Demo

Pickleball General Manager

Pickleball X
Waukegan, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 3/20/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/20/2026

General Manager – Indoor Pickleball Facility

We’re searching for a high-energy, proactive General Manager to lead one of our premier indoor pickleball locations. This is your chance to take the reins of a vibrant, community-driven club and drive operational excellence, member satisfaction, and local engagement. If you're a passionate leader with a mind for business and a love of sport, this is your court. The GM will run day-to-day operations, manage staff, and create exciting programming for leagues, tournaments, clinics and community events.

Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

  • Run all day-to-day operations: staffing, scheduling, inventory, facility upkeep, and member experience.
  • Lead by example—your energy and work ethic set the tone for the team.

Team Leadership

  • Recruit, train, and manage an all-star team of coaches, Events Sales Manager, Team Lead, and front desk staff.
  • Foster a positive, high-performance culture aligned with Pickleball Kingdom values.

Customer & Member Experience

  • Create a world-class environment where everyone—from beginners to tournament players—feels welcomed and valued.
  • Develop and run leagues and tournaments consistently and effectively.
  • Resolve issues with confidence, empathy, and speed.

Sales, Marketing & Growth

  • Execute local marketing campaigns and collaborate with the marketing team to grow membership, promote programs and drive event participations with community partnerships.
  • Maintain weekly coordination with the Marketing team to plan and execute ongoing community outreach initiatives.

Business & Financial Management

  • Own the P&L: Maintain budgets, revenue goals, track performance, and implement revenue-driving and cost-control strategies.
  • Work with ownership to hit key performance benchmarks.

Event Sales & Sponsorship Development

  • Generate leads through proactive outreach, networking, and inbound inquiries.
  • Develop and deliver compelling event and sponsorship proposals.
  • Negotiate terms and close deals with clients and sponsors.
  • Achieve and exceed sales targets for events and sponsorships.
  • Identify, approach, and secure sponsorship partners for various programs (banners, court wraps, tournaments, brand activations, etc.).
  • Communicate to potential sponsors of any upcoming events
  • Maintain ongoing relationships with sponsors to encourage renewals and upsells.

Event Oversight & Operations

  • Oversee the execution of events you sign, ensuring high-quality delivery and client satisfaction.
  • Work with internal teams to coordinate logistics, staffing, and customer experience.
  • Serve as the main point of contact for event clients and sponsors during their event.

Relationship Management

  • Build and maintain long-term relationships with clients, sponsors, and community partners.
  • Provide post-event follow-up, reporting, and client feedback collection.

Qualifications:

  • 3 years of GM leadership experience, background in racquet sports; pickleball experience preferred.
  • Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
  • Track record of success managing a team and driving business results.
  • Must be P&L savvy and data-driven in decision making.
  • Comfortable working evenings, weekends, and event schedules
  • Must have a valid Drivers License

Why Join the Kingdom?

Commission structure based on events & sponsorship.

  • Free Membershipto our world-class facility
  • Employee Discounts on gear and programs
  • Unmatched Growth Opportunity—ride the wave with a brand on fire
  • A vibrant community of players and team members
  • Be part of something bigger—not just a job, but a movement

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • Paid time off

Application Question(s):

  • Are you at least 21 years of age?
  • How many years of experience do you have managing racquet sports? (Preferably Pickleball)

Ability to Commute:

  • Waukegan, IL 60085 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $55,000

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