Assistant Manager

Lava Island; Kildeer (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health benefits (vision & dental)

Professional growth opportunities

Employee perks

Job summary

Lava Island is opening a new location and seeks an Assistant General Manager to lead a high-energy team in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment. You will be on-site during operating hours, guiding teams across Kitchen, Park, or Events to deliver exceptional experiences.

You’ll train and coach staff, manage daily operations as MOD, uphold safety standards, and partner with the General Manager on events and promotions. This role offers growth, teamwork, and competitive pay with benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience supervising teams in a fast-paced environment.
• ServSafe Manager Certification current or within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods; lift up to 50 lbs.
• Willingness to perform physical tasks alongside the team.
• Weekend, evenings and holidays availability.
• Must pass a background check and drug screen.

Responsibilities

• Foster a guest-centered culture and maintain a clean, safe, welcoming environment.
• Lead, train, and coach the assigned team to achieve goals and KPIs.
• Oversee daily operations as Manager on Duty across all departments.
• Identify and solve operational challenges affecting guest experience.
• Maintain performance benchmarks and guest satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with safety and health regulations.
• Collaborate with the General Manager and other AGMs for events and promotions.
• Support business growth with additional responsibilities as needed.

Skills

Guest experience focus

Leadership & coaching

Operational knowledge

Hands-on leadership

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving mindset

Education

ServSafe Manager Certification

Job description

Now Hiring for a Brand-New Location Opening Soon!

Be part of the team that brings Lava Island to life in Manchester-apply now and help us get ready to open our doors!

Welcome to Lava Island!

Lava Island is more than a destination-it's a world of color, energy, and adventure. Kids bounce across trampolines, dive into foam pits, and disappear into jungle gyms that stretch like secret passageways. Towering slides send laughter soaring, the café buzzes with families sharing pizza and funnel fries, and birthday songs echo from every corner. It's the kind of place where memories happen without warning-and where both kids and parents feel like they've stepped into something magical.

That energy carries into what it's like to work here. We're all in for our guests and for each other. We work better together, lifting as a team. We show up as day makers, creating joy in the small moments. And we raise the bar by doing the little things with purpose. Working at Lava Island means being part of something bigger-where your effort helps shape the kind of day families will talk about long after they leave.

Why You'll Love Working Here

There's something powerful about leading a team that brings Lava Island to life. As a leader, you set the tone-for the energy, the culture, and the guest experience. You'll guide a high-performing team through fast-paced days filled with laughter, connection, and the kind of moments families never forget.

• Lead with impact in a dynamic, guest-first environment
• Build and develop a high-energy team that thrives on teamwork and purpose
• Be part of a supportive leadership culture grounded in trust and accountability
• Access real opportunities for professional growth and advancement
• Enjoy competitive pay, health benefits (including vision and dental), and employee perks

How You'll Make a Difference

As an Assistant General Manager (AGM), you will support the daily operations of Lava Island, ensuring an exceptional guest experience while leading a dedicated team within your area- either Kitchen, Park, or Events. You are the on-site leader during operating hours, often the only manager on duty, ensuring smooth operations and exceptional guest experiences.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Foster a Guest-Centered Culture - Lead by example to create a clean, safe, and welcoming environment where every guest feels valued
• Lead and Elevate Team - Lead, train, and coach your assigned team to achieve and exceed company goals and key performance indicators. Support park-wide operations, stepping in where needed to deliver exceptional guest experiences and uphold Lava Island's high standards.
• Oversee Daily Operations - Ensure smooth park operations and resolution of issues. As the Manager on Duty (MOD), be a visible leader across all departments- engaging with guests, maintaining safety, service quality, and driving team productivity.
• Identify & Solve Challenges - Proactively address any issues impacting guest experience, staff performance, or operational efficiency
• Maintain Performance Benchmarks - Execute strategies to improve team efficiency, guest satisfaction, and kitchen service
• Ensure Compliance & Safety - Uphold company policies, health codes, and safety regulations to create a secure experience for guests and staff
• Collaborative Teamwork - Work with the General Manager and other Assistant General Managers to execute strategies for events, promotions, and new initiatives
• Support Business Growth - Take on additional responsibilities as assigned by the General Manager to drive the success of Lava Island

Are You the Right Fit?

• Guest Experience Focus - Passion for delivering exceptional service and creating memorable experiences
• Leadership & Coaching Experience - Proven ability to supervise and motivate teams in a hospitality or customer-facing environment
• Operational & Kitchen Knowledge - Understanding of safety regulations, cleanliness standards, and food service management
• Hands-On Leadership Approach - Willingness to work alongside the team to ensure accountability and enthusiasm
• Strong Organizational Skills - Ability to multitask, manage time effectively, and handle a fast-paced environment
• Excellent Communication - Strong interpersonal skills for engaging with both staff and guests
• Problem-Solving Mindset - Proactive approach to identifying and resolving operational challenges

Bonus Skills: Energetic presence, adaptability under pressure, attention to detail, team-first approach, growth-oriented mindset.

What You'll Need

• Team Leadership Experience - Prior experience supervising teams in a fast-paced environment, ideally overseeing 5 or more employees during a shift
• ServSafe Manager Certification - Current ServSafe Manager Certification or completion within 30 days of hire
• Physical Stamina - Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods in a physically demanding environment. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs
• Hands-On Involvement - Willingness to perform physical tasks such as cleaning and park preparation alongside the team
• Weekends, Evenings & Holidays Availability - Required to meet business needs and guest demand.
• Must Pass a Background Check & Drug Screen - Ensuring a safe and trustworthy environment for guests and staff

If you're energetic, hardworking, and ready to make a difference, we can't wait to meet you!