General Manager - Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter

Job Details Level: Management Job Location: Georgia National Fairgrounds – Perry, GA 31069 Position Type: Full Time Education Level: Not Specified Salary Range: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year Travel Percentage: Up to 25% Job Shift: Any Overview Proof of the Pudding is an award‑winning catering company with a commitment to creating quality culinary innovations. The company has expanded into Sports and Entertainment Hospitality Services, providing elevated concessions and premium offerings to collegiate stadiums, PGA golf tournaments, International Boat Shows, Professional Sports Teams, Raceways, and more. Our newest partner, The Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, is a premier multi‑purpose event facility dedicated to promoting Georgia’s agricultural heritage while hosting a wide variety of events, exhibitions, conventions, livestock shows, concerts, and community activities throughout the year. Located in Perry, Georgia, the Agricenter serves as a hub for education, entertainment, tourism, and economic development. The food service team at Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter is seeking an experienced General Manager to lead the day‑to‑day operation. Responsibilities Manage full P&L accountability, including budgeting, forecasting, expense control, and financial performance analysis. Responsible for concessions and beverage management of year‑round scheduled events including POS installation, operational planning, ordering/receiving, equipment and goods inventory, onsite set‑up, event execution, and end‑of‑event break‑down. Supervise the preparation and service of food and refreshments. Coordinate logistics and facilitate operational needs for 3rd‑party vendor success. Lead all POS maintenance, management, and distribution. Maintain bar policies and procedures, ensuring bartenders understand and are familiar with venue policies. Provide leadership to the full concessions team, including managers, supervisors, and frontline staff, overseeing hiring, training, coaching, and corrective action while cultivating a strong, engaged, and high‑performing team culture. Lead employees to encourage maximum performance. Evaluate performance based on set expectations, data, and metrics. Oversee pre‑shift meetings and manage the team of staff scheduled to run concessions at each event. Maintain a safe, secure, and healthy environment by establishing, following, and enforcing sanitation standards and procedures; complying with legal regulations; securing revenues; and maintaining security systems. Organize frequent meetings and open lines of communication with sales, operations, and culinary teams. Manage and participate in interviewing new employees, developing strategies for talent development at all levels, and coaching organizational leaders. Practice an open‑door policy for employee grievances or dissatisfaction, documenting, addressing, and escalating as needed in an appropriate and timely manner. Forge strategic partnerships and relationships with clients, vendors, agencies, venue partners, and other professional business relationships. Perform other related duties as needed. Qualifications Required Associate degree or higher in Hospitality, Management, or a related culinary field. 2+ years of experience in Sports & Entertainment Hospitality Operations, Event Coordination, Operations Supervision, or equivalent. Experience in a high‑volume events venue is necessary. Must be a team player, well organized, and possess strong computer/Microsoft Office skills. Possess the necessary interpersonal skills and demeanor for maintaining a safe, equitable, and inclusive work environment. Must live near or be willing to relocate to Perry, GA. Specialized Qualifications Excellent listening and communication skills. Renowned time management skills. Strong customer service skills with the desire to go above and beyond a client’s needs. Knowledge of Food & Beverage operations. Ability to work alone and as a team. Knowledge of POS Systems, specifically Square is highly preferred. Work Environment This position will involve a variety of office work and event operations. Office work entails computer usage, interdepartmental meetings, and communications via email, phone, and in person, as well as sorting and filing paperwork. Events may be in an outdoor setting with movement between temporary structures, buildings, and different terrains. Physical Demands Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Periods of standing, moving through an event space, and traveling throughout the entire venue with bending, lifting, scooping, and carrying miscellaneous equipment and food items. Ability to perform physical tasks, such as but not limited to, lifting approximately 25 lbs. Core Values and Competency Requirements Business Acumen – Demonstrate comprehension of the job, including policies, practices, and relationships. Possess the expertise and skill levels required for the job and perform with quality. Dedication – Dependable, reliable, and follow through on projects from inception to completion. Willing to put in as much time as necessary to complete tasks. Demonstrate a win‑win attitude: “see it, own it, solve it.” Ethics and Integrity – Act with integrity, honesty and knowledge that promote the company’s culture, values and beliefs while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct. Safety & Security – Observe safety and security standards. Use equipment and materials properly. Comply with safety standards and personal protective equipment requirements. Report potential unsafe conditions or practices to the appropriate person immediately. Promote restaurant safety, cleanliness, and security compliance at all times. Teamwork – Cooperate and be willing to work as a team player to achieve goals and tasks accurately, efficiently, and timely. Communication – Communicate clearly and effectively with mutual respect, understanding, and trust to fellow associates, managers, supervisors, and guests. Listen carefully to opinions and views of others; state understanding of what has been heard. Initiative – Contribute new ideas and suggestions to enhance productivity and efficiency. Be proactive in troubleshooting problems or issues and take action to mitigate potential problems. Adaptability & Planning – Possess the ability to learn new tasks and adjust well to new situations. Perform well under tight time schedules and pressures to change direction quickly. Service Orientation – Demonstrates a sense of urgency. Is welcoming, friendly and smiles when visible to guests. Position Salary & Benefits This is a full‑time salary position. Proof is pleased to provide all full‑time eligible employees with Basic Life and AD&D as well as long‑term disability at no cost to employees. Full‑time eligible employees may choose to enroll in optional benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Voluntary Life and AD&D, Short‑Term Disability, Voluntary Accident, Voluntary Critical Illness, and Voluntary Hospitality Indemnity. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Proof of the Pudding and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and employing a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics. #J-18808-Ljbffr