General Manager

About Sandbox VR

Sandbox VR is a next-generation location-based virtual reality experience for groups. Using full-body motion capture, haptics, and AAA-quality content, we drop guests into cinematic worlds where they star in the adventure with their friends. Think "being inside the movie" rather than just watching it.

Sandbox VR is expanding across North America, and we're launching our first Ottawa location. We're looking for a hands-on General Manager to run the store like an owner, build an exceptional team, and make Sandbox VR Ottawa the go-to entertainment experience in the city.

Role Overview

As General Manager, you own the day-to-day success of the Ottawa venue: guest experience, team performance, operations, local marketing, and profitability. You're equally comfortable:

• On the floor hyping up guests and fixing a headset, and
• In the back reviewing P&Ls, staffing plans, and marketing performance.

You are the cultural leader of the store and the "face" of Sandbox VR in the Ottawa market.

What You'll Be Doing

Lead the business like a CEO

• Run all daily store operations in line with company policies, brand standards, and safety procedures.
• Own key KPIs: guest satisfaction scores, occupancy, revenue, labour %, and controllable expenses.
• Plan weekly staffing, scheduling, and inventory to match demand and stay within budget.

Deliver an incredible guest experience

• Ensure every group is welcomed, briefed, and hosted at a "wow" level from check-in to check-out.
• Handle escalations and issues on the spot with empathy, professionalism, and a "make it right" mindset.
• Maintain consistently high ratings on Google, TripAdvisor and other review platforms.

Build, coach, and develop the team

• Recruit, hire, and train all store staff (shift leads, hosts, game operators, etc.) in partnership with ownership.
• Set clear expectations, provide real-time coaching, and conduct regular performance check-ins.
• Create a positive, energetic culture where people love coming to work and understand "team-first."

Drive revenue and local marketing

• Execute local marketing initiatives: partnerships with nearby businesses, schools, offices, and community groups; support corporate events, birthdays, and private bookings.
• Monitor booking patterns and adjust pricing, promotions, and staffing as needed (within agreed guidelines).
• Proactively grow B2B and group sales (team-building, offsites, parties).

Oversee tech & operations

• Become expert-level in all in-store roles and systems: VR gear, game software, POS, booking tools, and store procedures.
• Lead first-line troubleshooting of VR systems, PCs, and network issues; coordinate with Sandbox VR technical support when needed.
• Ensure rigorous checklists for opening/closing, equipment checks, resets, and maintenance.

Financial & admin responsibilities

• Review and submit daily sales reports, cash/transaction reconciliations, and basic financial reporting.
• Manage payroll inputs (time approvals, hours) so staff are paid accurately and on time.
• Maintain all operational logs, incident reports, and compliance documentation.

Safety, cleanliness & compliance

• Keep the venue spotless, safe, and guest-ready at all times (lobby, bays, washrooms, back-of-house).
• Enforce health & safety procedures and ensure all staff are trained on emergency protocols.
• Ensure compliance with all local regulations (building, fire, AODA, etc.) and landlord requirements.

Who We're Looking For

Experience

• 3+ years in a management role in retail, hospitality, entertainment, or attractions (e.g., movie theatre, bowling, escape rooms, FEC, bar/restaurant).
• Proven track record running a location with staff management, scheduling, and P&L responsibility.
• Experience opening a new store/venue is a strong asset.

Guest-obsessed leader

• You genuinely enjoy interacting with guests and solving problems in real time.
• You're warm, clear, and confident when communicating with both guests and staff.
• You model professionalism, integrity, and calm under pressure.

Tech-comfortable

• You're an early adopter who enjoys new tech and can explain it in simple terms.
• Comfortable with PCs, basic networking concepts, and troubleshooting; bonus if you've worked with AV/AR/VR, gaming PCs, or similar systems.

Business literacy

• Comfortable reading basic financial reports (sales, labour, P&L) and making decisions based on data.
• Strong organization and planning skills; you think ahead about staffing, events, and peak periods.
• Proficient with MS Office / Google Workspace; comfortable using cloud tools and dashboards.

Physical & schedule requirements

• Able to stand and move around for extended periods; occasionally lift and move equipment (up to ~25–30 lbs) and go up/down stairs.
• Available to work a mix of evenings, weekends, and holidays—this is when our guests play.
• Legally eligible to work in Canada.

Mindset

• "Lead from the front" style: you jump into the action with your team, especially when it's busy.
• High work ethic and ownership mentality—you treat the store like your own business.
• Resourceful problem solver who learns quickly and thrives in a fast-growing, startup-like environment.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary plus performance-based bonus.
• Paid time off and statutory holiday pay.
• Staff discounts on experiences & merch.
• Opportunity to help launch and shape an iconic location-based entertainment brand in Ottawa.
• Clear growth path as the company and region continue to expand.

How to Apply

Please apply with:

• Your resume, and
• A brief cover note describing:
• A time you turned around an unhappy customer, and
• An example of when you led a team through a busy, high-pressure period.

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00-$35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Store discount

Work Location: In person