Waterpark GM & Guest Experience Leader

Lucky Strike Entertainment Corporation; Kendall Township (IL); On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Employee stock purchase program

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Job summary

Lucky Strike Entertainment Corporation in Illinois is seeking a General Manager to lead the waterpark with responsibility for operations across aquatics, guest services, food and beverage, maintenance, safety, staffing, and financial performance.

The GM will drive guest experience, profitability, and regulatory compliance while maintaining a hands-on leadership style in a dynamic, high-volume environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in the hospitality, attractions, theme park, or waterpark industry.
• Proven experience managing large teams in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of operations, financial management, labor scheduling, guest service, and safety compliance.
• Experience overseeing aquatics operations and lifeguard programs, including StarGuard ELITE, Ellis & Associates, or comparable aquatic safety certification programs.
• Hands-on leadership style with strong communication and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and vision for the waterpark, ensuring an outstanding guest experience, high-performing teams, and profitable operations.
• Oversee day-to-day park operations across departments, including aquatics, food and beverage, attractions, admissions, retail, and facilities.
• Lead, develop, and manage the management team and department heads to drive operational excellence, efficiency, and safety.
• Monitor and maintain the highest standards of guest service, cleanliness, and safety throughout the park.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including health, safety, food service, and aquatic standards.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and performance management for all staff in partnership with HR and department managers.
• Lead and support the aquatics team to ensure lifeguards are properly trained and certified, and equipped to maintain water safety standards.
• Manage and monitor all operational budgets, labor forecasting, expense control, and financial reporting for the park.
• Maintain and inspect all park facilities and attractions to ensure equipment is functioning properly, clean, and safe for guests.
• Implement and monitor emergency response procedures, safety drills, and risk management protocols.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in guest service, employee engagement, operational procedures, and cost efficiency.
• Represent the park in a professional manner, building strong relationships with guests, vendors, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Promote a culture of positivity, respect, and accountability throughout the organization.
• Ensure all areas of the park operate according to brand standards, health codes, and company policies.
• Act as the primary point of contact during critical operational issues or emergencies.
• Serve as an ambassador of the waterpark brand and champion a fun, safe, and welcoming environment.

Skills

Leadership

Hospitality operations

Financial management

Staff development

Communication

Problem solving

MS Office

Scheduling systems

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management

Tools

POS systems

Scheduling software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Lucky Strike Entertainment Corporation in Illinois is seeking a General Manager to lead the waterpark with responsibility for operations across aquatics, guest services, food and beverage, maintenance, safety, staffing, and financial performance.

The GM will drive guest experience, profitability, and regulatory compliance while maintaining a hands-on leadership style in a dynamic, high-volume environment.