General Manager

General Manager – Seasonal Beer Garden & Event Venue Location: Montgomery County, MD Position Overview Client is seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial General Manager to lead operations for a highly seasonal, outdoor-focused beer garden and historic event destination set against the scenic backdrop of Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve. This role goes beyond traditional restaurant leadership—this is a community-facing, experience-driven position requiring a strong background in marketing, programming, and event activation. The General Manager will act as the face of the venue, building local relationships, driving guest engagement, and curating a vibrant calendar of events that positions the property as a premier gathering place for both locals and destination guests. The ideal candidate brings a blend of operational excellence, creative marketing mindset, and deep community involvement, with a passion for creating memorable, high-energy hospitality experiences. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership • Oversee all day-to-day operations of the beer garden and event spaces, ensuring a seamless, high-quality guest experience • Lead, coach, and develop a seasonal team, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management • Maintain service, cleanliness, and safety standards, ensuring compliance with all health and regulatory requirements • Manage inventory, vendor relationships, and cost controls to achieve financial targets • Monitor financial performance, including P&L, labor, and revenue optimization Events & Programming (Core Focus) • Develop and execute a robust, revenue-driving events calendar including live music, themed activations, private events, and community gatherings • Oversee all aspects of event execution—from concept to post-event analysis—to ensure memorable guest experiences • Collaborate with vendors, entertainers, and partners to deliver high-quality programming and operational excellence • Manage bookings, event logistics, and on-site coordination for both public and private events Marketing & Brand Activation (Core Focus) • Lead local marketing strategy across digital, social, and grassroots channels to drive traffic, awareness, and repeat business • Develop and execute creative campaigns tied to seasonal programming, food & beverage offerings, and special events • Partner with ownership and creative teams on brand positioning, storytelling, and promotional initiatives • Analyze marketing performance and adjust strategies to increase guest engagement and revenue Community Engagement (Core Focus) • Serve as an ambassador for Client, actively building relationships with local businesses, farms, ??????ans, and community groups • Identify and cultivate partnerships that drive community involvement, cross-promotion, and new business opportunities • Represent the venue at local events and networking opportunities to deepen brand presence and visibility • Develop initiatives that position the property as a true community hub, fostering strong repeat and referral business Guest Experience & Culture • Create a welcoming, energetic, and inclusive environment that reflects the unique character of the venue • Actively engage with guests on-site to gather feedback, resolve issues, and build loyalty • Foster a culture of hospitality, accountability, and teamwork across all staff Qualifications • 5+ years of General Manager or senior leadership experience in hospitality, beer garden, restaurant, or event-driven venue • Proven success in event programming, marketing strategy, and community engagement • Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and driving profitability • Hands-on leadership style with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, seasonal environment • Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills • Experience with outdoor, high-volume, or seasonal concepts strongly preferred What Success Looks Like • A consistently full and energized beer garden with strong community participation • A creative, well-executed events calendar driving both traffic and revenue • Strong local partnerships and brand presence in the surrounding community • High-performing team delivering exceptional guest experiences • Sustainable profitability across a seasonal operating model Why This Role This is a unique opportunity to lead a one-of-a-kind hospitality concept that blends historic charm, scenic outdoor experiences, and high-impact programming. The General Manager will have the autonomy to shape the guest experience, drive innovation, and build a destination that becomes a cornerstone of the local community.