General Manager

At Lucky You, we're a thriving, established business where operational excellence and meaningful work go hand in hand. Located near downtown San Diego, CA, we're a dynamic, customer-focused company specializing in creative, high-quality custom gift and incentive programs with proven systems, strong culture, and solid processes already in place. Our core values—integrity, kindness, and excellence—guide everything we do. We're seeking a hands‑on, growth-oriented General Manager to elevate our operations, scale our existing systems to support accelerated growth, and develop our leadership team to the next level. If you're energized by taking a well‑run operation and optimizing it for significant expansion, solving complex scaling challenges, and building a world‑class team, we'd love to hear from you! The Opportunity This is a full‑time salaried leadership position offering competitive compensation and the chance to make a strategic, measurable impact on company growth. You'll work closely with the Company President to execute an ambitious expansion strategy, refine and scale proven processes, and develop our leadership bench strength across production, fulfillment, inventory, and support functions. This role offers the unique advantage of building on a solid foundation—taking what works and making it work better, faster, and at greater volume—while partnering with leadership to position Lucky You for the next chapter of growth. Why You'll Thrive at Lucky You Scale Proven Operations: Build on established systems, culture, and processes to support significant growth—optimizing efficiency, margins, and quality without starting from scratch Strategic Growth Partnership: Partner directly with company leadership to execute expansion strategy, anticipate scaling challenges, and position the organization for sustainable, profitable growth Leadership Development: Elevate our management team by coaching department leaders, building bench strength, and creating a culture of continuous improvement and accountability Hands‑On Strategic Leadership: Engage in both the operational details and big‑picture thinking needed to scale—from refining production systems to expanding team capacity to implementing new technologies Role Summary The General Manager is responsible for leading and scaling company operations to achieve profitable growth, operational excellence, and organizational maturity. This role ensures the business runs efficiently day to day while building the systems, people, and processes needed to support long‑term expansion. The General Manager partners closely with the Company President to execute strategy, improve margins, strengthen the team, and deliver a consistently high‑quality product and customer experience. Key Results Profitable, well‑run operations with disciplined cost control and efficient use of resources Scalable systems and processes that support growth Reliable production and fulfillment that meet quality, timing, and budget expectations A safe, compliant, and well‑maintained facility Engaged, accountable, and well‑trained employees Core Responsibilities Inventory & Supply Chain Management Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to secure favorable pricing, terms, and reliability Place and manage all inventory purchase orders to ensure timely procurement and cost control. Plan and manage inventory levels to prevent shortages, over-purchasing, and obsolescence Optimize purchasing decisions by balancing cost savings, volume discounts, and cash flow Monitor inventory performance and continuously improve forecasting and controls Transition purchase order responsibilities to dedicated personnel as the company scales Production & Operations Develop and manage production schedules to meet inventory needs, customer demand, and deadlines Establish hourly and daily production targets; monitor performance with production leads and adjust as needed Design, implement, and refine production line setups to maximize efficiency, throughput, and quality Coordinate with the Company President on operational priorities, promotions, and growth initiatives Directly manage and coach department leaders (Kitchen, Production, Shipping, Accounting) through regular 1:1 meetings focused on performance, accountability, and development Anticipate staffing needs and lead hiring, onboarding, and training for full‑time and seasonal employees Develop a culture of ownership, continuous improvement, and teamwork Ensure all required employee certifications and training are current and compliant Facilities, Equipment & Technology Oversee facility maintenance to ensure a clean, safe, organized, and inspection‑ready environment Plan and schedule preventative maintenance for all equipment and infrastructure Manage repairs and capital improvements, including vendor selection, bid evaluation, and cost justification Ensure computer systems, phones, and software remain reliable and effective Serve as primary point of contact for alarm and security systems, including after‑hours response Processes & Quality Systems Establish, document, and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, quality, and internal controls Evaluate and implement process improvements thoughtfully, with attention to risk, cost, and scalability Ensure strict adherence to recipes, packaging standards, and product quality expectations Uphold Employee Handbook policies and company standards across all departments Legal, Safety & Regulatory Compliance Maintain all required business licenses, certifications, and regulatory filings Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws, including labor, safety, and food regulations Promote a safe workplace and ensure all safety standards are consistently followed Leadership & Accountability The General Manager is accountable for managing company resources productively, developing strong leaders, and executing projects that move the business forward. This role sets operational priorities, controls costs, reduces waste, and improves margins while maintaining high standards of quality and safety. The General Manager directly supervises production, kitchen, accounting, and shipping/inventory functions and serves as the primary operational liaison with suppliers, employees, regulators, and the local community. Qualifications & Skills Required Education Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or related field or equivalent professional experience demonstrating operational leadership capability (8+ years in progressive operations roles) Required Experience Minimum 5-7 years of direct operations management experience, with at least 3 years in a General Manager, Operations Director, or equivalent leadership role Proven track record scaling operations—managing growth from one phase to the next while maintaining or improving quality, efficiency, and profitability Experience leading cross‑functional teams across production, inventory/supply chain, fulfillment, and support functions Strong background in inventory and supply chain management, including vendor relationships, procurement optimization, and forecasting Demonstrated expertise in process design, documentation, and continuous improvement (familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies is a plus) Experience implementing and managing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality control systems Track record of building and developing high‑performing teams through coaching, accountability, and culture development Preferred Experience Experience in manufacturing, custom production, or fulfillment‑based businesses Background in food, beverage, or consumer goods production (preferred but not required) Experience with inventory management systems, ERP software, or production scheduling tools Familiarity with regulatory compliance in production environments (food safety, labor laws, facility standards) Prior experience working directly with company founders or in fast‑growth organizations Knowledge of cost accounting, margin analysis, and P&L management Core Competencies Strategic thinking combined with strong operational execution Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills Problem‑solving mindset with attention to both detail and big‑picture impact Financial acumen and disciplined cost management Ability to build trust, develop talent, and inspire accountability Adaptability and comfort with ambiguity in a growing organization Compensation & Benefits Base Salary Range : Commensurate with experience and demonstrated operational leadership capability.Performance Bonus based on achievement of key operational and financial metrics Health & Wellness : Health Insurance Reimbursement Paid Time Off : 3 weeks of personal time off annually Profit Sharing : SEP‑IRA profit‑sharing plan starting at year 3 Paid Holidays and Company‑Wide Celebrations to keep the team spirit alive Physical Requirements Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs at times. Must have a valid California driver’s license and a clean driving record. Lucky You is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and a Drug‑Free Workplace. #J-18808-Ljbffr