Upper East Side & West harlem

General Manager

 

ABOUT VITAL

Our mission at VITAL is to create places that people love. While our gyms focus on bouldering, we also offer programs such as yoga, aerial, cycle, and fitness. VITAL gyms are open to members 24/7. We’re open to the public during the day, but only members can unlock the door at night. The sense of trust and ownership this inspires is part of what makes the VITAL community special.

We are optimists at heart, which means that we believe in our customers and in our team.

WE BELIEVE IN OUR CUSTOMERS. We build and operate our gyms to such a high standard because everyone deserves to be a part of something wonderful. The relationships people form at VITAL enrich life and lead to new adventures. By living out our belief in our customers they, in turn, believe in one another. This reciprocal goodwill makes VITAL more than just a gym, it becomes part of a full and connected life.


WE BELIEVE IN OUR TEAM. We believe that the best team is one that is unified and working hard towards a shared vision. Being part of such a team is challenging, and also rewarding. We support and invest in the people who work here with the goal of bringing up great leaders prepared to take on challenges at work and beyond.

ABOUT THE JOB

The General Manager of VITAL Manhattan needs to have a strong passion for climbing and community building. This passion will be an important part of putting together a team that is welcoming to all patrons and potential customers. You will be expected to know the ins and outs of what’s required to run a climbing gym - managing a large staff, scheduling, inventory orders, staying in communication with customers, staff, and anticipating operational needs. The GM is responsible for inspiring and leading a motivated, professional, and engaged team - all working together to create a vibrant and welcoming community of members. 

The West Harlem location, located on the Columbia University campus, is a 9,000 sq.ft. facility that offers Bouldering alongside fitness, yoga, and climbing programming. The Upper East location is a 2,400 sq.ft. bouldering gym that has 24/7 member access and offers bouldering and climbing programs.  

Your main role as the General Manager is to:

  • Lead - First and foremost your job is to lead. Inspire and motivate your team around a compelling vision and our Core Values.

  • Manage - Collaborate, schedule, plan, hire, fire, oversee, strategize, execute.

  • Grow - Ensure that VITAL is more vibrant year after year. 

  • Embody - Set the tone. Embody the culture. 

  • Support - Invest in the people who work for you. Help them grow and thrive.

  • Connect - Engage with customers and with the community. 


RESPONSIBILITIES

The position of GM is broad and adaptive. You will work closely with the Regional Manager and department leads to oversee and improve all areas of operations while utilizing your strongest skill-sets. The responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

  • Working directly with the Regional and Department Leads to collaborate in areas of overflow work, and maintaining VITAL standards

  • Having a strong presence in the West Harlem and Upper East locations

  • Navigate all membership inquiries, i.e. cancellations, refunds, benefits

  • Create an infrastructure that creates an organized and productive team

  • Managing a staff of approximately 45 people including Crew, Leads, Instructors, Coaches, and Watchdogs

    • Hire

    • Train

    • Schedule

    • Perform bi-annual performance reviews

    • Schedule and lead regular meetings

  • Manage POS (Mindbody Online)

  • Maintain VITAL standards throughout the Upper East and West Harlem facilities.

  • Take the lead on major expansions

  • Contribute to company policy inception and adjustments for VITAL nationwide 

  • Receive feedback, work through possible solutions, and communicate progress

  • Delegate tasks for the improvement and upkeep of the gym

  • Perform clerical and HR duties

  • Oversee event planning and community involvement

  • Grow the community and help keep it healthy


BENEFITS

  • Salary $70,000- $85,000

  • Structured annual wage increases

  • 401K matching 

  • Health insurance programs

  • Internal incentive programs 

  • VITAL PTO program

  • Mental health program 

  • Employee membership with access to all programs and classes

  • Friends and family benefits


QUALIFICATIONS

  • 2 years management experience

  • Experience in the industry, including in-depth knowledge of how gyms operate (programming, routesetting, retail, POS, etc.)

  • The ability to communicate clearly and efficiently with management and staff

  • Ability to work independently

  • Ability to work long days, nights, and weekends when needed

  • Excel and Google Drive

  • Mindbody Online experience preferred


We are looking for people who have as much passion for climbing and bringing people together as we do. VITAL is committed to diversity among its staff and we encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.