General Manager Polo Pony - World Equestrian Center Ocala, FL

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

The General Manager of Polo Pony Restaurant is responsible for the overall leadership, operation, and success of the restaurant. This role oversees all front-of-house and restaurant operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence, financial performance, and team development. The General Manager leads and motivates staff, manages labor and operating costs, maintains service standards, and fosters a culture of hospitality that reflects the World Equestrian Center's commitment to excellence.

The General Manager reports directly to the Director of Food & Beverage and works closely with culinary leadership and other departments to ensure seamless operations and an elevated dining experience.

Essential Functions

1. Provide overall leadership and direction for all Polo Pony Restaurant operations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and service standards.

1. Recruit, train, develop, coach, and evaluate restaurant team members and managers to build a high-performing and engaged workforce.

1. Create and maintain a guest-focused culture that delivers exceptional hospitality and exceeds guest expectations.

1. Monitor and manage labor costs, operating expenses, and other controllable expenditures to achieve financial objectives and budgetary goals.

1. Drive revenue growth through effective staffing, service execution, upselling strategies, promotions, and operational efficiencies.

1. Partner with culinary leadership to maintain menu quality, presentation, consistency, and guest satisfaction.

1. Oversee inventory management, purchasing, product utilization, and cost controls to minimize waste and maximize profitability.

1. Ensure all restaurant facilities, equipment, dining areas, and service stations are clean, organized, and maintained to the highest standards.

1. Analyze guest feedback, operational data, and financial reports to identify opportunities for improvement and implement action plans.

1. Develop and execute training programs to enhance service standards, product knowledge, and employee performance.

1. Foster open communication and provide ongoing coaching, recognition, and performance feedback to team members and supervisors.

1. Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including health, sanitation, alcohol service, labor, and safety requirements.

1. Maintain adherence to World Equestrian Center and Columbus Hospitality Management policies, procedures, and service standards.

1. Collaborate with other Food & Beverage outlets and resort departments to support special events, group functions, and operational needs.

1. Respond professionally and effectively to guest concerns, resolving issues promptly to ensure guest satisfaction.

1. Maintain a safe work environment through adherence to all safety policies and practices.

1. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements necessary for an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of the position are outlined below. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.

• Ability to bend, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive motions.

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and flexible schedules as business levels require.

• Ability to move throughout all restaurant, kitchen, and event areas.

Qualifications, Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in restaurant management, with at least 2 years in a General Manager or senior leadership role within a high-volume, upscale, or full-service restaurant environment.

• Demonstrated success in leading teams, driving guest satisfaction, and achieving financial goals.

• Strong knowledge of food and beverage operations, restaurant financial management, labor controls, and inventory management.

• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English proficiently.

• Strong leadership, coaching, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.

• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and restaurant POS systems.

• Knowledge of proper dining service etiquette, hospitality standards, and guest engagement practices.

• Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and results-driven.

• Professional demeanor and appearance.

• ServSafe Food Manager Certification and alcohol service certification preferred or obtainable within company guidelines.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the associate occupying this position. Associates will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" employment relationship.

The World Equestrian Center is managed by Columbus Hospitality Management, a company committed to providing quality service and memorable guest experiences in a positive and welcoming work environment. We are focused on supporting the needs of our team through our commitment to work-life balance and professional development opportunities.

We are proud to be a Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be required to submit to a background check prior to employment.