General Manager

Herschend

$90K — $120K *
Hospitality & Recreation
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field; Master's degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in theme parks and water parks.
  • Proven ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives that enhance operational excellence and guest satisfaction.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex operations across multiple departments.
  • Strong analytical skills and business acumen for making informed decisions.

Responsibilities

  • Set the vision and lead all aspects of park operations and guest experiences.
  • Drive strategic planning to support organizational growth and improve performance metrics.
  • Develop and manage annual revenue and expense budgets to ensure financial alignment.
  • Oversee complete operational management related to staffing, guest experience, and park aesthetics.
  • Champion exceptional guest engagement initiatives by collaborating with the Property Support Center.
  • Foster a positive workplace culture that values employee input and engagement.
  • Ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulatory standards across all operations.

Benefits

  • Engagement initiatives to foster a positive workplace culture.
  • Opportunity for continuous improvement and development through training programs.
  • Flexible scheduling to accommodate personal and professional commitments.
Full Job Description
The General Manager of Lake Compounce Amusement - Water Park and Campground is responsible for setting the vision and leading all aspects of park operations, driving exceptional guest experiences, fostering an engaging and high-performing culture for hosts, and achieving strong financial results. The ideal candidate brings extensive theme park and water park leadership experience with a proven ability to develop and execute strategies that deliver operational excellence, sustainable growth, and long-term success.

We are currently looking for a:

General Manager

Roles & Responsibilities:

POSITION SUMMARY
The General Manager of Lake Compounce Amusement - Water Park and Campground is responsible for setting the vision and leading all aspects of park operations, driving exceptional guest experiences, fostering an engaging and high-performing culture for hosts, and achieving strong financial results. The ideal candidate brings extensive theme park and water park leadership experience with a proven ability to develop and execute strategies that deliver operational excellence, sustainable growth, and long-term success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Business Performance
  • Partner and collaborate with the Property Support Center to align and execute strategies and initiatives that support overall business objectives.
  • Drive strategic planning to support organizational growth and leadership development.
  • Measure, monitor, and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) to achieve operational excellence.
  • Develop, manage, and achieve annual revenue and expense budgets.
  • Provide operational insight and executive leadership to the property leadership team.


Operational Leadership
  • Lead and collaborate with operating and functional leaders across Attractions, Entertainment, Finance, Food & Beverage, Human Resources, Maintenance, Marketing, Retail, and Safety & Security to achieve shared business goals.
  • Oversee the full-cycle operation of the property, ensuring teams effectively respond to business demands, including staffing levels, operating hours, attractions, and guest experiences.
  • Monitor Park quality, cleanliness, maintenance, and aesthetic standards while holding leaders accountable for delivering exceptional experiences.


Guest Experience & Culture
  • Champion an exceptional guest experience by partnering with the Property Support Center to implement guest-focused strategies and initiatives.
  • Foster a culture where hosts feel welcomed, valued, and loved while advancing Herschend's Leading with Love culture.
  • Ensure hosts have the resources, training, and support necessary to consistently exceed guest expectations.
  • Promote a positive, inclusive workplace through strong host relations programs and engagement initiatives.


People Leadership & Talent Development
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and hosts by providing guidance on company policies, procedures, and standards.
  • Reinforce performance management practices that drive accountability, engagement, development, and productivity.
  • Support organizational and leadership development through coaching, succession planning, and talent development initiatives.


Safety, Compliance & Risk Management
  • Establish, monitor, and reinforce safe work practices across all areas of the property.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable city, county, state, and federal regulations, as well as company policies and operating standards.
  • Partner closely with Safety & Security to ensure adherence to all safety protocols and operating procedures.
  • Participate in the development and execution of park-wide emergency preparedness, readiness, and response plans.


EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field required, Master's degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in theme parks and water parks.
  • Proven experience developing and executing strategic initiatives that drive operational excellence, guest satisfaction, host engagement, and financial performance.
  • Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and managing complex, multi-department operations.


SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Leadership & Business Acumen
  • Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Proven track record of driving initiatives, achieving measurable results, and leading change.
  • Committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed business decisions.


Communication & Relationship Building
  • Excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal, and conflict management skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships at all levels of the organization.
  • Able to collaborate effectively with leaders, departments, and properties to share best practices and achieve common goals.


Professionalism & Integrity
  • Demonstrates the highest level of integrity, professionalism, sound judgment, and confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
  • Self-motivated, disciplined, and highly accountable.
  • Able to prioritize multiple responsibilities and consistently meet deadlines.
  • Adaptable and effective in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.


Culture & Guest Focus
  • Embodies the organization's Lead with Love culture by demonstrating Heartspitality.
  • Promotes a collaborative, team-oriented work environment by supporting and assisting fellow hosts and leaders.
  • Passionate about creating exceptional guest experiences and empowered to meet guest needs within company guidelines.
  • Demonstrates genuine friendliness and care in delivering exceptional service and operational excellence.


Work Requirements
  • Available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as business needs require.


Team member benefits:

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