General Manager

General Manager Opportunity At VAULT

VAULT is NOW Hospitality's newest concept — where music, dining, and nightlife meet. Located in the heart of downtown Peoria, IL, VAULT blends elevated dining, curated cocktails, and late-night energy into one unforgettable experience. Designed for those who crave quality, connection, and creativity, VAULT is here. NOW Hospitality is seeking a dynamic, experienced General Manager to lead the opening and ongoing operations of VAULT, ensuring excellence in service, profitability, and culture.

The General Manager is the operational heartbeat of VAULT — responsible for leading the team, driving results, and delivering an exceptional guest experience from day one. This is a hands-on leadership position that requires both strategic thinking and a strong presence on the floor. The GM will oversee day-to-day operations, financial performance, and staff development while working closely with ownership and department leads to bring this groundbreaking concept to life.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit, train, and inspire a world-class hospitality and security team that reflects NOW Hospitality's core values: passion, professionalism, and hospitality without compromise.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and performance-driven work culture grounded in respect, accountability, and collaboration.
• Conduct weekly leadership and security meetings to ensure alignment on operational goals and guest safety expectations.
• Oversee all front-of-house and back-of-house operations, including floor management, scheduling, and nightly execution.
• Maintain precise cost controls for beverage, labor, and inventory.
• Manage opening/closing procedures, cash handling, and POS accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with all state and local health, safety, and liquor regulations.
• Implement efficient operational systems to support consistency and scalability.
• Direct and supervise the security team, ensuring all members are properly trained, licensed, and operating in compliance with Illinois state requirements.
• Develop and enforce security protocols for guest check-in, ID verification, crowd control, and incident reporting.
• Coordinate with local law enforcement, fire marshal, and licensing authorities as needed to maintain full compliance.
• Maintain detailed nightly reports documenting incidents, guest ejections, and security activity.
• Conduct regular safety drills and de-escalation training for both staff and security personnel.
• Ensure video surveillance, lighting, and access points are fully functional and properly monitored during operations.
• Uphold VAULT's elevated guest experience by blending luxury service with a discreet, safe, and comfortable environment.
• Anticipate guest needs and resolve issues in real time with professionalism and composure.
• Oversee music programming, VIP service, and special event execution in partnership with NOW Events.
• Review weekly P&L reports, labor percentages, and beverage cost analyses to ensure profitability.
• Forecast revenue, staffing, and supply needs based on business trends.
• Meet or exceed KPIs related to profitability, labor efficiency, and guest satisfaction.
• Collaborate with NOW Hospitality's marketing team to execute promotional events, theme nights, and influencer partnerships.
• Serve as a brand ambassador for VAULT, maintaining relationships with local business owners, vendors, and community leaders.
• Stay informed of nightlife and hospitality trends to ensure the concept evolves with guest expectations.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of leadership experience in upscale nightlife, bar, or hospitality operations.
• Proven success managing high-volume venues with live entertainment and security teams.
• Strong understanding of security protocols, ID verification processes, and conflict de-escalation.
• Experience collaborating with security companies, off-duty police, or in-house safety teams.
• Advanced knowledge of P&L management, labor controls, and beverage cost tracking.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a calm, authoritative presence.
• Flexible availability — nights, weekends, holidays, and special events required.
• Experience with Toast POS systems, XTRAChef, and operational reporting software.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary with quarterly performance-based bonuses.
• Health and wellness benefits after 90 days.
• Paid vacation and advancement opportunities across the NOW Hospitality portfolio.
• Exclusive access to NOW Group events and hospitality experiences.
• Relocation available for qualified candidate.