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Job description
About Soccer Stars
Soccer Stars isthe nation's leadingyouth soccer coachingprogram which teachesfundamental soccerskills to children in afun, non-competitive, and safe environment. The soccer ballis used asa vehicle todevelop life skillsand support achild's physical, mental, social, and emotionalgrowth. 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 offersinnovative, age-specific, and skill-basedprograms developed byearly childhood professionalsand youth soccerexperts. Our coachesare passionate aboutinspiring children tobuild self-confidence, foster teamwork, enhancegross motor skills, develop socialskills, and improvephysical literacy—allwhile 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:
1. Business Development
Identify and securenew partnerships withpreschools, daycare centers, elementaryschools, parks andrecreation departments,community centers, andsports facilities to drive revenue growth and business expansion.
Establish revenue and enrollment targets and develop action plans to achieve them.
Develop and implement strategies to increase enrollment in classes, camps, clinics, and seasonal programs
Identify opportunities to generate revenue through new programs, birthday parties, private lessons, camps, and special events.
Negotiate and manage partnership agreements and facility contracts.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with schools, childcare providers, community organizations, and facility partners to support long-term growth.
Analyze operational performance, enrollment metrics, revenue reports, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify opportunities for improvement.
Represent Soccer Stars at community events, school fairs, festivals, and networking events to increase brand awareness and generate new business opportunities.
2.Operational Excellence
Lead daily operations and administrative functions across multiple locations within the territory.
Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate coaching staff to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery of the Soccer Stars curriculum.
Manage coach schedules, staffing levels, and resource allocation to ensure smooth program execution and maximize operational efficiency.
Oversee program logistics, including class schedules, facility coordination, equipment management, and operational readiness.
Monitor program quality and conduct regular evaluations to ensure consistency across all locations.
Collaborate with the marketing team to execute promotional campaigns, referral programs, and special offers that support enrollment growth.
Provide on-field coaching support when needed to maintain program quality, support team development or mitigate last min cancellations.
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, scalability, and the overall customer experience.
Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, risk management procedures, and local regulations.
3.Customer Experience
Maintain the highest standards of program quality, safety, and customer service to maximize customer satisfaction and retention.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with school administrators, childcare center directors, camp directors, partner facilities, and community leaders.
Uphold 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.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Business, Sports Management, Education, Hospitality, Recreation, or a related field preferred.
3+ years of experience in sales, business development and revenue growth.
1-3 years of experience in operations management in a service-based organization.
Experience working with schools, childcare centers, community organizations, or youth programs is preferred.
Soccer or sports background is preferred but not mandatory.
Personal vehicle for transportation
Key Skills
Strong sales and business development skills
Client relationship skills with a customer-focused mindset
Proven leadership and team management skills
Operational 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 detail
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to wear multiple hats with a roll-up-your sleeves attitude
Proficient in Microsoft or Google suite
Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Offer contingent on successful completion of background check
Performance based incentive program, additional to base pay
Initial3-month probationary periodduring which performance, leadership capabilities, operational effectiveness, and overall role alignment will be evaluated.
Upon successful completion of the probationary period, the employee will be confirmed in the role based on performance and achievement of agreed-upon objectives.
Company matched retirement planning
Health insurance after probationary period
Paid time off – 10 business days every calendar year
Family members can join Soccer Stars at 50% discount
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Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.