Climbing Gym Manager

Climbing Business Journal; Plainsboro Township (NJ); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement plan

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Opportunities for ongoing professional

Free gym membership

Employee discounts

Job summary

Gravity Vault Princeton in Plainsboro, NJ is seeking an experienced Climbing Gym Manager to oversee daily operations, lead staff with a focus on customer service, safety, and youth programming. Reporting to the General Manager, you will coordinate with the route setting team and ensure a welcoming community.

The role requires supervisory experience in a climbing gym, strong communication and organizational skills, and proficiency with Approach POS.

Qualifications

• Experience in supervisory or management within a commercial climbing gym.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven leadership and staff management capabilities.
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Experience leading youth climbing programs (classes, teams, camps, parties).
• Proficiency with Approach POS and gym management software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day facility operations including inventory and POS operations.
• Lead, train, and schedule staff to ensure high service standards.
• Coordinate with Head Routesetter on setting schedules and safety protocols.
• Direct youth and adult climbing programming (classes, teams, camps, parties).
• Enforce safety protocols, equipment inspections, and staff certifications.
• Serve as primary operational contact for members, staff, and vendors.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Leadership

Communication skills

Organization

Youth programs

Approach POS

Route setting oversight

Tools

Approach POS

Job description

Job Title: Climbing Gym Manager

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Climbing Gym Manager to lead daily facility operations, foster a welcoming community, and drive operational growth. The Gravity Vault Princeton opened in December 2024, and has an active and engaged climbing community. Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will oversee front desk staff, facility maintenance, visitor safety, and youth and adult programming. Working in close collaboration with our Head Routesetter (detailed in a separate job posting), you will also support operational oversight, scheduling alignment, and safety compliance across the route setting department.

Key Responsibilities

• Operations & Administration: Manage day-to-day facility operations, including inventory and point-of-sale (POS) operations using Approach software.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, train, and mentor staff supervisors, instructors, and coaches while scheduling staff to ensure an inclusive environment, shift coverage, and high customer service standards.
• Setting Oversight: Collaborate with the Head Routesetter to align setting schedules, wall turnover timelines, budget needs, and workplace safety protocols.
• Youth & Community Programming: Direct and grow youth and adult climbing initiatives, including introductory classes, youth climbing teams, summer camps, and birthday parties.
• Safety & Compliance: Enforce industry safety protocols, equipment inspections, risk management policies, and staff certifications.
• Communication: Serve as one of 2 primary operational contacts for members, staff, and vendors, maintaining clear verbal and written communication across all channels.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Previous supervisory or management experience within a commercial climbing gym setting.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills across member-facing and administrative interactions.
• Leadership: Demonstrated leadership and staff management capabilities with a proven track record of team building.
• Organization: Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills with sharp attention to detail.
• Youth Program Track Record: Demonstrated experience successfully leading, expanding, or managing youth climbing programs (classes, teams, camps, parties).
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with Approach point-of-sale and gym management software (or equivalent climbing gym management platforms).
• Setting Management (desired): Experience managing or overseeing a route setting team and setting department operations.

Job Details & Compensation

• Reports To: General Manager
• Location: On-site in Plainsboro, NJ
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Starting Salary: $50-60k/year based on experience with competitive target-based bonuses.
• Benefits Package:
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development
• Free gym membership & employee discounts