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GENERAL MANAGER - Footlab Orange County
Sports Facilities Management, LLC
LOCATION: Santa Ana, CA
DEPARTMENT: OPERATIONS
REPORTS TO: VP OF VENUE MANAGEMENT
STATUS: FULL-TIME (EXEMPT)
ABOUT THE COMPANY:
Footlab Orange County is a premier sport, recreation and entertainment destination focused on improving the health and economic vitality of Santa Ana, CA. You will be joining a championship level team focused on fun, fulfillment and service built to enrich the community as well as your career and personal growth.
Footlab Orange County is a managed facility by Sports Facilities Management, LLC, a Sports Facilities Companies
(SFC) company. SFC is the nation's leading resource for managing and developing sports, recreation, wellness, and events facilities. We provide a highly collaborative and supportive culture that raises our team members to new levels of career growth. Together, we will carve a path in a hyper-growing industry where you will enjoy the journey and learn from the industry's best while having some fun.
SFC has been awarded national recognition as a Top Workplace and is considered a workplace of choice. Our mission-focused company is highly entrepreneurial, team-oriented with a culture centered on collaboration, accountability, excellence, and service. We are growing rapidly and looking for high performers at every level to grow with us.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The General Manager is responsible for the financial and operational performance of Footlab OC. The objectives for this position include:
- Optimizing overall profitability
- Creating a positive relationship with clients, guests, and stakeholders
- Creating a culture of accountability that supports organizational values
- Meeting or exceeding annual growth and guest experience objectives
- Facilitating interdepartmental collaboration
- Staff development and retention
- Development and implementation of employee and operating policies
- Implementation of major business initiatives
- Oversight of overall technology-driven activations, events, and Food & Beverage operations
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
- Analyze operations to evaluate the performance of the venue and its staff in order to meet objectives and identify areas for improvement
- Appoint department heads or managers and assign or delegate responsibilities accordingly
- Confer with ownership, Sports Facilities Management advisors & support team, and staff to address issues, coordinate operations, and resolve problems
- Coordinate the development and implementation of administrative control systems, such as scheduling, guest feedback, and budgeting tools
- Direct and coordinate the financial activities of the venue to fund operations, control costs, and increase overall efficiency
- Oversee all human resources functions, including recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management
- Implement policies and objectives to ensure consistent execution, high productivity, and alignment with brand standards
- Implement corrective action plans and conduct training to solve organizational or departmental problems
- Prepare and present reports concerning activities, guest feedback, expenses, budgets, and operational KPIs
- Represent the facility and promote its mission and brand at official functions and local engagements
- Act as a liaison between the venue, local businesses, governing bodies, and community partners
- Oversee facility readiness, equipment, and technology for daily operations and special events
- Direct sales, marketing, and programming efforts to ensure maximum attendance, revenue, and guest engagement
- Negotiate or approve contracts and agreements with vendors, sponsors, and service providers
- Prepare annual budgets for approval and monitor financial performance throughout the year
- Review reports submitted by department leads and provide strategic direction or changes as needed
- Schedule and monitor staff training related to guest service, safety, technology use, and venue operations
- Lead the MOD (Manager on Duty) schedule and function
- Any additional duties assigned by the VP of Venue Management
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Prior responsibility in daily P&L management and budget oversight of $1MM or greater
- Proven experience in organizing, booking, and operating sports, entertainment, or tech-integrated events and programs
- Operational knowledge of tech-driven sport science experiences, F&B services, and private events such as parties and corporate activations
- Experience working with tourism boards, event commissions, or corporate partnerships is a plus
- A minimum of 7 years of management experience, preferably in sport, entertainment, or experiential retail
- Sports programming, guest experience design, or tech-enhanced venue experience preferred
- Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Sports Management, Hospitality, Marketing, or a related field-or equivalent experience
- Strong leadership and team development skills
- Familiarity with CRM, POS, and guest feedback platforms
- Passion for football and digital experiences is a strong plus
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Will be required to sit for extended periods while operating a computer
- Facility environment includes intermittent noise and high-energy zones
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds waist high
- Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
- Ability to travel to national and international events, conferences, and training sessions
