General Manager | Peoria Civic Center; Peoria, IL

General Manager Peoria Civic Center

Legends Global is the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues, and brands. We deliver a fully integrated solution of premium services that keeps our partners front and center through our white-label approach. Our network of 450 venues worldwide, hosting 20,000 events and entertaining 165 million guests each year, is powered by our depth of expertise and level of execution across every component — feasibility & consulting, owner's representation, sales, partnerships, hospitality, merchandise, venue management, and content & booking — of world-class live events and venues.

The Legends Global culture is one of respect, ambitious thinking, collaboration, and bold action. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can be authentic, make an impact, and grow their career. Winning is an everyday thing at Legends Global. We have the best team members who understand every win is earned when we come together as one unified team.

Sound like a winning formula for you? Join us!

The General Manager serves as the senior leadership representative for the Peoria Civic Center Authority and is responsible for the overall management, strategic direction, promotion, and operation of its Arena, Theatre, and Convention Center. This individual will oversee all aspects of venue operations including booking, marketing, finance, event services, operations, engineering, food & beverage partnerships, security, parking, maintenance, box office, and guest experience.

This role will lead the venue's operational and financial performance while driving revenue growth, maximizing facility utilization, strengthening community and client partnerships, and ensuring delivery of best-in-class guest and event experiences. The General Manager will act as the primary liaison between ownership, community stakeholders, promoters, tenants, and Legends Global leadership while fostering a collaborative, service-focused, and high-performing culture across the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for all aspects of the facility's operations, business development initiatives, and long-term growth strategy.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the facility, ownership/client representatives, community stakeholders, tenants, promoters, and Legends Global corporate leadership.
• Drive booking strategy and business development initiatives to maximize venue utilization, revenue growth, and economic impact within the community.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with Convention & Visitors Bureaus, destination marketing organizations, local government officials, promoters, hospitality partners, sponsors, tenants, and community organizations.
• Lead the development and execution of strategic business plans aligned with ownership objectives, management agreements, and Legends Global operational standards.
• Oversee all venue departments including Booking, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Event Services, Engineering, Security, Human Resources, Parking, and Box Office operations.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all operational departments and venue functions to ensure operational excellence and exceptional guest experiences.
• Develop and manage annual operating budgets, capital expense plans, financial forecasts, and long-range strategic planning initiatives.
• Monitor and analyze financial performance, identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiencies, profitability, and revenue diversification.
• Negotiate and provide final approval on lease agreements, vendor contracts, event agreements, and service partnerships.
• Ensure compliance with all management agreements, company policies, safety standards, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Oversee labor relations strategy and maintain productive working relationships within unionized environments where applicable.
• Lead crisis management planning, emergency preparedness initiatives, crowd management procedures, and business continuity planning efforts.
• Champion a culture focused on hospitality, accountability, innovation, employee…