General Manager – Poplar – Seattle, WA

Climbing Business Journal; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Employee Membership

Job summary

Bouldering Project in Seattle seeks a General Manager to oversee operations, programming, and facilities across our gym network. You will lead the management team, drive safety, and foster a collaborative culture across departments and staff.

The role emphasizes budget management, customer experience, and community-building, with flexibility for evenings and weekends as needed. Strong leadership and a proven track record in operations are essential.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in a General Manager or Assistant General Manager role.
• Proven experience managing people, operations, and budgets.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the management team in running a high-performing, inclusive, and community-driven facility.
• Oversee daily operations to ensure the gym is clean, safe, functional, and aligned with industry and brand standards.
• Manage the gym’s budget and financial health, including planning, reporting, and accountability across departments.
• Develop and refine systems for operations, customer experience, risk management, and staff communication.
• Ensure exceptional customer service by aligning teams around consistent branding, hospitality, and community-building practices.
• Foster a workplace culture rooted in collaboration, respect, inclusivity, and continuous improvement.
• Drive staff accountability and professional development through mentorship, performance evaluation, and ongoing feedback.
• Collaborate across teams—including marketing, events, and programming—to deepen local impact and build community relationships.
• Lead risk management efforts, including safety policies, emergency response, incident oversight, and insurance execution.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Regional Director and Support Team, aligning local strategy with broader company goals.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Budgeting

Operations leadership

Code of safety

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

About Bouldering Project

Bouldering Project is more than a climbing gym—we’re a community. We’re driven by a shared belief: that climbing, movement, and connection should be accessible to everyone. From first-timers to seasoned climbers, families to fitness enthusiasts, and our own teammates—we create inclusive, inspiring spaces where people move, grow, and belong. With world-class climbing, yoga and fitness offerings, and welcoming community spaces, we’re proud to serve nine markets across the U.S.—and we’re just getting started.

About Bouldering Project

Bouldering Project is more than a climbing gym—we’re a community. We’re driven by a shared belief: that climbing, movement, and connection should be accessible to everyone. From first-timers to seasoned climbers, families to fitness enthusiasts, and our own teammates—we create inclusive, inspiring spaces where people move, grow, and belong. With world-class climbing, yoga and fitness offerings, and welcoming community spaces, we’re proud to serve nine markets across the U.S.—and we’re just getting started.

About The Role

The General Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of operations, programming, and facilities of the Bouldering Project. The GM supervises the gyms’ management team, supporting employees at all levels of the organization in their roles and responsibilities. The GM is responsible for the continued development, improvement, and implementation of the systems, operations, and safety procedures at the gym. It is of paramount importance that the GM establishes and maintains a culture of collaboration, respect, quality-obsession, and safety among the gyms’ staff and community.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and support the management team in running a high-performing, inclusive, and community-driven facility
• Oversee daily operations to ensure the gym is clean, safe, functional, and aligned with industry and brand standards
• Manage the gym’s budget and financial health, including planning, reporting, and accountability across departments
• Develop and refine systems for operations, customer experience, risk management, and staff communication
• Ensure exceptional customer service by aligning teams around consistent branding, hospitality, and community-building practices
• Foster a workplace culture rooted in collaboration, respect, inclusivity, and continuous improvement
• Drive staff accountability and professional development through mentorship, performance evaluation, and ongoing feedback
• Collaborate across teams—including marketing, events, and programming—to deepen local impact and build community relationships
• Lead risk management efforts, including safety policies, emergency response, incident oversight, and insurance execution
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Regional Director and Support Team, aligning local strategy with broader company goals

What You’ll Bring

• 1–3 years of experience in a General Manager or Assistant General Manager role
• Proven experience managing people, operations, and budgets
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills
• Creative problem-solving abilities and high personal agency
• Strong organizational and project management skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience in a retail or service-oriented environment
• Familiarity with climbing, yoga, or fitness operations is a plus

Working at Bouldering Project

At Bouldering Project, we aim to cultivate excitement for movement, belonging, and community. We lead by example—making our spaces and offerings accessible and welcoming to all. Our core values—Inclusive, Quality-Obsessed, Local at the Core, and Growth-Oriented—are expected to be demonstrated in both leadership and daily operations. These values guide how we build community, deliver exceptional experiences, and continually evolve together.

This role may require a flexible schedule, including availability during evenings, weekends, or outside standard business hours depending on programming and business needs.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time position. Compensation is based on experience and local market benchmarks.

• Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits and perks:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Generous paid time off package, including holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free Bouldering Project membership for you and a plus one
• Discounts on gear, merchandise, and local retail partners
• A joyful, supportive, and respectful work culture

Equal Opportunity

Bouldering Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds—including those with nontraditional career paths—to apply.