General Manager

Lava Island•Kildeer, IL

16d

About The Position

Welcome to Lava Island! Lava Island is more than a destination—it’s a world of color, energy, and adventure. Kids bounce across trampolines, dive into foam pits, and disappear into jungle gyms that stretch like secret passageways. Towering slides send laughter soaring, the café buzzes with families sharing pizza and funnel fries, and birthday songs echo from every corner. It’s the kind of place where memories happen without warning—and where both kids and parents feel like they’ve stepped into something magical. That energy carries into what it’s like to work here. We’re all in for our guests and for each other. We work better together, lifting as a team. We show up as day makers, creating joy in the small moments. And we raise the bar by doing the little things with purpose. Working at Lava Island means being part of something bigger—where your effort helps shape the kind of day families will talk about long after they leave. Why You’ll Love Working Here There’s something powerful about leading a team that brings Lava Island to life. As a leader, you set the tone—for the energy, the culture, and the guest experience. You’ll guide a high-performing team through fast-paced days filled with laughter, connection, and the kind of moments families never forget. Lead with impact in a dynamic, guest-first environment Build and develop a high-energy team that thrives on teamwork and purpose Be part of a supportive leadership culture grounded in trust and accountability Access real opportunities for professional growth and advancement Enjoy competitive pay, health benefits (including vision and dental), and employee perks How You’ll Make a Difference As a General Manager (GM), you will lead the full scope of operations at Lava Island, driving exceptional guest experiences while overseeing all park teams (Cafe, Park and Parties). You are the strategic leader, responsible for aligning daily operations with long-term business goals, managing a team of approximately 35 employees, and setting the standard for service, safety, and team performance. Your leadership ensures that Lava Island operates seamlessly, exceeds guest expectations, and fosters a culture of growth and accountability.

Requirements

Leadership & Coaching Experience – Proven ability to supervise and motivate teams in a hospitality or customer-facing environment
Hands-On Leadership Approach – Willingness to work alongside the team to ensure accountability and enthusiasm
Guest Experience Focus – Passion for delivering exceptional service and creating memorable experiences
Strong Organizational Skills – Ability to multitask, manage time effectively, and handle a fast-paced environment
Excellent Communication – Strong interpersonal skills for engaging with both staff and guests
Problem-Solving Mindset – Proactive approach to identifying and resolving operational challenges
Operational & Kitchen Knowledge – Understanding of safety regulations, cleanliness standards, and food service management
Team Leadership Experience – Prior experience supervising teams in a fast-paced environment, ideally overseeing 10 or more employees during a shift
ServSafe Manager Certification – Current ServSafe Manager Certification or completion within 30 days of hire
Physical Stamina – Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods in a physically demanding environment. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs
Hands-On Involvement – Willingness to perform physical tasks such as cleaning and park preparation alongside the team
Weekends, Evenings & Holidays Availability – Required to meet business needs and guest demand.
Must Pass a Background Check & Drug Screen – Ensuring a safe and trustworthy environment for guests and staff.

Nice To Haves

Energetic presence
adaptability under pressure
attention to detail
team-first approach
growth-oriented mindset

Responsibilities

Foster a Guest-Centered Culture – Set the standard for a clean, safe, and welcoming environment where every guest feels valued, leading by example to reflect Lava Island’s commitment to exceptional hospitality.
Lead & Develop the Team – Lead the hiring, training, and development of all team members and park leadership, building a culture of trust, growth, and team spirit that inspires exceptional service, achieves company goals, and exceeds key performance indicators (KPIs).
Oversee Daily Operations – Ensure smooth park operations and resolution of issues. As the Manager on Duty (MOD), be a visible leader across all departments—engaging with guests, maintaining safety, service quality, and driving team productivity.
Manage Park, Event, & Kitchen Operations – Ensure all safety, cleanliness, and service standards are met across all departments
Identify & Solve Challenges – Proactively address any issues impacting guest experience, staff performance, or operational efficiency
Maintain Performance Benchmarks – Implement strategies to improve team efficiency, guest satisfaction, and kitchen service
Ensure Compliance & Safety – Uphold company policies, health codes, and safety regulations to create a secure experience for guests and staff
Collaborate for Success – Work with other managers to execute strategies for events, promotions, and new initiatives
Support Business Growth – Take on additional responsibilities as assigned by senior management to drive the success of Lava Island