General Manager Stirrups (Full Time) - World Equestrian Center Ocala, FL

Job Summary

The General Manager of Stirrups Fine Dining Steakhouse is responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and daily operations of the restaurant, ensuring the delivery of an exceptional fine dining experience that reflects the standards and reputation of the World Equestrian Center. This position oversees all front-of-house and restaurant operations, including staffing, guest satisfaction, financial performance, inventory management, service excellence, and team development. The General Manager serves as a visible leader, fostering a culture of hospitality, accountability, and operational excellence while driving revenue growth and profitability. This position reports directly to the Director of Food & Beverage.

Essential Functions

• Direct and oversee all daily operations of Stirrups Fine Dining Steakhouse, ensuring exceptional service, culinary excellence, and adherence to luxury dining standards.
• Provide inspirational leadership, mentorship, and coaching to managers and associates to foster a high-performing and guest-focused culture.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, develop, and retain a talented team of hospitality professionals.
• Maintain a strong presence in the dining room, interacting with guests to ensure an elevated dining experience and promptly resolving concerns.
• Partner with culinary and beverage leadership to maintain service standards, menu presentation, wine program execution, and overall guest satisfaction.
• Monitor and manage labor costs, food and beverage costs, operating expenses, and other controllable expenditures to achieve budgeted financial goals.
• Analyze financial reports, sales trends, and operational metrics to identify opportunities for increased revenue, efficiency, and profitability.
• Oversee inventory controls, purchasing practices, product quality, and vendor relationships to ensure operational effectiveness and cost management.
• Develop and implement training programs that enhance service standards, product knowledge, wine expertise, and leadership development.
• Ensure all restaurant facilities, equipment, dining areas, and service stations are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and presentation.
• Foster a culture of accountability, recognition, and continuous improvement through regular coaching, performance evaluations, and development planning.
• Collaborate with the Food & Beverage leadership team on promotions, special events, private dining experiences, and guest engagement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including health, sanitation, alcohol service, labor laws, and workplace safety requirements.
• Uphold and enforce all World Equestrian Center and Columbus Hospitality Management policies, procedures, and standards.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor that reflects the luxury service standards of the property.
• Adhere to all safety policies and procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the associate occupying this position. Associates will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements necessary for an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of the position are outlined below. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Qualifications, Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive restaurant management experience, including at least 2 years in a General Manager or senior leadership role within an upscale or fine dining restaurant.

• Experience managing premium steakhouse, luxury hotel, resort, or destination dining operations preferred.

• Proven track record of driving financial performance, guest satisfaction, and team engagement.

• Strong knowledge of fine dining service standards, wine service, food and beverage operations, and guest experience management.

• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and team-building skills.

• Ability to analyze financial statements, budgets, labor reports, and operational metrics.

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, POS systems, and restaurant management software.

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as business demands require.

• Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace.

• Professional appearance and demeanor consistent with luxury hospitality standards.

• Self-motivated, organized, detail-oriented, and able to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.

The World Equestrian Center is managed by Columbus Hospitality Management, a company committed to providing exceptional service and memorable guest experiences in a positive and welcoming work environment. We support our team members through our commitment to work-life balance, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.

We are proud to be a Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be required to submit to a background check prior to employment.