General Manager/Director of Operations

About the Client

Our client is a first-of-its-kind outdoor entertainment destination in Westlake Village, California, combining food trucks, beer and wine service, live music, private events, and a high-energy social atmosphere. Designed to accommodate nearly 1,000 guests, our client is aiming to be a premier gathering place that blends hospitality, entertainment, and community.

We are seeking a highly entrepreneurial and hands‑on Founding General Manager / Director of Operations to lead the business through its pre‑opening phase and into ongoing operations.

This is not a traditional General Manager position. We are looking for someone who has launched hospitality concepts from the ground up and is excited by the opportunity to create something special.

The ideal candidate has experience opening restaurants, breweries, food halls, entertainment venues, or similar high‑volume hospitality businesses and thrives in fast-paced, startup environments.

Position Summary

The Founding General Manager will serve as the operational leader and will be responsible for building and executing every aspect of the business’s operations, including:

• Developing operational systems and procedures
• Vendor selection and procurement
• Recruiting and training staff
• Creating budgets and reporting systems
• Opening execution and day‑to‑day operations
• Driving guest experience and profitability

This individual will report directly to ownership and act as the owner’s operational partner.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Opening & Operational Development

Vendor & Systems Development

• Source, negotiate, and manage relationships with:
  • POS providers
  • Beverage suppliers and distributors
  • Security companies
  • Cleaning services
  • Technology providers
  • Maintenance vendors
  • Uniform providers
  • Third‑party service providers

Operating Systems & Procedures

• Build the operating infrastructure for the business, including:
  • Standard operating procedures
  • Opening and closing procedures
  • Cash handling procedures
  • Inventory management systems
  • Purchasing processes
  • Safety and emergency procedures
  • Employee handbook and policies
  • Training manuals
  • Service standards and guest experience protocols

Food & Beverage Operations

• Develop and oversee all beverage operations and controls.
• Establish inventory and purchasing systems.
• Manage relationships with distributors and suppliers.
• Develop operational standards for food truck partners and vendors.
• Create systems to ensure quality, cleanliness, and consistency throughout the venue.

Human Resources & Team Development

• Build the organization from the ground up.
• Determine staffing needs and organizational structure.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, and train all team members.
• Develop leadership within the organization.
• Create a culture of hospitality, accountability, and excellence.
• Implement performance management and employee development programs.

Event & Entertainment Operations

• Develop operational plans for private and special events.
• Coordinate event logistics and staffing.L>