General Manager - Cinema Equipment Rentals

AbelCine is a leading provider of products and services to the production, broadcast, and media industries. We partner with production companies, studios, networks, corporations, and creative professionals to develop solutions across production technology, systems integration, equipment rental, and production services. We are currently seeking an experienced General Manager to lead our West Coast cinema equipment Rental department. This position drives financial performance, manages key client relationships, and oversees and develops a high-performing Rental sales team. 

The ideal candidate brings a strong combination of business acumen, leadership, customer relationship management, and knowledge of the professional production equipment rental industry. 

This is a hands-on leadership role that requires someone who can balance strategic business objectives with the day-to-day needs of our clients and employees. 

Key Responsibilities 

Business Leadership & Financial Performance 

• Own the financial performance of the assigned coastal rental business, including revenue, profitability, and departmental P&L. 
• Develop and execute strategies to achieve revenue, margin, and operational performance goals. 
• Monitor business performance, rental activity, and pipeline opportunities to identify trends, risks, and areas for improvement. 
• Build and oversee high-value rental quotations and complex client agreements. 
• Partner with senior leadership to establish business priorities, manage resources, and support long-term growth. 

Client Relationships & Business Development 

• Develop, manage, and nurture strong relationships with key accounts, production companies, and high-profile clients. 
• Serve as a senior point of contact for complex rental projects, VIP clients, and critical service issues. 
• Identify new rental opportunities and strengthen relationships with existing clients to encourage repeat business. 
• Collaborate with other departments to deliver comprehensive solutions and maximize customer value. 
• Maintain a strong understanding of industry trends, production workflows, and evolving client needs. 

Team Leadership & Development 

• Lead, coach, and mentor Rental Agents and other assigned rental personnel to ensure exceptional service and operational performance. 
• Establish clear expectations, performance goals, and accountability across the team. 
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide ongoing feedback, and address performance issues promptly. 
• Support employee training, professional development, and career growth. 
• Oversee onboarding and training for new team members. 
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture that encourages ownership, professionalism, and continuous improvement. 

Rental Operations & Customer Service 

• Oversee daily rental business, ensuring timely and accurate responses to inquiries received through the web portal, email, and phone. 
• Coordinate with operations manager, prep technicians, logistics personnel, and other departments to ensure equipment is prepared and delivered according to client requirements. 
• Act as the primary escalation point for urgent or complex customer service matters. 
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, increase productivity, and enhance the overall rental customer experience. 
• Participate in pipeline reviews, departmental meetings, and cross-functional planning. 
• Maintain a professional and organized client facing environment. 
• Provide occasional after-hours support for urgent client needs. 

Qualifications 

Required 

• 7+ years of experience in professional equipment rentals, production services, or a closely related industry,  
• 3+ years in a management or leadership role. 
• Strong understanding of professional cinema, broadcast, video, or production equipment and associated rental workflows. 
• Demonstrated experience managing business performance, budgets, revenue targets, and profitability. 
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with high-value clients and key accounts. 
• Experience managing, coaching, and developing customer-facing teams. 
• Strong knowledge of rental processes including quotations, scheduling, equipment logistics, order fulfillment, and customer service. 
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to manage competing priorities and make sound decisions in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. 
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to operational excellence. 
• Proficiency with rental, inventory management, and business reporting systems. 

Preferred 

• Direct experience in the film, television, commercial production, or professional cinema equipment rental industry. 
• Established relationships within the Los Angeles production community. 
• Experience overseeing multiple teams, departments, or rental locations. 
• Familiarity with rental pricing strategies, utilization metrics, and margin management. 
• Experience operating within sales and business development teams to expand key accounts. 
• Experience implementing process improvements and operational performance initiatives. 

What Success Looks Like in this Role

• Consistent achievement of rental revenue and profitability goals. 
• Strong client retention and growth of key accounts. 
• A responsive, well-trained, and accountable rental team. 
• Efficient rental workflows and reliable order fulfillment. 
• High levels of customer satisfaction and service quality. 
• Strong collaboration across AbelCine's departments to support business growth. 

Location: Burbank, CA
Status: Full-Time, On-site, Exempt
Compensation Range: $110,000–$125,000/year + profit sharing bonus

Benefits:
We understand that it’s people who make our company great. Because of this, we’re prepared to offer a competitive salary, incentive bonus, and a wide range of benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Parental Leave
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Supplemental insurance options
• Employee discount marketplace
• Pet Insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Discounted gym memberships
• A relaxed but engaged company culture

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital or partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic predisposition, veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, a sex offense or stalking, or any other class or status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.