General Manager; GM

Position: General Manager (GM)
Location: Idaho Springs

General Manager (GM)

Department: Executive Management
Reports To: Executive Leadership Team
Location: Idaho Springs, CO (On-site)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Overview

The General Manager (GM) is responsible for leading all day-to-day operations of a year-round, state-of-the-art cable car and visitor attraction that connects guests to Colorado's mining history, scenic mountain Trailheads, and panoramic mountain views. The attraction includes lift operations, facilities, food and beverage, retail, guest services, and a vibrant recreational complex featuring dining, events, and year-round programming.

This role provides full operational leadership with accountability for safety, financial performance, guest experience, and organizational culture. The GM leads a team of department heads, ensures alignment across all functions, and partners closely with the executive leadership team and Board of Directors to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategic Oversight

• Lead and supervise department heads across lift operations, facilities, food and beverage, retail, guest services, events, and related functions.
• Execute organizational goals and strategies established by the Board of Directors and executive leadership.
• Collaborate with third-party partners supporting accounting, IT, HR, sales, marketing, events, POS systems, and electronic ticketing platforms.
• Optimize pricing strategies, yield management, guest flow, capacity utilization, and revenue generation.
• Develop, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to revenue, safety, guest satisfaction, and employee engagement.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and enforce operational policies, emergency procedures, and risk management protocols.
• Provide regular, formal reports to the Board of Directors covering financial performance, forecasts, KPIs, material risks, and strategic initiatives.

Financial Management & Business Operations

• Lead development and execution of the annual operating budget and financial plans.
• Analyze financial performance and implement data-driven strategies to improve profitability.
• Partner with executive leadership on financial targets, revenue forecasting, and capital planning.
• Maintain effective financial systems, reporting, and internal controls.
• Oversee capital projects, maintenance programs, and asset lifecycle planning to protect long-term infrastructure value.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Build and develop a management team with expertise in cable car and lift operations.
• Ensure compliance with Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board regulations.
• Oversee lift and facility maintenance, inspections, and daily operational readiness.
• Establish and lead emergency response procedures, incident management, and reporting.
• Promote a strong culture of safety awareness, compliance, and accountability.
• Identify and mitigate operational and environmental risks in collaboration with maintenance and risk teams.

Organizational Development

• Recruit, hire, and develop department managers and seasonal staff.
• Implement performance management systems, coaching, and professional development programs.
• Promote inclusion, engagement, recognition, and leadership development.
• Enforce organizational policies and procedures aligned with company values.
• Lead business continuity planning, including crisis response and weather-related contingencies.
• Support succession planning and internal talent pipelines for long-term growth.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory standards and promote ESG-aligned practices.

Technology & Systems

• Oversee ticketing, reservation, communication, and operational technology platforms.
• Identify and implement opportunities for technology improvements and process optimization.

Guest Experience & Community Engagement

• Ensure consistently high standards of hospitality, safety, and guest experience.
• Monitor guest feedback and implement continuous improvements across the visitor journey.
• Serve as a professional representative with community leaders, government entities, tourism partners, and at industry events.
• Build and maintain strong vendor, partner, and stakeholder relationships.
• Maintain a positive public presence through community and social engagement.
• Collaborate with related tour and attraction operations to ensure a seamless guest experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 7+ years of progressive management experience in tourism, attractions, hospitality, or related industries.
• Proven experience managing teams of 60+ employees.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with strong conflict resolution skills.
• Strong financial management, budgeting, and operational planning capabilities.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and public engagement skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic,…