Little Kitchen Academy (LKA) is the first-of-its-kind, Montessori-inspired cooking academy for children ages three through eighteen. Our purpose is to empower children to make independent choices and develop a healthy relationship with food and themselves. We are building a movement to radically change lives from scratch, with joy, mindfulness, and responsibility at our core.

Position Overview The General Manager is accountable for the overall success of the academy, including team performance, enrolment growth, operational excellence, and financial results. This role leads all aspects of the business and sets the standard for culture, accountability, and experience.

The General Manager is a hands-on leader who develops people, drives enrolment, and ensures flawless execution of daily operations. You will lead the Academy Team, maintain high standards across all classes, and act as the face of the brand within the local community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Academy Leadership & Operations

Own full accountability for daily academy performance, ensuring consistent, high-quality operations

Maintain excellence in cleanliness, organization, safety, and overall academy readiness

Oversee inventory, ingredient ordering, and equipment maintenance to support uninterrupted class delivery

Prepare, place, and receive orders for ingredients, paper goods, and smallwares

Ensure full compliance with health, fire, and food safety regulations

Observe and maintain operational excellence through internal audits (e.g., MeazureUp)

Own enrolment targets, conversion rates, and family retention

Execute marketing strategies, including tours, follow-ups, and community outreach





Monitor academy performance metrics and take decisive action to improve results

Manage labor to align with LKA targets and business needs

Oversee payroll reporting and submit accurately and on time

Manage budgets, control costs, and ensure financial discipline across the academy

Optimize class schedules and capacity to maximize enrolment and profitability

Family Experience & Community Engagement

Ensure a seamless, high-quality experience for all families from inquiry through ongoing participation

Oversee communication with families via email, phone, and in person

Act as the point of escalation for parent concerns, resolving issues with professionalism and care

Build and maintain relationships with local schools and community partners

Represent LKA in the community to increase awareness and drive enrolment

Programming & Experience Excellence

Build and maintain seasonal class schedules within the enrolment platform

Adjust class offerings based on enrolment trends and demand

Oversee and adapt curriculum planning to accommodate allergies, preferences, and special needs

Participate in a minimum of 5 classes per week as lead, support, or environment instructor

Ensure all classes are delivered consistently to LKA standards, with a focus on safety, engagement, and independence

Demonstrate LKA’s Core Beliefs (Health, Delight, Joy, Mindfulness, Learning, Empowerment,



Inspiration) in every class and interaction

Recruit, hire, onboard, and train all academy team members

Directly manage and develop the Assistant Director, ensuring clear delegation and accountability

Coach, mentor, and hold all team members accountable to LKA standards and performance expectations

Build, support, and continuously develop a high-performing instructor team

Manage staffing schedules and provide coverage where needed, including stepping in during absences

Qualifications & Requirements:

5+ years of leadership experience managing teams and operations in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment ( hospitality, education, retail, or similar)

Proven track record of driving measurable business results (e.g., revenue growth, enrolment, retention)

Experience managing scheduling, payroll, budgets, and operational systems

Strong leadership presence with the ability to coach, develop, and hold teams accountable

Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills

Experience working with children is preferred

Background in culinary, food service, or hospitality is an asset

Associate’s degree in Child Development, Culinary Arts, Nutrition, Montessori, or related field is an asset

First Aid/CPR (including children), Food Handler/Food Safe certification, and Criminal Background Check required

Basic mathematical proficiency and comfort working with measurements and inventory

Ability to stand and move continuously for extended periods and perform physical tasks required in a kitchen/classroom workplace

Availability for evenings and weekends based on operational needs

📌 General Manager (Winnipeg)
🏢 Little Kitchen Academy
📍 Winnipeg