General Manager- Sports at WEC

Sports at WEC offers a unique opportunity for an accomplished leader to help direct the growth and overall success of a premier sports destination defined by excellence, service, and long-term vision. We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and highly motivated General Manager to lead the overall financial and operational performance of Sports at WEC.

This role is responsible for providing both strategic and day-to-day leadership across programming, staffing, guest experience, budgeting, revenue generation, and operational execution across the Sports at WEC complex. The General Manager will play a critical role in shaping the systems, standards, culture, and business framework that support both current operations and future expansion.

The General Manager will oversee the continued growth and success of Sports at WEC as a dynamic sports and events destination, helping guide the complex through current operations, future phases of development, and expanded programming opportunities. This is a unique opportunity for a proven leader to help shape the future of a high-level sports complex within one of the most distinctive hospitality and event campuses in the country.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Sports at WEC, LLC is leading the development of a premier sports complex at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, creating an exceptional destination for sports, recreation, and events.

Set within one of the most distinctive hospitality and event campuses in the country, Sports at WEC is designed to support a wide range of programming, including leagues, tournaments, camps, clinics, and special events. The complex will combine high-level athletic programming with the elevated service, attention to detail, and guest experience that define the World Equestrian Center brand.

Phase 1 of the development will include 12 outdoor multi-purpose rectangular fields, featuring 8 natural grass fields and 4 artificial turf fields, establishing a strong foundation for a dynamic sports destination built to serve athletes, teams, event organizers, and guests at a high level.

Long-term plans for the project include additional outdoor field development, a large indoor sports facility expected to support basketball, volleyball, and hockey, and an indoor performance training center. As Sports at WEC continues to grow, it is positioned to become a leading destination for youth, amateur, competitive, and professional sports and athletic programming throughout the region and beyond.

Sports at WEC operates in coordination with the larger World Equestrian Center – Ocala platform and its affiliated hospitality and operational resources. Full-time team members supporting the sports complex are employed through Columbus Hospitality Management and work in close alignment with Sports at WEC leadership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Analyze operations to evaluate the performance of the business and its staff to meet financial and operational objectives and identify areas for improvement, cost control, and program growth.
• Oversee the daily operation of Sports at WEC, including sports programming, events, facility operations, staffing, customer service, and financial performance.
• Provide leadership for the successful operation and ongoing development of the Sports at WEC complex, while helping prepare the organization, systems, and staffing structure for future expansion phases.
• Work closely with ownership, Sports at WEC leadership, consultants, support team members, and staff to discuss priorities, coordinate activities, and resolve issues.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of budgetary controls, recordkeeping systems, and administrative processes.
• Direct and coordinate financial and budget activities in order to fund operations, maximize efficiency, and support revenue growth.
• Assist with oversight of human resources functions, including staffing plans, hiring needs, employee development, and departmental organization.
• Direct, plan, and implement policies, objectives, and activities necessary to ensure efficient operations and sustained growth.
• Implement corrective action plans to address organizational or departmental challenges.
• Prepare and present reports concerning operations, expenses, budgets, revenue performance, and other matters affecting the business.
• Represent Sports at WEC and promote its objectives at official functions, community events, business meetings, and industry events.
• Serve as a liaison between Sports at WEC and internal departments, outside organizations, vendors, event operators, and other business partners.
• Support planning related to site utilization, facility readiness, operational needs, and equipment and supply procurement.
• Direct and coordinate activities related to programming, pricing, sales strategy, business development, and service delivery.
• Provide strategic direction to all operating departments within the Sports at WEC structure.
• Work with leadership to support planning for the future growth of the Sports at WEC project, including operational readiness, staffing strategy, programming concepts, and business planning for future facility expansion.
• Negotiate or approve contracts and agreements with vendors, service providers, partners, and other entities, as authorized.
• Organize, review, and approve promotional initiatives in coordination with internal marketing resources.
• Prepare budgets for approval, including those related to staffing, programming, operations, and capital or operational initiatives.
• Review reports submitted by department leaders and staff and recommend changes where needed.
• Continually evaluate systems, technology, and processes to improve efficiency and service levels.
• Monitor and support ongoing staff training related to operations, safety, service standards, and legal and compliance responsibilities.
• Lead the team in delivering a high-level guest and participant experience consistent with World Equestrian Center standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior responsibility for daily P&L management and budget oversight of at least $1MM.
• Proven management and leadership experience in sports, recreation, hospitality, venue operations, events, or closely related industries.
• Strong operational knowledge of sports programming, sports facility and event operations, leagues, tournaments, camps, clinics, and related service offerings.
• Experience overseeing multi-department operations in a customer-facing environment.
• Experience driving revenue through programming, rentals, events, sponsorships, partnerships, and related business initiatives preferred.
• Prior experience managing or overseeing marketing and promotional efforts preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of management experience.
• Strong understanding of risk management and operational safety practices.
• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities and execute strategies that support revenue and operational goals.
• Bachelor’s degree in business management, sports management, marketing, hospitality, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES

• Optimize overall profitability
• Foster a culture of accountability that supports organizational values
• Meet or exceed annual growth objectives
• Facilitate strong interdepartmental collaboration
• Support employee retention and staff development
• Assist in the development and implementation of employee and operating policies
• Lead the execution of major business initiatives
• Implement systems and solutions that support operational excellence and long-term growth

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimal travel as needed for industry events, trade shows, business development meetings, and related professional obligations.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to travel regionally and nationally as needed.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds waist high.
• Will be required to conduct facility tours and walk the complex regularly.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

World Equestrian Center – Ocala is managed by Columbus Hospitality Management, a company committed to providing quality service and memorable guest experiences in a positive and welcoming work environment. Full-time team members supporting Sports at WEC are employed through Columbus Hospitality Management and work in coordination with Sports at WEC, LLC leadership.

We are proud to be a Drug Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be required to submit to a background check prior to employment.