Theater General Manager: Lead Team & Drive Results

GQT Movies; Lincoln (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Group health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Employee discounts

Job summary

VIP Cinemas in Lincoln, IL seeks a hands‑on General Manager to lead daily theater operations, develop a high‑performing team, and deliver exceptional guest experiences. You will drive guest satisfaction, manage finances, and uphold safety, service standards, and brand compliance across all theater functions.

You will oversee staffing, training, local marketing, scheduling, and vendor coordination while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Minimum of two years of management experience in hospitality, retail, food service, entertainment, or another customer‑focused business.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, coach employees, and hold individuals accountable to established standards.
• Strong customer service, communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills.
• Basic understanding of sales, labor management, budgeting, inventory control, and business performance.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak business periods.
• Ability to learn and use point‑of‑sale systems, scheduling tools, reporting platforms, and other theater operating technology.
• Ability to remain calm, make sound decisions, and manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Willingness to work hands‑on alongside the team and assist with operational duties as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop the theater management team and hourly employees.
• Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, train, and retain qualified team members.
• Create employee schedules that align staffing levels with business volume, guest demand, and labor budgets.
• Establish clear expectations, provide ongoing coaching, recognize strong performance, and address performance concerns promptly.
• Identify and develop high‑potential employees for future leadership opportunities.
• Build a positive, accountable, team‑oriented culture where employees understand their roles and take pride in their work.
• Lead by example by demonstrating professionalism, dependability, urgency, and exceptional guest service.
• Ensure every guest receives friendly, efficient, and welcoming service throughout their visit.
• Maintain high standards for theater cleanliness, presentation, comfort, and overall appearance.
• Proactively resolve guest complaints and service issues with professionalism, sound judgment, and urgency.
• Monitor guest feedback, online reviews, and recurring service concerns to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure consistent execution of company service standards, promotions, and guest experience initiatives.
• Create an environment that encourages guests to return and recommend the theater to others.
• Take ownership of the theater's financial performance, including labor costs, operating expenses, and efforts for profitability.
• Monitor key performance indicators and use available reporting to identify trends, opportunities, and areas requiring corrective action.
• Manage labor and operating expenses while maintaining appropriate staffing, service quality, and operational standards.
• Oversee cash handling, deposits, registers, reconciliations, and compliance with company financial controls.
• Manage concession inventory, purchasing, waste, product availability, and inventory accuracy.
• Identify opportunities to increase attendance, concession sales, group sales, and overall revenue.
• Review performance regularly and develop action plans to address missed goals and improve results.
• Protect company assets and maintain accurate records in accordance with company procedures.
• Oversee all daily theater operations, including box office, concessions, auditoriums, restrooms, lobby areas, and other guest‑facing spaces.
• Ensure the theater is clean, safe, properly staffed, and ready for business at all times.
• Maintain consistent opening, closing, cleaning, inspection, and operational procedures.
• Monitor equipment and building conditions, report maintenance needs, and coordinate repairs with appropriate vendors and company personnel.
• Develop a working knowledge of theater operating systems and perform basic troubleshooting when issues arise.
• Ensure movies, showtimes, concessions, and other guest services are delivered accurately and efficiently.
• Coordinate vendor activities and monitor the quality, timeliness, and cost of services provided.
• Maintain appropriate procedures for emergencies, equipment failures, severe weather, and other operational disruptions.
• Enforce company policies, operating procedures, and applicable safety requirements.
• Maintain compliance with applicable employment, food safety, accessibility, and other regulatory requirements.
• Ensure employees are trained on safety procedures, emergency response, and proper equipment use.
• Maintain appropriate controls for cash, keys, alarm systems, inventory, and other company property.
• Promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for both employees and guests.
• Maintain timely, professional communication with company leadership regarding theater performance, staffing, guest concerns, facility needs, and significant incidents.
• Execute company marketing initiatives, promotions, loyalty programs, and special events.
• Partner with corporate marketing and sales teams to support local promotions, community outreach, group sales, and business development.
• Build relationships with local businesses, schools, churches, community organizations, and other potential partners.
• Monitor local competition and identify opportunities to strengthen the theater's position in the market.
• Respond to time-sensitive operational communications outside scheduled hours when reasonably necessary to address urgent business needs.
• Take ownership of the theater's results, standards, and overall condition.
• Consistently execute company initiatives, policies, and operational expectations.
• Use reports, inspections, guest feedback, and employee input to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Establish priorities, follow through on commitments, and communicate challenges before they become larger problems.
• Demonstrate sound decision‑making, adaptability, and composure in a fast‑paced environment.
• Continuously look for ways to improve efficiency, employee engagement, guest satisfaction, and profitability.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Guest service

Communication

Problem solving

Budgeting

Tools

POS systems

Scheduling tools

Reporting platforms

Theater operating tech

Job description

VIP Cinemas in Lincoln, IL seeks a hands‑on General Manager to lead daily theater operations, develop a high‑performing team, and deliver exceptional guest experiences. You will drive guest satisfaction, manage finances, and uphold safety, service standards, and brand compliance across all theater functions.

You will oversee staffing, training, local marketing, scheduling, and vendor coordination while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety.