Soccer Stars General Manager

What is Soccer Stars? Soccer Stars is the nation's leading youth soccer coaching program which teaches fundamental soccer skills to children in a fun, non-competitive, and safe environment. The soccer ball is used as a vehicle to develop life skills and support a child's physical, mental, social, and emotional growth. For over 20 years, Soccer Stars has been coaching children ages 12 months and older, positively impacting more than one million children across the country through the sport of soccer. Soccer Stars offers innovative, age-specific, and skill-based programs developed by early childhood professionals and youth soccer experts. Our coaches are passionate about inspiring children to build self-confidence, foster teamwork, enhance gross motor skills, develop social skills, and improve physical literacy—all while having fun. Soccer Stars is based in Buffalo Grove and serves families throughout Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Wheeling, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Long Grove, Lake Zurich, Northbrook, Deerfield, Glenview and surrounding communities. General Manager Role The General Manager is responsible for providing strategic leadership and overseeing all aspects of the Soccer Stars business, including business development, operations, sales and marketing, customer experience, and partner relationships. This role leads day-to-day operations, ensures the delivery of high-quality programs, drives business growth, and fosters a culture of operational excellence to deliver an exceptional experience for children, families, and community partners. Key Responsibilities: Business DevelopmentIdentify and secure new partnerships with preschools, daycare centers, elementary schools, parks and recreation departments, community centers, and sports facilities to drive revenue growth and business expansion. Establish revenue and enrollment targets and develop action plans to achieve themDevelop and implement strategies to increase enrollment in classes, camps, clinics, and seasonal programsIdentify opportunities to generate revenue through new programs, birthday parties, private lessons, camps, and special eventsNegotiate and manage partnership agreements and facility contractsDevelop and maintain strong relationships with schools, childcare providers, community organizations, and facility partners to support long-term growthAnalyze operational performance, enrollment metrics, revenue reports, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify opportunities for improvementRepresent Soccer Stars at community events, school fairs, festivals, and networking events to increase brand awareness and generate new business opportunities Operational ExcellenceLead daily operations and administrative functions across multiple locations within the territoryRecruit, train, mentor, and evaluate coaching staff to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery of the Soccer Stars curriculumManage coach schedules, staffing levels, and resource allocation to ensure smooth program execution and maximize operational efficiencyOversee program logistics, including class schedules, facility coordination, equipment management, and operational readinessMonitor program quality and conduct regular evaluations to ensure consistency across all locationsCollaborate with the marketing team to execute promotional campaigns, referral programs, and special offers that support enrollment growthProvide on-field coaching support when needed to maintain program quality, support team development or mitigate last min cancellationsIdentify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, scalability, and the overall customer experienceEnsure compliance with company policies, safety standards, risk management procedures, and local regulations Customer Experience Maintain the highest standards of program quality, safety, and customer service to maximize customer satisfaction and retentionDevelop and maintain strong relationships with school administrators, childcare center directors, camp directors, partner facilities, and community leadersUphold Soccer Stars' customer service promise with fast and friendly communication, and keep customers informed with latest updates (rescheduling, cancellations) in a professional way. Manage customer inquiries, resolve concerns promptly, and ensure an exceptional experience for children, families, and partners. Go-to person for coaches with regular check-ins to encourage growth, share feedback and celebrate wins. Requirements Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business, Sports Management, Education, Hospitality, Recreation, or a related field preferred3+ years of experience in sales, business development and revenue growth. 1-3 years of experience in operations management in a service-based organizationExperience working with schools, childcare centers, community organizations, or youth programs is preferredSoccer or sports background is preferred but not mandatoryPersonal vehicle for transportation Key Skills Strong sales and business development skillsClient relationship skills with a customer-focused mindset Proven leadership and team management skillsOperational management & organizational skills Time management with ability to manage multiple priorities Passionate for working with children Energetic, fun-loving, friendly, outgoing personality Self-motivated with attention to detailExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to wear multiple hats with a roll-up-your sleeves attitude Proficient in Microsoft or Google suite Benefits Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualificationsOffer contingent on successful completion of background checkPerformance based incentive program, additional to base payInitial 3-month probationary period during which performance, leadership capabilities, operational effectiveness, and overall role alignment will be evaluatedUpon successful completion of the probationary period, the employee will be confirmed in the role based on performance and achievement of agreed-upon objectivesCompany matched retirement planning Health insurance after probationary periodPaid time off - 10 business days every calendar year Family members can join Soccer Stars at 50% discount