General Manager

Kidstrong; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

KidStrong is seeking a General Manager for its West Des Moines center, overseeing operations, sales, and coaching excellence. You will develop a coaching culture, recruit and train staff, and drive center profitability while delivering exceptional experiences to kids and families.

The role requires leadership across operations, coaching, and sales, with relocation to support opening a new West Des Moines location. Expect performance-driven milestones and strong family engagement.

Qualifications

• Athletic/coaching background with experience coaching kids 15 months–11 years.
• Coach Certification through HQ Training & Certification.
• Training through LearnUpon as required by HQ.
• Comfortable speaking with parents/guardians about topics.
• Prior management experience required.
• Proficient with Google and Microsoft tools.
• Experience with systems like ZenPlanner, LearnUpon, CareerPlug, ADP, FranConnect preferred.
• Knowledge of physiology, exercise techniques, and body mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Lead center operations: manage KPIs, finances, and customer service.
• Oversee scheduling, maintenance, and center initiatives.
• Drive sales through leads, trials, events, and bookings.
• Recruit, onboard, train, and evaluate coaching staff.
• Develop and mentor coaching team and staff through LearnUpon.
• Lead weekly center staff meetings on culture, development, and performance.
• Coordinate coaching curriculum delivery and data recording using KS Coaches App.

Skills

Coaching experience

Staff management

Coach certification

Communication with parents

Experience with LearnUpon

CRM lead follow-up

Tech proficiency (Google/Microsoft)

KS Coaches App data recording

Team leadership

Education

CPR certification

Tools

ZenPlanner

LearnUpon

CareerPlug

ADP

FranConnect

Job description

KidStrong General Managers are the leaders of the center – it is the responsibility of the General Manager to foster a culture of learning and development for both their coaches and the families that attend the center. The General Manager is a talented, welcoming, and engaging leader who is focused on defining goals and delivering an exceptional experience for the kids, families, and team members. The goal of the General Manager is to develop and train their coaching team, build close relationships with their members, and deliver key business results such as sales performance and lowering member attrition.

KidStrong General Manager

Center: West Des Moines

Reports To: Regional Manager

Responsibilities

• CENTER OPERATIONS
  • Understand the center’s key KPIs and financials to make informed and responsible business decisions.
  • Build and maintain relationships with KidStrong families that align with our core values and provide exceptional customer service.
  • Oversee center-level initiatives i.e. center maintenance, training, brand consistency, etc.
  • Daily, Weekly, and Monthly cleaning and maintenance of the center. Delegate center tasks amongst the center team to ensure consistent execution.
  • Manage center-level employee issues and manage appropriate documentation.
  • The typical schedule includes 4 weekday and 1-weekend shifts with specific hours dependent on the needs of the center.
  • Set and communicate coach schedules using appropriate scheduling and communication platforms.
  • Schedule, promote, and sell KidStrong events, such as camps and parties, to maximize center profitability.
• SALES
  • Maintain flawless lead management by conducting call drives to new and existing leads in the Center’s CRM tool.
  • Responsible for sales, as well as delegating responsibilities to the center staff team, i.e. call drives, trial conversion, and event booking.
  • Finalize sales and bookings that are generated through online self-sign-up flow.
  • Source and attend local events to increase brand awareness, and drive incremental leads and memberships.
• LEADERSHIP
  • Foster a coaching culture - see something, say something.
  • Continuously assess and document Coaches based on the KidStrong Coach DNA profile and class quality.
  • Recruit, screen, interview, onboard, manage, train, and evaluate coaching candidates.
  • Ensure candidates complete all paperwork to comply with company policy and law.
  • Lead coaching candidates through the training process and required evaluations.
  • Manage and support the ongoing professional development of staff through LearnUpon.
  • Lead Center level staff meetings focused on - development, productivity, programming, and product.
  • Communicate professionally with co-workers in Slack and Email, including periodic checks of messages when not in centers.
  • Attend weekly leadership meetings.
• COACHING
  • Coach students by delivering an evolving curriculum that focuses on Brain, Physical, and Character development for ages ranging from walking to 11 years old approximately as required by business demands.
  • Create positive interactions with students and families before, during, and after class.
  • Understand the “why” behind the KidStrong curriculum and be able to clearly and concisely communicate it.
  • Demonstrate and manage the implementation of various programming and curriculum elements.
  • Use the KS Coaches App to record and provide data (attendance, awards, etc.).
  • Must be able to work in a physically intensive environment - coaches may cover multiple miles in a shift moving through class, lifting and repeatedly moving equipment up to 25 pounds in weight.
  • Lead monthly center staff meetings focused on culture, development, product, and performance.
  • Approximately 3-5 coaching hours per week

Skills/Qualifications

• An athletic and/or coaching background with experience working with or coaching kids ages 15 months - 11 years old - a passion for working with children is non-negotiable!
• Achieve Coach Certification through the HQ Training and Certification team.
• Complete training through LearnUpon as required by the HQ Training and Certification team.
• Comfortable speaking to parents/guardians regarding a variety of topics.
• Prior experience as a pediatric OT/PT is a plus, but not required.
• Previous experience in management is required.
• Practical work experience with Google and Microsoft platforms.
• Previous experience with systems and platforms such as ZenPlanner, LearnUpon, CareerPlug, ADP, and FranConnect is preferred but not required
• Intermediate knowledge of physiology, exercise techniques, and body mechanics.

CPR certified.

Sphere of Interaction

This position will supervise the AGM, Lead Coach, and coaches. The General Manager will consistently lead and mentor their team. Communication and interpersonal skills are essential. The General Manager will work closely with center team members and families. This position will also interact with leadership and KidStrong, Inc. HQ team members.

DNA/COMPETENCIES

• High Standards
  • Establishes and holds high standards
• Natural Leader
  • Creates and embodies culture.
  • Takes initiative.
• Leads by Example
  • Sets tone through actions.
• Passionate
  • Stays focused on the KidStrong Goals.
  • Goal-oriented and high-performing.
• Command Presence
  • Upholds KidStrong Values; creates a vision for others.
• Teacher
  • Communicate and ensure the transfer of knowledge.
• Professional
  • Approaches others in a tactful manner.
  • Reacts well under pressure.
  • Treat others with respect and consideration.
  • Accepts responsibility for own actions.
  • Follows through on commitments.
• Performer
  • Engaging, Fun, Likable.
  • High Energy, Clear & Easy to Understand.
• Mentor
  • Develops and nurtures relationships.
  • Focuses on developing self and others.
• Planning/Organizing
  • Prioritizes and plans work activities; Develops realistic action plans.
  • Set goals and objectives.
  • Uses time efficiently.
  • Plans for additional resources.
  • Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks.
• Oral Communication
  • Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations.
  • Responds well to questions; Listens and gets clarification.
  • Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication
  • Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar
  • Varies writing style to meet needs
  • Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork
  • Balances team and individual responsibilities
  • Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views
  • Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
  • Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives
• Coachable/Low Ego Mindset
  • Gives and welcomes feedback.
  • Encourages exploring of different perspectives to reach common goals and objectives
  • Has a growth mindset; Sees every opportunity as one to learn from.
• Adaptability
  • Comfortable calling an audible; continuing or adjusting the play after the audible is called.
  • Embraces innovation and a quickly changing landscape. Best Idea Wins!

IMPORTANT LOCATION & TRAINING INFORMATION

This position is being hired specifically for our new KidStrong West Des Moines location. While the West Des Moines center is currently under development, we are actively recruiting qualified candidates from the Davenport and Cedar Rapids areas who are open to relocating to the Des Moines area.

The selected General Manager will begin their KidStrong journey by training and working alongside the leadership teams at one of our established Iowa centers in Davenport or Cedar Rapids. This provides a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in an operating KidStrong center, learn our systems, sales process, coaching standards, and leadership expectations before transitioning into the West Des Moines location.

Relocation to the West Des Moines area will be required as the new center approaches presale and opening. Candidates should only apply if they are willing and able to relocate for the permanent General Manager position.

This is an exciting opportunity to get in early, learn the KidStrong business in an established center, and then take that experience with you as you help build, launch, and lead KidStrong West Des Moines from the ground up.

Compensation: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

KidStrong is a private child development training center focused on brain, physical & character development for ages walking through 11 years old. KidStrong offers a science-based curriculum that is parent-focused and taught by professionals.

Our People

• Want to work with great people
• Want personal and professional growth
• Want to make an impact

This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this franchisee should be made directly to the franchise location, and not to KidStrong Corporate.