General manager of operations

General Manager – Operations & Guest Experience

Dreamland Galaxy | Bradley, Illinois

Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site

Compensation: $60,000–$70,000 annually, based on experience, plus performance-based bonus opportunities

Schedule: Approximately 40–45 hours per week, including weekends, evenings, and holidays as business needs require

**This position requires background and drug screening**

About Dreamland Galaxy

Dreamland Galaxy is a locally owned and operated indoor family entertainment center in Bradley, Illinois. Our approximately 23,000-square-foot facility features an expansive indoor playground, virtual reality attractions, interactive activities, birthday party rooms, a café, and special events.

Our mission is to provide families with a safe, clean, welcoming, and unforgettable experience.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced, results-driven General Manager – Operations & Guest Experience to lead our team, oversee daily operations, and help drive the continued success of our business.

About the Role

We are looking for a hands-on, highly organized, and accountable leader who can take ownership of the facility’s day-to-day performance.

The General Manager will oversee all operational departments, lead and develop employees, maintain high standards for guest satisfaction and safety, and manage operational efficiency and profitability.

This is not a desk-based management position. The ideal candidate leads by example, maintains a visible presence throughout the facility, and proactively identifies and resolves challenges.

The General Manager reports directly to ownership and is expected to operate independently within established company policies, budgets, and approval procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

* Lead, coach, train, and supervise employees across multiple departments.

* Oversee recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, performance evaluations, and employee development.

* Establish clear expectations and consistently enforce company policies.

* Develop strong shift leaders and maintain appropriate staffing coverage.

* Address performance concerns professionally and promptly.

* Foster a positive, productive, respectful, and accountable workplace culture.

Daily Operations & Facility Management

* Oversee all daily operations, including playground attractions, virtual reality experiences, café operations, birthday parties, and guest services.

* Ensure consistent execution of opening, closing, cleaning, and operational procedures.

* Maintain exceptional standards for cleanliness, organization, safety, and facility presentation.

* Conduct routine inspections and ensure maintenance concerns are documented and addressed.

* Coordinate equipment maintenance and repairs with approved vendors.

* Ensure efficient communication and coordination between departments.

* Maintain operational readiness during peak attendance periods and special events.

Guest Experience & Customer Satisfaction

* Deliver exceptional guest experiences through consistent service standards.

* Resolve customer concerns professionally, fairly, and efficiently.

* Oversee the successful execution of birthday parties, private events, and group bookings.

* Monitor guest feedback, reviews, and service trends.

* Identify opportunities to improve guest satisfaction, repeat visits, and customer loyalty.

* Ensure employees consistently demonstrate professionalism and hospitality.

Financial Performance & Business Growth

* Monitor daily revenue, labor expenses, inventory, and operating costs.

* Manage staffing levels and schedules to support operational efficiency without compromising safety or service.

* Review sales reports and identify opportunities to improve financial performance.

* Implement strategies to increase admissions, memberships, birthday party bookings, café sales, and group events.

* Minimize unnecessary expenses, inventory loss, and operational waste.

* Maintain accurate cash handling, transaction, discount, and refund procedures.

* Support approved marketing initiatives, community partnerships, and business development efforts.

* Provide ownership with regular operational and financial performance reports.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

* Ensure all attractions operate according to established safety procedures, manufacturer requirements, and applicable regulations.

* Enforce guest safety rules, age and height restrictions, and attraction operating procedures.

* Ensure employees are properly trained in emergency response and incident reporting.

* Maintain accurate documentation of incidents, inspections, and maintenance concerns.

* Oversee compliance with applicable food safety, sanitation, and workplace requirements.

* Identify potential risks and take appropriate corrective action.

* Escalate significant safety, legal, financial, and operational concerns to ownership promptly.

Qualifications

Required

* Minimum of 3 years of management experience in hospitality, entertainment, recreation, retail, food service, or another high-volume, customer-facing environment.

* Demonstrated experience supervising employees, managing schedules, and maintaining performance standards.

* Experience overseeing multiple operational functions or departments.

* Working knowledge of labor management, expense control, and operational reporting.

* Strong leadership, decision-making, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.

* Ability to prioritize responsibilities and solve problems independently.

* Proficiency with point-of-sale systems, scheduling software, spreadsheets, and standard business technology.

* Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays based on operational needs.

* Ability to remain active and regularly move throughout a large facility.

Preferred

* 5 or more years of progressive management experience.

* Previous leadership experience in a family entertainment center, amusement facility, hospitality venue, or similar business.

* Experience supervising teams of 15 or more employees.

* Experience with birthday parties, group events, or high-volume guest operations.

* Demonstrated success improving operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, labor management, or revenue.

* Experience developing supervisors and implementing standard operating procedures.

* Familiarity with food service operations, inventory controls, and facility maintenance coordination.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to:

* Operate the facility effectively with minimal day-to-day supervision from ownership.

* Build and maintain a dependable, well-trained, and accountable team.

* Consistently meet cleanliness, safety, and guest service standards.

* Manage labor and operational expenses responsibly.

* Improve guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and business performance.

* Anticipate challenges, implement solutions, and follow through on commitments.

* Communicate transparently with ownership and provide actionable recommendations.

What We Offer

* Competitive annual compensation of $60,000–$70,000, based on experience.

* Performance-based bonus opportunities.

* A meaningful leadership role with direct impact on business operations and growth.

* The opportunity to lead a unique, locally owned family entertainment destination.

* A collaborative environment with direct communication and support from ownership.

* Opportunities for professional development and long-term growth.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit an updated résumé highlighting relevant management experience, leadership responsibilities, and operational accomplishments.

We encourage applicants to include examples of measurable results, such as improvements in employee performance, customer satisfaction, labor efficiency, revenue, or operational processes.

We are looking for a leader who takes initiative, leads by example, values accountability, and is committed to creating an exceptional experience for both guests and employees.

Dreamland Galaxy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration based on their qualifications, experience, and ability to perform the responsibilities of the position.