Month: November 2021

Executive Search: General Manager for Gaston Country Club

Date:

General Manager
Gaston Country Club
Gastonia, NC

The Club

For more than 60 years, Gaston Country Club has been a refuge for families to enjoy an active lifestyle. The centerpiece of the Club is an Ellis Maples 18-hole golf course which opened for play in 1958. In 2003/04, under the direction architect Kris Spence the course underwent a restoration and has since enjoyed a reputation as one of North Carolina’s Top 100 golf courses, hosting such prestigious events as the Wells Fargo Championship qualifiers, N.C. Women’s Amateur, along with many Carolina Golf Association tournaments.

Distinguished by its elegance and traditional southern touches, the clubhouse overlooks the golf course providing grand views from our multiple dining and event spaces. Alongside the clubhouse is our golf shop and practice facility featuring a multi-directional range and short game practice facility. Beyond golf, our members enjoy the best swimming and tennis facilities in the area. Our tennis complex boasts six Har-Tru courts and four hard courts, all lighted, allowing for year-round play. Families, both young and old, enjoy basking in the sun by the junior Olympic size pool, kiddie pool & play area, and water slide.

In addition to our top notch facilities, members enjoy a variety of social events for all ages offering terrific opportunities to mingle with old friends or meet new ones.

Club Facts and Figures

  • 589 members. 459 golf, 47 social, 40 clubhouse, 43 other
  • Initiation fee: Resident member golf, $6,000 (increasing to $8,500 in 2022)
  • Annual dues: $2,470,000
  • Gross volume: $4,328,000 (including dues)
  • F&B volume: $942,000
  • Gross payroll: $2,040,000
  • 95 employees in-season; 75 off-season
  • 11 Board members
  • Average age of membership: 59

The General Manager Position

The General Manager reports to the Board and coordinates with its President on a regular basis to implement the established policies and the Club’s bylaws.

The General Manager also coordinates all management functions and works in concert with committee chairs to assist in the development of proposed policies, programs, events, etc.

He/she develops operational policies and is responsible for the creation and implementation of standard operating procedures for all departments. This includes the preparation of the annual operating and capital budgets and management of operations to attain the desired results.

This position requires taking the lead to coordinate programming and the development of departmental synergy. Another critical requirement of the position is to oversee the internal and external marketing strategies for membership growth and member engagement.

A strong and visible presence will be a daily requirement to set the example for all employees to  consistently treat members with warm hospitality and professional service.

Direct Reports

  • Controller/CFO
  • Membership & Marketing Director
  • Food & Beverage Director
  • Catering & Events Director
  • Tennis Director
  • Head Golf Professional
  • Director of Agronomy
  • Facilities Maintenance Director

Important Individual Characteristics 

  • Ability to act as a thought partner with the board and committees.
  • Disciplined follow-through to ensure the vision and goals of the Club come to fruition.
  • The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
  • A natural leadership style which promotes staff and membership engagement.
  • An enthusiastic personality and passion for the club management profession.
  • Ability to cultivate a high-level of member services and satisfaction.
  • Possess a strong understanding of how to deliver remarkable food and beverage experiences.
  • Effective fiscal management through delivery of operational and capital results in alignment with approved budgets.
  • Maintain a high level of visibility to members and staff as the face of the Club.
  • Understands the importance of digital communication and can utilize web and social media tools to communicate with the staff and membership.
  • Ability to develop a dedicated team with a shared vision.

Candidate Qualifications

  • A minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership and management experience in a private club environment. Current Assistant General Managers or Clubhouse Managers at well-recognized clubs, with verifiable records of achievement will also be considered.
  • A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Hospitality Management or Business.
  • Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation preferred.

Note: A pre-employment drug screen and background check will be required.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The club offers an excellent bonus and benefit package.

Inquiries

IMPORTANT: Interested candidates should submit resumes along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by Wednesday, December 15, 2021.

Documents must be saved and emailed in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Gaston GM Cover Letter” and “Last Name, First Name, Gaston GM Resume”) respectively to: execsearchus@ggapartners.com. Please e-mail resume with references.

For more information about Gaston Country Club, please visit www.gastoncc.com.

Executive Search: General Manager/Chief Operating Officer for The Victoria Golf Club

Date:

General Manager/Chief Operating Officer
Victoria Golf Club
Victoria, British Columbia

The Club

The Victoria Golf Club, founded in 1893, is the oldest 18-hole golf club in Canada in its original location, and second oldest in North America. The course began as 14 holes but quickly expanded to 18 in 1895. The current course is largely the same layout as 1923 with recent restoration to most of its holes by Architect Jeff Mingay. Our stately Clubhouse, completed in 1928 and a registered Canadian Historic Place, has undergone a number of expansions and renovations (including the most recent in 1993) and provides a grand and comfortable venue to begin your own memories.

On a links-style course, the dynamic relationship between golfer and environment are more closely knit than ever. Designed as nature allowed, our golf course is best experienced while walking and enjoying the magnificent west coast environment.

The Victoria Golf Club is nestled in the beautiful municipality of Oak Bay, in a heritage neighborhood lined with Garry Oaks and hanging flower baskets, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Blessed with a warm, dry microclimate that keeps our holes green and free of snow, we get to play golf year-round here.

To learn more about the Club, visit www.victoriagolf.com.

The Position: General Manager and Chief Operating Officer

This historic and unique Canadian golf club is seeking a General Manager and Chief Operating Officer (GM/COO) who is dedicated to the Club’s Mission, Vision and Values. Reporting to the Board of Directors through the President, the GM/COO is the leader of the Club’s management team and is responsible for managing all facets of the Club’s operations in accordance with the strategies, plans and policies approved by the Board.

The GM will be responsible for the following:

  • Develop and deliver a consistently excellent member experience commensurate with specified member expectations and in keeping with a premier private club.
  • Effectively manage all aspects of the Club’s activities and services to ensure a high level of member satisfaction and referrals to their family, friends, and colleagues.
  • Develop and implement innovative, industry-leading operating policies, programs, procedures, and methods. Direct the work of and support the development of all department managers.
  • In consultation with the Board, deliver long and short-term financial objectives. Ensure that the financial integrity of the Club is maintained at all times.
  • Prepare forecasts and execute the financial plan for the Club including development of annual operating, cash, and capital budgets. Prepare financial reports to the Board.
  • Develop an organizational structure that is in keeping with the values and the strategic direction of the Club. Act as a mentor to Direct Reports.
  • Coordinate and implement the strategies within the Club’s short and long-range strategic plan as approved by the Board.
  • Welcome new Club members, “meet and greet” all Club members as practical during their visits to the Club.
  • Maintain a visible and outgoing presence and lines of communications in the Club with members and staff. Responsible for ensuring communications initiatives and appropriate marketing tools are developed to increase the visibility of the Club to current and potential members.
  • Develop ongoing dialogue and rapport with members by being present at all major Club functions.
  • Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory matters affecting the Club.

Direct Reports:

Head Golf Professional, Links Superintendent, Food and Beverage Manager, Executive Chef, Controller, Administrative Assistant, Director of Sales and Marketing, Communications Director and Building Superintendent.

Qualifications

Candidate Profile:

The GM/COO will report to the Board of Directors through the President.  Given the leading role this individual will play in achieving the strategic and business objectives of Victoria Golf Club, it is essential that the successful candidate possess the following core competencies, experience and attributes:

Leadership Skills:

  • A trustworthy, dependable, and dynamic leader with the ability to build strong teams by motivating staff and leading by example.
  • Has the ability to provide direction and expectations, continuous performance feedback with recognition that leads to positive outcomes. Fully engage and inspire department managers and their teams to enhance member experiences.
  • Exhibit leadership skills in continued team building, employee motivation and service training consistent with the Board’s desire to create a club environment that is inclusive and safe for all members and staff.
  • Foster and support equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within the Club through adoption of best practices for an inclusive and equitable workplace.
  • Is respectful and professional in all interpersonal dealings.
  • Proudly represent the Club as its spokesperson to internal and external groups through strong communication and presentation skills.

Member and Guest Experience:

  • Thorough understanding of and capacity to consistently deliver exceptional standards of service as expected at a member-owned club.
  • Ability to set and maintain high standards for all facilities, services, and communications.

Interpersonal/Fit:

  • Demonstrates integrity, ethical conduct in words and deeds; embodies the characteristics of a successful leader through honesty, straightforwardness, accountability, leadership, empathy, and dedication.
  • A self-starter with a results-oriented work-style combined with excellent verbal and written communication as well as interpersonal skills demonstrated with all the Club’s stakeholders.
  • A confident, diplomatic, competent professional who is a “doer”. A take-charge person who recognizes the importance of accountability and innovation.
  • A track record of strong professional results with a clear commitment to member service.
  • Interacts with an open and transparent approach with members while maintaining a professional balance between empathy and process adherence.

Business/Finance Skills:

  • An entrepreneurial style combined with a strong understanding of all aspects of business management including business development, finance, information technology, human resources, risk management, marketing and performance management.
  • An innovative and strategic thinker with strong business acumen and analytical problem-solving skills.
  • Experience managing complex capital projects.
  • Experience successfully leading hospitality operations in a club or similar setting.
  • Incorporates succession planning by preparing staff for key leadership roles.

Education:

  • A post-secondary degree in business, hospitality or professional golf management credential is preferable.

Experience and Accreditation:

  • Experience as a senior leader in a private club environment or other similar top tier facility.
  • A passion and understanding of what it means to deliver a consistently excellent member experience.
  • Hospitality experience with an excellent understanding of food and beverage operations, including pricing, menu development, inventory management and costing.
  • Proven experience developing and managing budgets and business plans.
  • Experience reporting to a board that has adopted a club governance structure and processes to lead the Club and GM/COO to thrive.
  • Evidence of continued professional development.

Compensation:

The Club will offer an attractive compensation package, commensurate with experience, which will include a competitive base salary, bonus opportunity and benefits.

Application Process and Deadline

IMPORTANT: Interested candidates should submit resumes along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by Friday, November 26, 2021. Those documents must be saved and emailed in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Victoria Resume” and “Last Name, First Name, Victoria Cover Letter”) respectively to: execsearch@ggapartners.com.

Lead Search Executives

 

Michael Gregory
Partner
GGA Partners

 

 

 

George Pinches
Director
GGA Partners

 

Executive Search: General Manager for Ozaukee Country Club

Date:

General Manager
Ozaukee Country Club
Mequon, Wisconsin

The Club

Founded in 1922, Ozaukee Country Club (the Club) is located in Mequon, Wisconsin, a short, 15-mile drive from downtown Milwaukee. This member-owned club is known for its challenging golf course, featuring pristine greens and fairways. The club has been honored to host several Wisconsin State Golf Association (WSGA) and United States Golf Association (USGA) tournaments, including the 2014 Wisconsin State Amateur Championship. In 2022, the Club will celebrate its 100th anniversary and host the 2022 Wisconsin State Open.

The welcoming atmosphere, beautiful grounds and personalized service are what make Ozaukee Country Club a special place. The Club’s focus is family entertainment, offered through strong youth programs that include junior golf, Kidz Klub, a swim team, and Kamp Oz. The spectacular golf course, elegant and casual dining, and outdoor bar/patio and pool complex combined with the warm, friendly atmosphere ensures that Ozaukee Country Club offers something for all seeking to enjoy the benefits of a private club lifestyle.

Club Facts and Figures

  • 378 memberships – Golf: 268, Social: 77, Other: 33 (Social Dining and Honorary)
  • Initiation fee – Golf: $15,000
  • Annual Dues: $12,235
  • $5.8M Gross Revenue
  • $2.8M Annual Dues
  • $1.6M F&B Volume
  • $2.2M Gross Payroll
  • 140 Employees in-season; 40 off-season
  • 7 Board members
  • Average age of members is 56

The General Manager Position

The General Manager reports to, and interfaces with, the Board on a regular basis to establish and implement programs, policies and procedures in accordance with the Club’s bylaws. He/she is responsible for managing all club operations, including preparation of the annual operating plan and budget, and building and leading the management team and all staff to achieve the desired results.

The General Manager coordinates all management functions, and works in concert with the Board and its committees to assist in the development of policies, programs, events, etc…, to meet the club’s near- and long-term objectives

Overseeing internal and external marketing strategies for membership growth and member engagement is a critical part of the position, as is serving as the lead coordinator of programming. The General Manager will be responsible for developing and maintaining synergy among all departments. The ideal candidate will be a capable leader with a strong presence who will maintain high visibility with the membership and staff. He/she will set the tone for consistently delivering first- class hospitality and will communicate this expectation to the entire team.

Important Individual Characteristics

  • A naturally enthusiastic personality with a passion for the club management profession.
  • A natural leadership style which promotes staff and membership engagement.
  • Ability to act as a thought partner with the board and committees.
  • The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
  • Disciplined follow-through to ensure the vision and goals of the Club come to fruition.
  • Ability to cultivate a high-level of member services and satisfaction.
  • Possess a strong understanding of top-notch golf and food & beverage experiences for Club members and guests.
  • Knowledgeable and proficient in all aspects of golf shop operations and tournaments/events.
  • Effective fiscal management through delivery of actual operational and capital results in alignment with approved budgets.
  • Skilled in maintaining high visibility among members and staff as the face of the Club.
  • Strength in communicating through digital tools, including the website and social media to correspond with the staff and membership.
  • Ability to develop a world-class team with a shared vision.

Direct Reports

  • CFO
  • Head Golf Professional
  • Golf Course Superintendent
  • Maintenance and Facilities
  • Food & Beverage Manager
  • Executive Chef
  • Events and Marketing Manager
  • Recreations Department

Candidate Qualifications

  • A minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership and management experience within private club, hospitality or leisure environments. Current Assistant General Managers or Clubhouse Managers at well-recognized organizations, with verifiable records of achievement, will also be considered.
  • A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Hospitality Management or Business.
  • Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation preferred or working towards one.

Note: A pre-employment drug screen and background check will be required.

Salary & Benefits

Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Club offers an excellent bonus and benefit package.

Inquiries

IMPORTANT: Interested candidates should submit resumes along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by Monday, November 29, 2021.

Documents must be saved and emailed in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Ozaukee GM Cover Letter” and “Last Name, First Name, Ozaukee GM Resume”) respectively to: execsearchus@ggapartners.com.  Please e-mail resume with references.

For more information about Ozaukee Country Club, please visit www.ozaukeecc.com.

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