General Manager - Sports Complex Operations

Paragon Star•Lees Summit, MO

About The Position

The General Manager - Sports Complex Operations is responsible for daily leadership, operational excellence, financial performance, facilities management, food and beverage operations, and guest experience. The role leads a multidisciplinary team and collaborates with customers, community partners, stakeholders, vendors, and governing bodies to strengthen the facility’s reputation as a premier sports, recreation, entertainment, and event destination. The ideal candidate combines business discipline, operational and facilities expertise, and customer-focused leadership to deliver safe, efficient, exceptional experiences while supporting financial performance and long-term organizational growth. The General Manager provides leadership and direction for Sports Complex operations and Village facilities; establishes strategic goals, operational objectives, and annual business plans; manages financial performance and business operations; oversees facility maintenance, grounds, property management, and capital improvements; and leads the planning and delivery of sporting events and other programs. The role also oversees safety and risk management, recruits and develops staff, and maintains productive relationships with facility users, tenants, sports organizations, community groups, vendors, contractors, and other partners. This is a full-time, exempt position with benefits. Work takes place indoors and outdoors, with exposure to varying weather conditions. Periodic evening and weekend on-site supervision is required. Overall compensation (salary and benefits) is commensurate with experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Sports Management, Facilities Management, or a related field.
At least 10 years of proven, successful leadership experience in sports, recreation, or facility operations.
Experience overseeing maintenance, event operations, and facility services.
Experience assessing business risk management and physical safety compliance protocols.
Experience with client relations, contract management, and vendor oversight.
Strong team leadership, coaching, and staff development skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift up to 50 pounds, and move through large facilities for extended periods.
Availability for periodic evening and weekend on-site supervision.

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership and direction for Sports Complex operations and Village facilities.
Develop and implement strategic goals, operational objectives, and annual business plans.
Create a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, excellence, and customer service.
Maintain positive relationships with customers, tenants, community stakeholders, governing bodies, sponsors, and partners.
Lead department directors and managers and their teams toward organizational goals and performance objectives.
Analyze operational performance and identify opportunities for improvement, efficiency, and growth.
Represent the organization at industry events, community functions, meetings, and stakeholder engagements.
Drive continuous improvement and employee engagement and development.
Oversee facility financial performance, maintain revenue streams, pursue new business, manage expenses, and grow profitability.
Ensure appropriate purchasing, procurement, contract administration, and budget reviews.
Negotiate and manage vendor agreements, service contracts, and operational partnerships.
Direct facility maintenance, grounds operations, and property management.
Ensure the safety, appearance, readiness, and functionality of buildings, fields, playing surfaces, equipment, parking areas, landscaping, sculptures, and public spaces.
Oversee preventive maintenance programs for athletic fields, field-marking operations, natural-grass areas, parking lots, exterior lighting, structures, plumbing and electrical systems, furnishings, irrigation systems, and operational equipment.
Conduct routine inspections of fields, goals, nets, benches, field equipment, and machinery, and develop action plans to address deficiencies.
Coordinate facility improvements, renovations, capital projects, and expansion initiatives.
Oversee planning, coordination, and execution of sporting events, tournaments, community programs, and other events hosted in and around the complex.
Ensure facilities are event-ready through scheduling, setup, conversion, and operational planning.
Act as an escalation point for facility issues involving event organizers, customers, tenants, and service providers.
Deliver a high-quality experience for athletes, teams, spectators, sponsors, and vendors.
Develop and enforce safety procedures, emergency response protocols, and risk management practices.
Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and applicable local, state, and federal safety requirements.
Conduct periodic safety training and ensure staff understand safety protocols.
Oversee incident response and ensure reporting procedures are established and implemented.
Recruit, hire, train, develop, and retain high-performing team members.
Lead and supervise full-time staff, part-time personnel, and service providers.
Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, succession planning, and professional development activities.
Foster a positive workplace culture focused on teamwork, accountability, continuous education, and service excellence.
Build and maintain relationships with tenants, governing bodies, sports organizations, schools, community groups, vendors, and contractors.
Serve as an escalation point of contact for facility users and external stakeholders.
Coordinate with sports organizations, event promoters, tourism organizations, and community partners to maximize facility utilization.
Ensure service agreements and contractual obligations are fulfilled.