General Manager Polo Pony - World Equestrian Center Ocala, FL

Columbus Hospitality Management; Ocala (FL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Polo Pony Restaurant at the World Equestrian Center Ocala, FL is seeking a General Manager to lead all front-of-house and restaurant operations. You will drive guest experiences, labor and cost controls, and profitability, reporting to the Director of Food & Beverage.

Lead a team in a high-volume, upscale environment, partnering with culinary leadership to maintain menu quality and service standards. This on-site role requires strong hospitality leadership and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in restaurant management, with at least 2 years in a General Manager or senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of food and beverage operations, restaurant financial management, labor controls, and inventory management.
• English proficiency in reading, writing and speaking.

Responsibilities

• Provide overarching leadership and direction for Polo Pony Restaurant operations, aligning with goals and service standards.
• Create and maintain a guest-focused culture delivering exceptional hospitality.
• Monitor labor costs, operating expenses, and other controllable expenditures to meet financial targets.
• Drive revenue growth through effective staffing, service execution, upselling, promotions, and operational efficiencies.
• Collaborate with culinary leadership to maintain menu quality, presentation, and guest satisfaction.
• Oversee inventory management, purchasing, and cost controls to minimize waste and maximize profitability.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Labor cost control

Financial management

Guest satisfaction

Staff development

Tools

Microsoft Office

POS systems

Job description

General Manager Polo Pony - World Equestrian Center Ocala, FL

Job Category: Food & Beverage – Service

Requisition Number: GENER002116

• Posted : August 13, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Ocala, FL 34482, USA

Description

Job Summary

The General Manager of Polo Pony Restaurant is responsible for the overall leadership, operation, and success of the restaurant. This role oversees all front-of-house and restaurant operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence, financial performance, and team development. The General Manager leads and motivates staff, manages labor and operating costs, maintains service standards, and fosters a culture of hospitality that reflects the World Equestrian Center's commitment to excellence.

The General Manager reports directly to the Director of Food & Beverage and works closely with culinary leadership and other departments to ensure seamless operations and an elevated dining experience.

Essential Functions

• ProvideoverallleadershipanddirectionforallPoloPonyRestaurantoperations,ensuringalignmentwithorganizationalgoalsandservicestandards.
• Createandmaintainaguest-focusedculturethatdeliversexceptionalhospitalityandexceedsguestexpectations.
• Monitorandmanagelaborcosts,operatingexpenses,andothercontrollableexpenditurestoachievefinancialobjectivesandbudgetarygoals.
• Driverevenuegrowththrougheffectivestaffing,serviceexecution,upsellingstrategies,promotions,andoperationalefficiencies.
• Partnerwithculinaryleadershiptomaintainmenuquality,presentation,consistency,andguestsatisfaction.
• Overseeinventorymanagement,purchasing,productutilization,andcostcontrolstominimizewasteandmaximizeprofitability.
• Ensureallrestaurantfacilities,equipment,diningareas,andservicestationsareclean,organized,andmaintainedtothehigheststandards.
• Analyzeguestfeedback,operationaldata,andfinancialreportstoidentifyopportunitiesforimprovementandimplementactionplans.
• Fosteropencommunicationandprovideongoingcoaching,recognition,andperformancefeedbacktoteammembersandsupervisors.
• Ensurecompliancewithalllocal,state,andfederalregulations,includinghealth,sanitation,alcoholservice,labor,andsafetyrequirements.
• MaintainadherencetoWorldEquestrianCenterandColumbusHospitalityManagementpolicies,procedures,andservicestandards.
• CollaboratewithotherFood&Beverageoutletsandresortdepartmentstosupportspecialevents,groupfunctions,andoperationalneeds.
• Respondprofessionallyandeffectivelytoguestconcerns,resolvingissuespromptlytoensureguestsatisfaction.
• Maintainasafeworkenvironmentthroughadherencetoallsafetypoliciesandpractices.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements necessary for an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of the position are outlined below. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to bend, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive motions.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and flexible schedules as business levels require.
• Ability to move throughout all restaurant, kitchen, and event areas.

Qualifications, Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in restaurant management, with at least 2 years in a General Manager or senior leadership role within a high-volume, upscale, or full-service restaurant environment.
• Demonstrated success in leading teams, driving guest satisfaction, and achieving financial goals.
• Strong knowledge of food and beverage operations, restaurant financial management, labor controls, and inventory management.
• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English proficiently.
• Strong leadership, coaching, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and restaurant POS systems.
• Knowledge of proper dining service etiquette, hospitality standards, and guest engagement practices.
• Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and results-driven.
• Professional demeanor and appearance.
• ServSafe Food Manager Certification and alcohol service certification preferred or obtainable within company guidelines.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the associate occupying this position. Associates will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" employment relationship.

The World Equestrian Center is managed by Columbus Hospitality Management, a company committed to providing quality service and memorable guest experiences in a positive and welcoming work environment. We are focused on supporting the needs of our team through our commitment to work-life balance and professional development opportunities.

We are proud to be a Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be required to submit to a background check prior to employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.