Job Title: General Manager
Department: Finance & Administration
Reports To: Palm Beach North Athletic Foundation (PBNAF) Board of Directors
Scope and Nature of Role
The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, operation, and growth of the Palm Beach Gardens Ice Arena, a brand new, 130k square foot, $50+ million, twin-sheet ice arena opening in South Florida, the fastest-growing ice sports markets in the United States.
This role serves as the senior on-site leader for a new arena under development and is accountable for business performance, staff development, and guest experience across all operational areas, including ice rink programming, restaurant operations, and retail through the pro shop. The General Manager will establish and promote company culture and set operating standards to deliver a best-in-class guest experience while driving sustainable financial performance in a non-traditional hockey market.
Responsibilities
Administration:
● Develop comprehensive short and long-term business plans that maximizes revenues across key streams to maintain a sustainable programming strategy while carefully managing expenses
● Plan and implement a sales and marketing strategy to increase ice sports participation, brand awareness, and overall profitability
● Establish and track goals and performance metrics for all departments, creating a results-driven atmosphere
● Build and maintain strong relationships with the City of Palm Beach Gardens, local businesses, and other community groups
● Lead monthly management meetings and collaborate with department heads to set priorities, align goals, and maintain accountability
● Champion clear communication, collaboration, and teamwork to ensure a best in class guest experience
Operations:
● Understand the facility’s annual business lifecycle and develop a department specific program schedule, optimizing utilization for each business unit
● Set the vision for guest experience and organizational culture, balancing service excellence with financial performance
● Develop, implement, and periodically review all facility policies, programs, and operating procedures across each department
● Ensure compliance to all company SOPs and regulations
● Oversee major service contracts, including security, maintenance, signage, police and fire services, and partnership agreements
● Develop and maintain comprehensive management documentation (e.g., Operations Manual, Employee Handbook, Annual Preventative Maintenance Plan, Emergency Plan, etc.)
● Partner closely with department heads on day-to-day operations to foster the culture of continuous improvement
● Promote a strong safety culture, ensuring adherence to security, first aid and emergency protocols
Accounting & Finance:
● Develop, forecast, and manage the annual operating budget, ensuring the facility performs within financial targets
● Oversee accurate financial and statistical reporting across all programs and departments
● Review quarterly and annual financial results with the PBNAF Board of Directors
● Maintain accountability for all facility assets and develop an annual capital improvement plans
Human Resources:
● Hire, develop, and retain high-performing staff aligned with the PBNAF mission and values
● Proactively manage performance through coaching, development planning, and accountability
● Foster a positive, inclusive, and professional workplace culture across full-time and part-time staff
● Conduct annual performance reviews to support individual goal setting and professional development
● Design and administer employee incentive and recognition programs to reinforce performance and engagement
Preferred Qualifications
● 10+ years of experience in ice arena or sports facility management
● 7+ years of people management experience
● Pre-opening or facility launch
● Bachelor's degree in business-related
● Highly motivated leader with a results-driven mindset
● Highly proficient in facility management systems and Microsoft 365
● Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present to senior stakeholders
● Proven ability to build effective relationships across diverse teams and community partners
● Effective problem-solver with the ability to lead and motivate others
● Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment
● Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as dictated by the business
● Start date and compensation to be discussed; salary and benefits will be highly competitive within the market
