Compensation Amount:

0.00 USD Annual

Job Summary:

The General Manager provides year-round leadership and oversight for all recreation operations and facilities at Giants Ridge. This role ensures that departmental leaders are aligned in delivering exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence, and financial performance. The General Manager is responsible for long-term capital planning, day-to-day operational oversight, and fostering a high-performing workplace culture rooted in collaboration, safety, and service.

This position reports to the Vice President of Hospitality at Guest Services, Inc., and works in close partnership with the Minnesota State Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR) to achieve operational and strategic goals.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Provides strategic direction and operational oversight for all departments to ensure consistent service quality, guest satisfaction, and business performance across all seasons. Supervises, mentors, and supports directors and managers by setting goals, providing feedback, and ensuring accountability in line with organizational objectives.Collaborates with the Property Controller, IRRR, Guest Services, Inc., and other leadership to prepare and manage annual budgets, monthly forecasts, and department-level financial performance.Ensures departments maintain compliance with safety protocols, local/state/industry regulations, internal procedures, and best practices.Oversees staffing strategies and organizational structure in coordination with the Director of Human Resources, including workforce planning, recruitment, and retention efforts.Collaborates with the Director of Food & Beverage to develop and implement comprehensive strategies to meet financial and guest service goals.Fosters interdepartmental communication and collaboration to support smooth transitions between summer and winter seasons and promote year-round operational efficiency. Champions guest service initiatives and ensures a welcoming, inclusive, and service-driven culture across all guest-facing teams.Oversees facility-wide operational planning, including major events, capital improvement projects, and infrastructure needs.Represents the facility in communications with key stakeholders including vendors, local agencies, and the broader community. Leads by example maintaining a visible, approachable, and supportive leadership presence throughout the facility.Supports emergency preparedness planning, crisis response, and business continuity efforts in coordination with department leaders.Remains informed on trends in the ski, golf, food and beverage, and hospitality industries to help guide innovation and growth.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, Recreation Management or related field strongly preferred.10+ years or progressively responsible experience in resort or recreation management, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership or multi-department management role.Demonstrated experience managing both ski and golf operations or strong equivalent in year-round recreational business management. Strong financial acumen, including budget development, financial reporting and performance analysis.Proven leadership, team development, and communication skills across diverse departments.Experience working with management companies and coordinating with public agencies is required. Demonstrated interpersonal, organizational, and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to build consensus and foster collaboration across departments. Familiarity with safety and risk management practices common to dining, mountain and golf environments. Ability to think strategically while managing the day-to-day details of a dynamic recreational operation.Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with point-of-sale or resort management systems a plus. 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to perform work in both an office setting and operations environment throughout the facility. Must be comfortable navigating indoor and outdoor workspaces in all weather conditions. Requires regular walking, standing, and the ability to respond quickly to operational needs during active business hours. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time, including across uneven outdoor terrain in varying weather conditions. Lifting, carrying, and pushing up to 25 lbs. regularly, 30-35 lbs. frequently, and up to 50 lbs. occasionally.Manual dexterity required for using computers, mobile devices and radios.Requires the ability to communicate clearly and professionally in person, over the phone, and via email. Ability to analyze complex situations, make sound decisions quickly, and handle conflict constructively. Mental stamina to remain focused and professional for extended shifts or peak operational periods. Physical presence at the job site is essential to perform job duties. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays, according to operational needs.

EQUIPMENT USED

Typical office equipment (computers, phone system, fax, copiers, scanners, among others).Two-way radioSpecialized electronics and related softwareMay occasionally operate off road vehicles or equipment, as appropriate to perform duties.

Giants Ridge, managed by Guest Services, Inc., is seeking a strategic and dynamic General Manager to lead our year-round recreation resort in delivering exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence, and long-term success.  This leadership role oversees all resort departments – including mountain operations, golf, food & beverage, facilities and guest services – and is responsible for aligning teams around shared goals, safety standards, and a culture of service. 

As General Manager, you will provide vision, support, and accountability to a talented team of directors and managers while ensuring collaboration across departments and seamless transitions between seasonal operations.  You will also play a key role in budget planning, capital development, guest experience strategy, and representing Giants Ridge to external partners, vendors and the community. 

This position reports to the Vice President of Hospitality at Guest Services, Inc., and works in close partnership with the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR) to achieve both operational and strategic objectives. 

What We’re Looking For:

10+ years of progressive leadership in recreation or resort operationsProven experiences managing both ski and golf or similar seasonal operationsStrong financial, organizational, and team development skillsAbility to lead in a collaborative, safety-focused, guest-driven environmentA strategic thinker who thrives in a hands-on, fast-paced setting

Why Work at Giants Ridge?

Comprehensive Health Coverage – Stay covered with medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, plus access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for additional support.  We also offer HSAs, FSAs and more to help you manage healthcare costs.Retirement Savings – Play for your future with our 401(k)-retirement plan, featuring a company match to help you build financial security.  Paid Time Off – Take time to rest, relax and recharge with generous PTO.Mountain Perks – Enjoy free employee passes and discounts for your family so you can hit the slopes and trails all season long!Exclusive Golf Privileges – Hit the greens with complimentary golfing at our two championship golf courses.Exclusive Discounts – Save on delicious food, stylish apparel and must-have accessories while working at Giants Ridge.  Work with Friends – Join a fun, supportive team where every day feels like an adventure.Flexible Scheduling – We offer flexible schedules to fit your lifestyle, but some evening, weekend and holiday shifts are required to keep up with the excitement at Giants Ridge. And More! – Additional perks and surprises that make Giants Ridge a great place to work!

This is a $138,000 - $145,000 salaried position commensurate with experience plus bonus opportunities.   

Additional compensation and benefits details provided upon request.

Giants Ridge is the #1-rated family vacation destination in Minnesota.  Located just north of Duluth in the heart of Minnesota’s Superior National Forest, Giants Ridge is a four-season family-oriented resort offering fun and adventure for every level of outdoor enthusiast.  Summer is filled with world-class golf, plus mountain biking, water recreation and more.  Winter brings incredible skiing, snowboarding, fat tire biking and endless miles of snowmobile trails to explore, plus dining, shopping and much more.  Spring and fall seasons are the perfect transitions to the next season of outdoor adventure. 

Founded in 1917, Guest Services has worked tirelessly to earn the reputation as the premier hospitality management company and National Park Service concessionaire in the United States. Guest Services takes great care and pride in providing best-in-class services across a wide variety of client sites including luxury communities, hotels, resorts, government and business dining facilities, full-service restaurants, state and national parks, outdoor recreation, boathouses, marinas, museums, conference centers, senior living communities, health care systems, school and university dining facilities, and specialty retail stores.

Guest Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and promotion without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION: We embrace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the richness it brings to our company. Our commitment is to provide an inclusive workplace where individuals can bring their whole selves to work, enabling them to provide the best level of service to our diverse customer base.