record; measurable gains in guest satisfaction and repeat play; and a leadership bench ready for succession.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic & Financial Leadership
- Translate enterprise growth pillars into short- and long-term slot strategy spanning product, floor layout, and capital investment
- Draft and submit the annual operating and capital budget for approval
- Manage department performance to budget through regular P&L review, forecasting, and variance analysis
- Own the department labor model, including staffing levels, scheduling structure, and labor cost as a percentage of revenue
- Partner with Finance on capital planning and return-on-investment analysis, and represent the Slot Department in cross-departmental and enterprise-level decision-making
Slot Product & Floor Performance
- Applies slot analytics, performance metrics, and forecasting to evaluate machine performance and guide floor design, layout changes, and machine moves that optimize floor mix, guest flow, operational efficiency, and revenue performance
- Lead strategy for machine purchases, conversions, and retirements to sustain a competitive and profitable product offering
- Approve slot machine configuration, including denomination, par settings, and bonusing, within regulatory and internal control requirements
- Negotiate and manage slot manufacturer and vendor relationships to secure favorable pricing, participation terms, service levels, and early access to product innovation, maintaining current knowledge of industry trends through industry events and vendor demonstrations
Slot Technology & Systems
- Provide executive oversight of slot technical operations, including machine installations, conversions, removals, and preventive maintenance
- Ensure slot systems — slot accounting, player tracking, bonusing, and ticket-in/ticket-out — remain available, secure, and accurately integrated with casino systems in partnership with IT
- Establish response and recovery standards for slot system outages and machine downtime to protect revenue and guest experience
- Direct slot floor capital projects and new-game launches, coordinating with Facilities, IT, and Compliance through installation and go-live
Compliance, Controls & Asset Protection
- Ensure full compliance with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians–State of Washington Gaming Compact, NIGC regulations, Minimum Internal Control Standards, and all applicable laws
- Oversee slot cash-handling and payout controls, including hand-pay and jackpot procedures, W-2G reporting, and Title 31 currency transaction requirements, in coordination with Cage, Count, and Compliance
- Administer responsible gaming requirements on the slot floor, including self-exclusion support, signage, and team member training
- Serve as the department's primary contact for the Kalispel Tribal Gaming Agency and external auditors, ensuring findings are resolved promptly
Guest Experience & Team Development
- Champion Kalispel Hospitality by creating an environment that is genuine and intentional in delivering on the promise of exceptional guest service
- Collaborate with Marketing, Loyalty Marketing, and Player Development on promotions and programs that grow slot revenue and reinvestment return, including high-limit and premium play
- Monitor guest play patterns and feedback to anticipate needs, drive loyalty, and resolve escalated guest issues
- Lead a culture of unwavering commitment to team member fulfillment
- Coach and develop department leadership, strengthening leadership capability and succession readiness
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Directly supervises two to four department leaders, including Slot Operations and Gaming Technology leadership
- Provides indirect oversight of all slot operations and gaming technician team members through those leaders
- Holds hiring, disciplinary, and termination authority for the Slot Department in accordance with Tribal and enterprise policy
- Conducts performance evaluations, establishes performance expectations, and approves staffing and compensation recommendations for direct reports
- Holds budget authority for the Slot Department, including labor, operating expense, and capital requests within delegated approval limits
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, or a related field required; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Leadership, or a related field preferred
Experience
- Seven (7) years of progressive leadership experience in slot operations within a large-scale casino environment; tribal gaming experience strongly preferred
- Five (5) or more years of senior-level leadership experience with direct accountability for staffing, compliance, and revenue performance
- Demonstrated track record in slot analytics, product strategy, vendor negotiation, and budget management
Skills & Abilities
- Strategic leadership in gaming and hospitality, with proven ability to align department operations to enterprise strategy and growth pillars
- Strong financial acumen, including budget development, Profit and Loss management, revenue optimization, and capital investment planning
- Expertise in slot product strategy and analytics, including machine mix optimization, performance forecasting, and floor layout design
- Demonstrated success in vendor and manufacturer negotiation and long-term partnership management
- Comprehensive knowledge of Tribal, Federal, and State gaming regulations, internal control standards, and compliance practices
- Proven ability to build and develop high-performing leadership teams, with a focus on succession planning and team member fulfillment
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and make sound decisions among competing priorities
- Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to foster enterprise collaboration and serve as a brand steward and external ambassador
Other Requirements
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Washington State Gaming License
- Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays when required by business needs
- Ability to maintain consistent, regular attendance
- Valid driver’s license and insurability if operating a Tribal vehicle
Physical Demands
The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with applicable law.
- Frequent sitting for sustained periods while performing computer and administrative work
- Frequent standing and walking while present on the gaming floor and in operational areas
- Constant use of hands, wrists, and fingers for keyboarding and other office tasks
- Frequent talking and hearing in person, by telephone, and in group settings
- Ability to adjust focus and maintain visual attention for extended periods when working at a computer
- Occasional lifting and moving of objects up to 25 pounds
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position.
- Primarily performed in a professional office environment, with regular presence required in the casino and operational areas
- Exposure to tobacco smoke, flashing lights, and loud noises common to a casino environment
- Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts and airborne particles in slot technical and back-of-house areas
- Fast-paced, 24-hour gaming environment with frequent interaction with guests, team members, vendors, and regulators
Travel Requirements
Occasional out-of-state travel is required for industry events, vendor demonstrations, and property tours, typically several times per year for two to five days.
Hiring Preference
The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is an Equal opportunity employer. Consistent with federal law, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians applies Indian preference in employment. It is the policy of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians to give preference in hiring, promotions, and transfers into vacant positions to qualified applicants in the following order: 1) Kalispel Tribal Members; 2) Spouses of an enrolled Kalispel Tribal Member; 3) enrolled members of other Indian Tribes; 4) all other applicants.
General Sign-off & Disclaimers
The employee is expected to adhere to all company policies.
At-Will Employment: Employment with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians is at-will and can be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, either at the option of the employee or the Kalispel Tribe of Indians.
Drug Testing: The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is a drug free workplace. All applicants are subject to drug testing at the time of hire and at unannounced times during employment.
Background Investigation: All candidates and employees may be subject to a background investigation.
The duties and responsibilities described in this job description are intended to represent the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required.
Responsibilities may be modified, expanded, or reassigned based on business needs, organizational changes, regulatory requirements, or direction from leadership.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.