Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $80,000.00 - $100,000.00
Work Schedule
Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
Benefits
base salary
performance-based bonus
Monthly health benefit
Paid Time Off
Opportunity to open a new venue and shape its culture
Job Description
WONDERGATE is a women-owned electronic music and hospitality company based in San Diego. The company is committed to creating distinctive music experiences while emphasizing thoughtful hospitality, strong production values, and support for the local music community. Established with a passion for both music and quality service, WONDERGATE is known for fostering a collaborative and respectful workplace culture that values high standards and genuine teamwork.
In late 2026, WONDERGATE is set to open a permanent nightclub and lounge located in the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego. This venue will uniquely combine music, nightlife, food, and beverage, offering patrons an all-encompassing experience under one roof. The nightclub and lounge will serve as a hub for the city's nightlife scene, attracting diverse crowds and hosting a variety of live entertainment and electronic music events. WONDERGATE aims to establish a venue that not only entertains but also serves as a community space supporting artists, staff, and guests alike.
The role of General Manager at WONDERGATE presents a remarkable opportunity for a seasoned hospitality professional to take part in this exciting stage of growth and development. This is a full-time, on-site leadership position based in downtown San Diego. The successful candidate will join the team approximately 60 to 90 days before the venue's official opening, playing a central role in hiring, training, and organizing the opening staff. They will be responsible for establishing operational systems, coordinating with vendors and partners, and preparing the building to host its inaugural events.
After the grand opening, the General Manager will oversee all aspects of the venue's daily hospitality operations. This includes managing floor operations, bar and food services, staffing, production coordination, and maintaining building operations. A close working relationship with the Private Events Manager is essential to align event calendars, staffing, and preparation efficiently. The position demands a hands-on leadership approach, requiring the ability to balance managing financials, staff development, and being actively present during peak operational hours.
Compensation for this role includes a competitive base salary ranging from $80,000 to $100,000 per year, dependent on experience, alongside performance-based bonuses. Additionally, the role offers a monthly health benefit and paid time off. This position not only provides a stable and rewarding career path but also the unique chance to shape the venue's culture, operations, and team from the ground up. WONDERGATE welcomes candidates who are passionate about nightlife, hospitality, and music, and those who thrive in high-energy, fast-paced environments. Join WONDERGATE and be part of an innovative hospitality experience that is set to become a highlight in San Diego's entertainment landscape.
In late 2026, WONDERGATE is set to open a permanent nightclub and lounge located in the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego. This venue will uniquely combine music, nightlife, food, and beverage, offering patrons an all-encompassing experience under one roof. The nightclub and lounge will serve as a hub for the city's nightlife scene, attracting diverse crowds and hosting a variety of live entertainment and electronic music events. WONDERGATE aims to establish a venue that not only entertains but also serves as a community space supporting artists, staff, and guests alike.
The role of General Manager at WONDERGATE presents a remarkable opportunity for a seasoned hospitality professional to take part in this exciting stage of growth and development. This is a full-time, on-site leadership position based in downtown San Diego. The successful candidate will join the team approximately 60 to 90 days before the venue's official opening, playing a central role in hiring, training, and organizing the opening staff. They will be responsible for establishing operational systems, coordinating with vendors and partners, and preparing the building to host its inaugural events.
After the grand opening, the General Manager will oversee all aspects of the venue's daily hospitality operations. This includes managing floor operations, bar and food services, staffing, production coordination, and maintaining building operations. A close working relationship with the Private Events Manager is essential to align event calendars, staffing, and preparation efficiently. The position demands a hands-on leadership approach, requiring the ability to balance managing financials, staff development, and being actively present during peak operational hours.
Compensation for this role includes a competitive base salary ranging from $80,000 to $100,000 per year, dependent on experience, alongside performance-based bonuses. Additionally, the role offers a monthly health benefit and paid time off. This position not only provides a stable and rewarding career path but also the unique chance to shape the venue's culture, operations, and team from the ground up. WONDERGATE welcomes candidates who are passionate about nightlife, hospitality, and music, and those who thrive in high-energy, fast-paced environments. Join WONDERGATE and be part of an innovative hospitality experience that is set to become a highlight in San Diego's entertainment landscape.
Job Requirements
- Five or more years of experience in a venue leadership role
- experience managing a nightclub, lounge, or live-entertainment venue
- experience leading food-and-beverage operations
- ability to manage P&L, budgets, labor, inventory, and cost controls
- experience recruiting, training, scheduling, developing, and managing employees
- proficiency with POS, inventory, scheduling, and reporting systems
- strong communication and organizational skills
- ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and selected closing shifts
- ability to obtain RBS and food protection manager certifications within 30 days of employment
- experience with health, safety, food-service, and alcohol licensing compliance
- familiarity with San Diego nightlife preferred
- legal authorization to work in the United States
Job Qualifications
- Five or more years of experience as a general manager or in a comparable venue leadership role
- experience managing a nightclub, lounge, live-entertainment venue, bar, or high-volume hospitality operation
- experience leading food-and-beverage operations
- proven experience managing P&L, budgets, labor, inventory, and cost controls
- experience recruiting, training, scheduling, developing, and managing employees
- strong knowledge of bar operations, inventory management, pour costs, and alcohol compliance
- experience using POS, inventory, scheduling, and reporting systems
- strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
- ability to remain calm, make decisions, and lead effectively in a busy late-night environment
- ability to work on-site in downtown San Diego, including nights, weekends, holidays, and selected closing shifts
- ability to obtain RBS and food protection manager certifications within 30 days of starting
- experience opening a new nightlife or live-entertainment venue is strongly preferred
- familiarity with the San Diego nightlife and hospitality market is preferred
- experience working in electronic music or live entertainment is a plus
- experience coordinating with production and talent teams is a plus
- a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business, or a related field is preferred but equivalent hands-on leadership experience matters more
- Spanish-language proficiency is a plus
- legal authorization to work in the United States
Job Duties
- Lead day-to-day hospitality operations across the venue
- recruit, train, schedule, develop, and manage venue staff
- set clear expectations and oversee employee performance
- build staffing plans around the venue's operating and event calendars
- coordinate calendars with the Private Events Manager to align staffing and operational needs
- own the venue's P&L, budgets, forecasting, and cost controls
- manage labor costs while maintaining strong service standards
- oversee bar operations, including inventory, purchasing, pour costs, and ABC compliance
- oversee the venue's casual food operation, including inventory, quality, food costs, service flow, and health-code compliance
- collaborate with ownership on pricing and revenue strategies
- coordinate with production, talent, and programming teams on event timelines, load-ins, and load-outs
- oversee POS, inventory, scheduling, and reporting systems
- monitor building maintenance and address operational issues
- maintain compliance with health, safety, food-service, alcohol, and licensing requirements
- manage vendor relationships
- improve workflows, financial performance, and the overall guest experience
- report directly to ownership
Job Criteria
Experience
Expert Level (7+ years)
Job Location
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