General Manager – West River Minneapolis, MN

Climbing Business Journal; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Bouldering Project is seeking a General Manager to oversee all gym operations, programs, and facilities. You will drive financial performance, team development, and community impact while upholding safety and an inclusive culture in our nine markets across the U.S.

The role requires 3+ years in management, strong leadership, and the ability to implement scalable systems. A flexible schedule and collaboration with HR, Legal, and union staff are part of the job.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of management experience in operations, fitness, climbing, or hospitality.
• Proven success in leading diverse teams and driving performance.
• Strong organizational and financial management skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Experience developing and implementing systems and processes.
• Commitment to inclusivity, safety, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the gym’s management team to operate a best-in-class facility
• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and operational efficiency
• Implement and evolve systems for operations, safety, and customer experience
• Develop and manage gym budgets, reporting, and overall financial health
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture
• Collaborate with marketing, events, and programming teams to enhance community engagement
• Maintain accountability and support professional development at all staff levels
• Support a positive, productive relationship with union-represented staff, including consistent application of workplace policies, timely issue resolution, and close partnership with HR and Legal on labor matters
• Lead risk management efforts, including emergency planning and incident response
• Build relationships with local organizations to support outreach and inclusivity
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Regional Manager and Support Team

Skills

Management experience

Team leadership

Financial management

Communication

Systems & processes

Inclusivity & safety

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 The Role

The General Manager oversees all aspects of gym operations, programming, and facilities at Bouldering Project. This leadership role drives operational excellence, financial performance, team development, and community impact. The General Manager ensures safety, efficiency, and an inclusive culture aligned with Bouldering Project’s mission and values.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and support the gym’s management team to operate a best-in-class facility
• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and operational efficiency
• Implement and evolve systems for operations, safety, and customer experience
• Develop and manage gym budgets, reporting, and overall financial health
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture
• Collaborate with marketing, events, and programming teams to enhance community engagement
• Maintain accountability and support professional development at all staff levels
• Support a positive, productive relationship with union-represented staff, including consistent application of workplace policies, timely issue resolution, and close partnership with HR and Legal on labor matters
• Lead risk management efforts, including emergency planning and incident response
• Build relationships with local organizations to support outreach and inclusivity
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Regional Manager and Support Team

Requirements

What You’ll Bring

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of management experience, preferably in operations, fitness, climbing, or hospitality
• Proven success in leading diverse teams and driving performance
• Strong organizational and financial management skills
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities
• Experience developing and implementing systems and processes
• Commitment to inclusivity, safety, and community engagement

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with climbing gym operations
• Experience managing large facilities or multi-department environments
• Bilingual or multilingual communication skills
• CPR/First Aid certification
• Experience supervising or supporting employees in a unionized workplace

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.