General Manager

Overview

Summary: The General Manager (GM) is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and daily operations of the waterpark. This role oversees all functional areas including aquatics, guest services, food & beverage, maintenance, safety, staffing, and financial performance. The GM ensures an exceptional guest experience while maintaining operational excellence, team performance, profitability, and full compliance with regulatory standards. The GM plays a hands-on leadership role, creating a safe, fun, and engaging environment for guests and team members alike.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and vision for the entire waterpark, ensuring an outstanding guest experience, high-performing teams, and profitable operations.
• Oversee day-to-day park operations across all departments: aquatics, food and beverage, attractions, admissions, retail, and facilities.
• Lead, develop, and manage the management team and department heads to drive operational excellence, efficiency, and safety.
• Monitor and maintain the highest standards of guest service, cleanliness, and safety throughout the park.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including health, safety, food service, and aquatic standards.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and performance management for all staff in partnership with HR and department managers.
• Lead and support the aquatics team to ensure lifeguards are properly trained, certified StarGuard Elite, and equipped to maintain water safety standards.
• Manage and monitor all operational budgets, labor forecasting, expense control, and financial reporting for the park.
• Maintain and inspect all park facilities and attractions to ensure equipment is functioning properly, clean, and safe for guests.
• Implement and monitor emergency response procedures, safety drills, and risk management protocols.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in guest service, employee engagement, operational procedures, and cost-efficiency.
• Represent the park in a professional manner, building strong relationships with guests, vendors, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Promote a culture of positivity, respect, and accountability throughout the organization.
• Ensure all areas of the park are operating according to brand standards, health codes, and company policies.
• Act as the primary point of contact during critical operational issues or emergencies.
• Serve as an ambassador of the waterpark brand and champion a fun, safe, and welcoming environment.

Qualifications and Experience

Required:

• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in the hospitality, attractions, theme park, or waterpark industry.
• Proven experience managing large teams in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of operations, financial management, labor scheduling, guest service, and safety compliance.
• Demonstrated success in managing budgets, analyzing P&L statements, and driving revenue while controlling costs.
• Experience overseeing aquatics operations and lifeguard programs (StarGuard Elite or similar).
• Strong leadership and team development skills with a hands-on management style.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and point-of-sale or scheduling systems.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred or Required Upon Hire:

• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or equivalent.
• CPR/AED/First Aid Certification.
• ServSafe and TIPS Certifications (for oversight of food and beverage operations).
• Emergency Action Planning and safety protocols.
• Experience leading capital improvement projects or operational upgrades

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Must be comfortable working in indoor and outdoor environments in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and perform physical tasks for extended periods.
• Must be on-site during operational hours and available for emergency calls or urgent needs outside of business hours.
• Regular weekend, evening, and holiday work is required.

Who We Are

Lucky Strike Entertainment, formerly Bowlero Corp, is one of the world’s premier location-based entertainment platforms. With over 360 locations across North America, Lucky Strike Entertainment provides experiential offerings in bowling, amusements, water parks, and family entertainment centers. The company also owns the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling and a growing media property that boasts millions of fans around the globe. For more information on Lucky Strike Entertainment, please visit ir.luckystrikeent.com.

The pay range for this position is $120,000 to $140,000.

Lucky Strike Entertainment offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package which includes healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits.  Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position.  More details regarding benefits are available here: www.bowlerocorp.com/careers/benefits