General Manager - Interactive Zoo & Aquarium

General Manager – Interactive Zoo & Aquarium Overview An exciting opportunity has opened up for an experienced and people-focused General Manager to lead day‑to‑day operations at a fast‑growing, mission‑driven interactive zoo and aquarium in Michigan. This is not your typical zoo management role — the organization is built on hands‑on, immersive guest experiences that forge real connections between people and wildlife. Reporting directly to the owner and CEO, the General Manager will oversee multiple departments, drive operational excellence, and champion a culture of accountability, passion, and continuous learning. If you are a natural leader who thrives in dynamic, guest‑centric environments and believes in the power of purpose‑driven work — this role was built for you. This is a full‑time, onsite, permanent position. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership: Oversee all daily operations across the facility, ensuring consistently high standards in guest experience, animal care, education, staff performance, and safety. Team Management: Directly supervise department managers across animal care, guest services, education, maintenance, and administration. Hold weekly check‑ins, provide ongoing coaching, and lead performance development. Guest Experience: Uphold and continuously elevate standards for guest satisfaction — this business lives and breathes exceptional visitor experiences. Financial Oversight: Partner with the CEO to manage operating budgets, monitor expenses, forecast revenue, and identify opportunities for growth and cost efficiency. Cross‑Departmental Coordination: Ensure strong communication and collaboration across all departments, with unified messaging and shared goals. Strategic Planning: Work alongside the CEO and marketing to identify ways to grow revenue, streamline operations, and bring new experiences to life. Staffing & Scheduling: Manage time‑off requests, publish schedules on time, maintain appropriate staffing levels, and support recruitment and onboarding. Health, Safety & Compliance: Ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations (USDA, OSHA, local authorities). Lead safety drills and maintain documentation. Inventory & Ordering: Conduct weekly inventory reviews and coordinate orders across departments. Reporting: Provide the CEO with regular updates on operational performance, challenges, and progress toward goals. Mentorship & Culture: Actively mentor managers and emerging leaders, fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and growth. Leading by Example: Be willing and able to be trained to step onto the floor and work directly with the public and exotic animals, including large reptiles, when needed. Required Qualifications Minimum 3 years of management experience overseeing teams of 50 or more employees in a similarly sized or complex operation. Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop a multi‑department management team. Strong skills in delegation, multitasking, and managing competing priorities across a fast‑paced environment. Proven track record in guest‑experience‑driven environments where service and satisfaction are central to the business model. Comfortable working in a hands‑on, high‑energy environment with animals and the public. Available to work full‑time including weekends and holidays (approximately 50–55 hours per week). Criminal background check clearance required. Willingness to sign a Non‑Disclosure Agreement (NDA) upon appointment. Preferred Qualifications Background in zoos, aquariums, wildlife education, hospitality, attractions, theme parks, or other high‑volume, experience‑driven industries. Experience working in a growing or scaling organization where structure and process were still being built. Passion for wildlife, animal education, or environmental connection. Experience managing cross‑functional teams across service, operations, and care disciplines. Compensation & Benefits Salary: $78,000 USD per year, paid weekly. Employment Type: Permanent, Full‑Time. Location: Onsite (Schedule: Includes weekends and holidays). 401(k) provided. Equal Employment Opportunity and Non‑Discrimination Policy Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. 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