Kids Program Center Leader/General Manager in Chicago Area

ZipRecruiter; Elmwood Park (NJ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in children's fitness is seeking a passionate General Manager to oversee operations and drive sales. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, a background in customer service, and a commitment to member satisfaction. This role involves managing a team, developing community partnerships, and ensuring operational excellence. With a competitive salary and bonus potential, this is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual looking to make a difference in children's lives.

Benefits

401(k)

401(k) matching

Bonus based on performance

Company parties

Competitive salary

Employee discounts

Flexible schedule

Free uniforms

Paid time off

Training & development

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of customer service experience.
• Minimum 3 years of management experience overseeing operations and staff.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute plans, manage your team, and communicate proactively.
• Manage sales and operational budgets, oversee systems, and ensure effective collaboration.
• Recruit, onboard, train, and evaluate staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Sales

Customer Service

Multitasking

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in business, education, or related field

Tools

Google Workspace

CRM

Job description

Job Description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Company parties
• Competitive salary
• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule
• Free uniforms
• Paid time off
• Training & development

Are you looking for a workplace where you can be part of a fun, energetic, and professional team that loves what they do and contributes to the company's growth? Are you a natural leader who enjoys managing people? Are you detail-oriented and hyper-focused? Are you obsessed with exceeding sales goals and delivering a world-class customer experience? Are you outgoing and genuinely excited about working with kids? Do you embrace change? If you answered "YES" to all, keep reading!

KidStrong + Job Description

At KidStrong, we help parents build stronger, smarter, more athletic kids. We discover their child's superpowers and prepare them to succeed in life—confident, social, active, and engaged. We shape them to Win at Life!

We have an immediate opening for a high-energy, highly organized, detail-oriented General Manager (GM) who is passionate about member satisfaction and operational excellence. The GM leads the center, reports to the Area Developers, and has the potential to operate regionally as we expand. We aim to fill this role by April 29, 2025, and are currently conducting interviews.

What We Expect:

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, overseeing operations and driving sales/memberships.
• Provide leadership, lead daily sales efforts, and manage member relations.
• Strong understanding of sales and operational management, including executing marketing strategies and prioritizing member retention.
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented, flexible with hours, and eager to learn and grow professionally.
• Participate in coaching classes to engage with children and support staff development.

General Manager Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute plans, manage your team, and communicate proactively with staff and Area Developers.
• Provide leadership to foster a positive community environment.
• Manage sales and operational budgets, oversee systems (CRM, membership management, Slack, etc.), and ensure effective team collaboration.
• Build and maintain class sizes, lead by example, and ensure timely communication with all stakeholders.
• Maintain social media presence, execute marketing plans, and develop community partnerships.
• Recruit, onboard, train, and evaluate staff; ensure staffing levels meet center needs.
• Serve as a coach for at least 4 classes weekly, lead staff training, and support professional development.
• Ensure facility cleanliness, safety, and operational efficiency.

*Note: This list is not exhaustive and may change.

Requirements:

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in business, education, or related field.
• At least 5 years of customer service experience.
• Minimum 3 years of management experience overseeing operations and staff.
• At least 3 years of sales experience, preferably in membership-based businesses; familiarity with CRMs is required.
• Experience managing people, recruiting, and hiring.
• Phone stamina—making 15-20 calls weekly; enjoyment of sales is a plus.
• Current CPR and first aid certification or willingness to obtain.
• Flexible schedule, including weekends, and ability to multitask and work independently.
• Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, and a strong work ethic.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and previous experience with children and fitness industries is preferred.

Additional Benefits:

• Competitive salary plus bonuses and incentives
• Flexible scheduling
• Retirement plan (Simple IRA with match)
• Health insurance options during open enrollment
• Paid time off and flexible leave
• Leadership training and career growth opportunities

Starting Compensation:

• $55,000 - $74,000 annually (uncapped bonus potential)