Arena Adventure Park General Manager

General Manager

Arena Adventure Park Mount Vernon, IL

Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Location: Onsite

Position Summary

Arena Adventure Park is seeking a motivated, experienced, and results-driven General Manager to lead our team and oversee the daily operations of our adventure park. This position is responsible for delivering an outstanding guest experience while maintaining the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, customer service, and operational efficiency.

The General Manager plays a critical role in the overall success of the park by developing a strong team, driving revenue, managing expenses, and creating an environment where both guests and employees can thrive.

We are looking for a hands-on leader who takes ownership, leads by example, and understands how to balance an exceptional guest experience with strong business performance. From birthday celebrations and attractions to membership sales and café operations, the General Manager ensures every aspect of the business operates successfully and consistently reflects Arena Adventure Park's standards.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent. An Associate's or Bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of three years of management experience in a high-volume, customer-focused environment such as entertainment, hospitality, fitness, retail, or restaurants.
• At least two years of sales experience, preferably including memberships, packages, or service-based sales.
• Experience reviewing and utilizing Profit & Loss (P&L) statements to manage expenses, establish revenue targets, and improve profitability.
• Demonstrated success in achieving operational goals and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and other business management technology.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Dependable, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and committed to achieving results.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities.

Key Responsibilities

The General Manager is accountable for the overall leadership, financial performance, safety, and daily operations of Arena Adventure Park.

1. Team Leadership & Guest Experience

• Lead by example through active involvement in daily operations, assisting in any department or position when necessary.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, coach, and develop employees to build a knowledgeable, dependable, and service-oriented team.
• Provide ongoing leadership and development to Assistant General Managers and Team Leads, ensuring they are equipped to effectively train and supervise employees.
• Establish clear expectations, maintain accountability, recognize achievements, and encourage professional growth.
• Create a positive and supportive workplace culture that promotes teamwork, employee engagement, and retention.
• Oversee employee performance, provide constructive feedback, and address disciplinary matters professionally and consistently.
• Maintain open communication between departments, park leadership, and the corporate management team.
• Ensure guests receive friendly, attentive, and memorable service throughout their visit.
• Take ownership of guest concerns, resolve issues promptly, and follow up when necessary to maintain customer satisfaction.
• Promote a guest-first environment that encourages repeat visits, positive reviews, and long-term customer relationships.

2. Sales, Revenue & Financial Performance

• Take ownership of the park's financial performance by managing revenue, operating expenses, and profitability.
• Review P&L statements and operational reports to identify opportunities for growth, cost control, and improved efficiency.
• Establish and achieve revenue goals related to admission sales, memberships, birthday parties, group events, café operations, and other park offerings.
• Monitor purchasing, inventory, product costs, and vendor relationships to ensure responsible spending and operational efficiency.
• Evaluate vendor pricing and negotiate purchasing terms when appropriate.
• Partner with the marketing team to plan and execute promotions, special events, and strategies that increase attendance and revenue.
• Train and motivate employees to understand how their individual responsibilities contribute to the park's financial success.
• Coach Front Desk employees on effective sales techniques, membership presentations, and customer engagement.
• Ensure Front Desk employees, Party Hosts, and management staff understand their performance expectations and key performance indicators.
• Monitor labor expenses and staffing schedules to maintain appropriate payroll percentages while meeting operational and safety requirements.
• Build relationships with local businesses, schools, organizations, and community partners to create additional sales and event opportunities.
• Encourage creative thinking and support team members in developing and implementing ideas that improve park performance and guest satisfaction.

3. Park Operations, Safety & Facility Management

• Oversee all aspects of daily park operations to ensure a safe, clean, organized, and enjoyable environment.
• Regularly evaluate departmental procedures and performance, implementing improvements that increase productivity and operational consistency.
• Maintain strict adherence to company policies, safety procedures, and applicable OSHA and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure employees receive thorough training in attraction safety, emergency response, incident reporting, and established operating procedures.
• Conduct and oversee daily inspections of attractions, equipment, and park facilities to identify potential hazards or maintenance concerns.
• Ensure maintenance requests, inspection reports, incident documentation, and required operational records are completed accurately and promptly.
• Coordinate repairs and preventative maintenance to minimize downtime and maintain attraction functionality.
• Adjust staffing assignments and coverage based on guest volume, attraction requirements, and safety needs.
• Oversee cleanliness and presentation standards throughout the park, including attractions, restrooms, party rooms, dining areas, and common spaces.
• Monitor and maintain accurate inventory records for facility supplies, party materials, food and beverage products, and vending operations.
• Ensure all departments consistently meet Arena Adventure Park's operational and service standards.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The General Manager is responsible for achieving established performance goals and continually identifying opportunities to strengthen the business.

Key areas of accountability include:

• Revenue Growth: Meeting or exceeding established sales and revenue targets.
• Membership Sales: Increasing membership enrollment, retention, and recurring revenue.
• Birthday Parties & Events: Driving party bookings, group sales, and special event revenue.
• Labor Management: Maintaining established labor and payroll percentages through effective scheduling and productivity.
• Expense Control: Managing operating expenses, purchasing, and inventory to support profitability.
• Guest Satisfaction: Delivering exceptional service, resolving concerns, and encouraging repeat business.
• Safety & Compliance: Maintaining safe operations, completing inspections, and ensuring employee compliance with safety procedures.
• Park Cleanliness: Consistently meeting facility cleanliness, appearance, and maintenance expectations.
• Team Development: Maintaining appropriate staffing levels, improving employee performance, and developing future leaders.
• Operational Efficiency: Ensuring departments operate effectively while maintaining consistent company standards.

Physical & Scheduling Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods during scheduled shifts.
• Ability to lift and/or move a minimum of 20 pounds.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with guests and employees in a busy, high-energy, and sometimes loud environment.
• Willingness to assist with physical and operational tasks as needed.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak business periods.

What Success Looks Like

A successful General Manager at Arena Adventure Park is someone who takes pride in the facility, leads a strong and motivated team, and consistently delivers an outstanding guest experience.

This individual understands that a successful park requires more than day-to-day supervision. It requires ownership, accountability, financial awareness, strong leadership, and the ability to create an environment where families want to return and employees enjoy working.

Our goal is simple: Deliver exceptional experiences, maintain a safe and welcoming environment, develop great employees, and operate a successful, profitable business.

Join Our Team

At Arena Adventure Park, we believe great experiences begin with great leadership. We are looking for a General Manager who is excited about building a strong team, growing a business, and becoming an important part of our local community.

If you are a motivated leader who enjoys working with people, thrives in an energetic environment, and is ready to take ownership of a growing operation, we encourage you to apply.

Pay: $21.00 - $27.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 – 45.0 per week

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21 - $27