Clydesdale Creamery isn't just another ice cream shop. We're a destination. Every milkshake, espresso, waffle, and scoop is handcrafted to create unforgettable experiences for our guests. Located in the heart of Whitefish, Montana, our mission is simple:
Create joy. Craft memorable moments. Never stop improving.
As we continue to grow into one of Montana's most recognized hospitality brands, we're looking for an exceptional General Manager who shares our passion for hospitality, leadership, operational excellence, and creating experiences guests can't wait to tell their friends about.
Position Summary
The General Manager is responsible for leading every aspect of Clydesdale Creamery's daily operations while protecting the guest experience, developing an outstanding team, and driving profitable growth.
This position is equal parts hospitality leader, coach, problem solver, operations manager, and culture builder.
Our General Manager doesn't simply "run shifts." They create an environment where employees love coming to work, guests become lifelong fans, and every dessert leaving the counter reflects the quality of the Clydesdale brand.
Leadership ResponsibilitiesTeam Leadership
- Recruit, interview, hire, train, and develop exceptional team members.
- Lead by example through positivity, professionalism, urgency, and attention to detail.
- Foster a culture built around hospitality, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Conduct regular coaching sessions, performance reviews, and employee development conversations.
- Recognize and reward outstanding performance.
- Hold team members accountable to company standards while maintaining a positive work environment.
- Create schedules that balance guest service, labor efficiency, and employee needs.
Guest Experience
Deliver an experience worthy of a five-star review every single day.
Responsibilities include:
- Ensuring every guest receives friendly, genuine hospitality.
- Maintaining fast service without sacrificing quality.
- Personally assisting with guest concerns and resolving issues professionally.
- Creating memorable moments that encourage repeat visits.
- Monitoring online reviews and working with ownership to continually improve guest satisfaction.
Operations Management
Oversee all daily shop operations including:
- Opening and closing procedures
- Food preparation
- Espresso operations
- Milkshake production
- Waffle preparation
- Food safety compliance
- Equipment maintenance
- Cleaning standards
- Cash handling
- Daily deposits
- Inventory management
- Vendor ordering
- Waste reduction
- Labor management
- Quality assurance
Product Quality
Protect the Clydesdale Creamery brand by ensuring every product meets our standards.
Maintain consistency in:
- Milkshakes
- Espresso beverages
- Ice cream presentation
- Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Sundaes
- Specialty desserts
- Seasonal menu items
Every product should look as good as it tastes.
Financial Performance
Work alongside ownership to achieve financial goals by:
- Managing labor costs
- Controlling food costs
- Reducing waste
- Maximizing profitability
- Monitoring daily sales
- Reviewing weekly and monthly KPIs
- Increasing average ticket value
- Driving repeat business
- Supporting promotional campaigns
Inventory & Purchasing
Responsible for:
- Weekly inventory counts
- Product ordering
- Maintaining par levels
- Vendor communication
- Receiving deliveries
- Product rotation (FIFO)
- Minimizing spoilage
- Cost control
Food Safety & Compliance
Maintain the highest standards of food safety by ensuring compliance with:
- State and local health regulations
- Company sanitation standards
- Temperature logs
- Cleaning schedules
- Equipment maintenance
- Safe food handling procedures
Marketing Support
Partner with ownership by:
- Supporting promotions and seasonal launches
- Encouraging guest engagement
- Helping create an energetic in-store atmosphere
- Identifying opportunities to improve sales
- Maintaining merchandising displays
- Supporting content creation opportunities when appropriate
Leadership Expectations
Our General Manager is expected to:
- Think like an owner.
- Solve problems before they become emergencies.
- Develop future leaders.
- Maintain a calm demeanor under pressure.
- Build trust with both guests and employees.
- Lead with integrity.
- Embrace change and continuous improvement.
- Protect the reputation of the Clydesdale brand.
Qualifications
Required:
- 3+ years of restaurant, café, or hospitality management experience.
- Proven leadership experience managing teams.
- Strong financial and operational understanding.
- Experience with inventory management and ordering.
- Excellent communication and coaching skills.
- Strong organizational and time management abilities.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
Preferred:
- Ice cream, dessert, coffee shop, or café management experience.
- Espresso and barista knowledge.
- Experience using Toast POS.
- Food Safety Manager Certification.
What Success Looks Like
Success in this role means:
- Five-star guest experiences become the norm.
- Employees enjoy coming to work.
- The shop runs smoothly even during peak volume.
- Labor and food costs remain on target.
- Sales continue growing.
- Cleanliness and organization are exceptional.
- Every dessert consistently reflects the Clydesdale standard.
- Team members grow into future leaders.
Our Core Values
At Clydesdale Creamery, we believe in:
Hospitality First
Every guest deserves to feel genuinely welcomed.
Craftsmanship
We don't cut corners. Every product is thoughtfully made.
Ownership
If you see a problem, solve it.
Team Before Self
Great experiences are created together.
Continuous Improvement
Every day is an opportunity to get better.
Create Joy
We're in the business of making people's day a little sweeter.
Why Join Clydesdale Creamery?
This isn't just another management position. It's an opportunity to help build one of Montana's most recognizable hospitality brands.
As our General Manager, you'll have the chance to lead a talented team, shape the guest experience, influence the future of the business, and grow alongside a company that's constantly innovating and raising the bar.
If you're passionate about hospitality, leadership, and creating unforgettable guest experiences, we'd love to meet you.
Pay: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
