Executive Search: Assistant General Manager for Biltmore Forest Country Club

                   

Assistant General Manager
Biltmore Forest Country Club
 Asheville, NC

The Club

From the earliest days of the Roaring Twenties, Biltmore Forest Country Club has played a significant role in the distinguished social history of Asheville and the Carolinas.

Founded in 1922, the Club is situated on 135 acres in the town of Biltmore Forest, a planned residential community in North Carolina with a culture rich history. Biltmore Forest Country Club features a pristine Donald Ross golf course, an elegant Clubhouse, fitness center, tennis facilities, pool and offers a wide variety of member activities.

The clubhouse, covering nearly 48,000 sq. ft., is the center of activities for our members. In addition to the golf shop, fitness center and separate locker rooms for men and women, members enjoy dining and socializing in the Club Room, Main Dining Room, Turn Room, Men’s Locker Room Bar, Jake’s Bar, Grill Room and Porch, Terrace and in private meeting rooms. The clubhouse also features 19 guest rooms to accommodate members and guests.

The Club is currently completing construction of a new athletic complex to include a state-of-the art fitness facility, swimming pool, poolhouse, tennis courts and tennis shop. The tennis facility will include four outdoor Har-Tru courts and one hard tennis court. The pool facility will feature a 25-yard pool and a zero-entry pool. The Pool Grill, including an outdoor bar, will offer many options for casual and poolside dining.

The Club excels in providing an incredible dining experience for members in both casual and formal settings along with special events such as wine-tasting dinners, Sunday brunch and holiday gatherings.

The Club has been recognized by Club Leader’s Forum as a Platinum Club of America®, a distinction awarded to the top 3% of private clubs. The golf course is ranked #12 in the state of North Carolina by Golf Digest.

Biltmore Forest Country Club has been chosen by the USGA as the host site of the 2025 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship. The club previously hosted the 1999 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship and the 2013 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship.

Overview

  • Members – 800
  • Initiation Fee, Resident Member Golf – $60,000
  • Annual Dues, Golf – $12,400
  • Gross Volume – $13M
  • Annual Dues – $6.1M
  • F&B Volume – $3.0M
  • Gross Payroll – $6.5M
  • Board Members – 12
  • Average Member Age – 64

The Assistant General Manager Position

The Assistant General Manager (AGM) is ultimately responsible, on a daily basis, for all clubhouse, food and beverage, aquatics, recreation and facilities operations including general housekeeping in these areas. The AGM is also responsible for all aspects of the operation in the absence of the General Manager/COO and performs specific tasks as requested.

This AGM works closely with, and reports directly to, the General Manager/COO, providing quality leadership and contributing to the positive atmosphere of the Club and associated operations. He/she will also prepare annual department budgets in concert with the GM/COO.

The AGM must enhance the club culture and is responsible for the dissemination of hospitality, friendliness and goodwill among members, guests and staff. His/her goal is always to assist members and guests in the enjoyment of the facilities and activities at the Club. In addition to building relationships, the AGM also provides support to the respective committees and advisory groups. As the public face of these operations, a hands-on approach, and understanding that full member and staff engagement is critical, is required to succeed in this position.

The AGM should anticipate and provide enhanced hospitality along with superb dining and other memorable experiences for the Club’s membership and their guests. Alignment with the Executive Chef, Event Director and Food & Beverage Managers is very important in this position to ensure collaborative, innovative, harmonious relationships between front- and back-of-house operations.

Primary Responsibilities

Member Services

  • Consistent, highly visible, sincere and significant engagement with members and staff
    in the dining areas of the club is of the utmost importance. It is the ultimate responsibility of the AGM to ensure all member dining, amenities and club events are well-conceived and executed.
  • Provide quality leadership in a positive and upbeat manner for the members, guests
    and staff.
  • Create and maintain a first-class service culture throughout the club campus.
  • Listen to member and guest suggestions and resolve all complaints in areas that may include general service, employee attitude, maintenance, and presentation of the clubhouse operations.

Employee Relations

  • Oversee the seasonal recruitment, hiring and development of clubhouse and food service personnel.
  • Oversee ongoing training programs complete with up-to-date training manuals to ensure exceptional service in all parts of the club’s operation.
  • Provide for training and future development of all subordinate managers and supervisors, subject to budget approval by the General Manager/COO. Coach, counsel, and evaluate departmental staff on a consistent and ongoing basis.
  • Ensure a positive spirit and healthy work environment exists throughout all club operations, one that is free of safety risks and all forms of employee harassment.
  • Maintain an effective two-way communications program with employees to ensure they are treated in a fair, structured and consistent manner.
  • Function as an administrative and communication link between all departments.
  • Guarantee that all clubhouse employees are regularly trained and certified in areas that help guard the safety and well-being of our members, guests and other employees including, but not limited to responsible alcohol service, safe food handling, etc.
  • Help to facilitate a team environment with morale, high ethical standards and efficient use of resources to position Biltmore Forest Country Club to be a preferred employer of choice in the community.

Financial Management 

  • Work jointly with the Controller and General Manager/COO to prepare the annual operating and capital budgets for all clubhouse and service operations; assist in the management and control of operations to attain the desired results.
  • Monitor the budget each week/month and direct any corrective action, as necessary,
    to assure budgeted goals are attained.
  • Provide input to all clubhouse and service personnel regarding annual budgets, capital spending plans, fiscal controls and operational guidelines.
  • Manage all labor cost and maintain them within the constraints of the budget, and through close coordination and approval from the General Manager/COO and Controller.
  • Monitor payroll records to control overtime and maintain labor costs within budgetary guidelines.
  • Supervise the purchase, receipt, safekeeping and disbursement of operating supplies and equipment to maximize quality and profitability.

Personnel Management

  • Be approachable to staff, members and guests. Lead by example.
  • Assist the General Manager/COO in developing and implementing long-range (strategic) and annual (business) plans, operating reports, forecasts and budgets.
  • Work with Human Resources to develop long-term staffing needs for each area of responsibility.
  • Hiring, discipline, terminating and preparing all related documentation for all clubhouse and service staff.
  • Review all accidents and work with HR and Safety Committee to complete accident reports and implement improved procedures to prevent the situation from reoccurring.
  • Attend senior management meetings and carry out directives agreed upon during the meetings along with any other requests of the General Manager/COO. All actions must be carried out in a timely manner.
  • Serve as an ad-hoc member of appropriate club committees and advisory groups.
  • Possess a warm personality, a sense of humor and the ability to work effectively with all levels of the internal staff and members.
  • Work with the Executive Chef, Event Director, Food & Beverage Managers and others to develop P&L statements prior to each special event. Produce an event recap along with all appropriate documentation/history, keeping it on file for future use.
  • Work with Executive Chef on menu development and strategy for the food and beverage operation.
  • Work with the F&B team to organize and market special club events.
  • Further personal continued development as a club management professional through membership in CMAA. With the assistance and approval of the General Manager/COO participate in appropriate seminars/training programs, thereby enhancing your value and quality of services to Biltmore Forest Country Club.

Operational Responsibilities

  • Understand and abide by Biltmore Forest Country Club policies and departmental procedures. Suggest changes, and when appropriate, direct the implementation of all approved changes.
  • Provide content for, and manage, communications and marketing information for departments.
  • Assure Clubhouse operations and campus venues are run in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal laws.
  • Disseminate information effectively and coordinate activities between departments
    in a timely manner.
  • Keep the General Manager/COO informed of all potential problems and activities related to the smooth operation of the clubhouse and other food service venues.
  • Oversee inventory management throughout departments and complete a periodic china, glass and silver inventory to maintain par levels.
  • Coordinate and approve all entertainment in consultation with General Manager/COO and others.
  • Possess a sharp eye for detail in the overall management and presentation of the operation and the facility.

Candidate Qualifications

  • Minimum 5 to 7 years of progressive leadership and management experience in a private club or hospitality environment.
  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Hospitality Management or Business preferred.
  • Certified Club Manager (CCM) or in active pursuit of designation preferred.

Salary & Benefits

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

Inquiries

IMPORTANT: Interested candidates should submit résumés along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by  Friday, January 20, 2023.

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

All requested information, along with references, should be emailed to the address above.

 

For more information about Biltmore Forest Country club, please visit  www.biltmoreforestcc.com

GGA Partners Expands Executive Search and Strategy Consulting Team, Appoints Dee Anna Clarke, Director

Dee Anna Clarke brings fast-growing firm over 20 years’ experience in financial management, strategy and organizational leadership across club and financial service industries.

December 15, 2022 – GGA Partners, an international consulting firm working with some of world’s leading golf courses, private clubs, resorts and residential communities, announced today the appointment of Dee Anna Clarke as Director.

“We are pleased to welcome Dee Anna Clarke to GGA Partners’,” says Partner, Patrick DeLozier. “In addition to her deep knowledge of the private club industry, she brings extensive experience in accounting, forecasting, risk management, human resources, and financial planning. With Clarke’s unique expertise, our Executive Search practice will benefit tremendously.”

Previously, Clarke spent three years as the Chief Business Officer and Vice President of Strategic Projects of SCMG, a leading provider of aquatic related services in the southeast United States. In this role, she provided strategic direction and leadership for the corporate team and enhanced the client service experience. Clarke also held the position of Chief Financial Officer for over six years with Charlotte Country Club, where she found her passion in hospitality. During this time, she also served on the board of the Carolinas Club Foundation, supporting the Carolinas Chapter of Club Management Association of America.

“I am looking forward to supporting the continued growth of GGA Partners. The firm is full of creative and talented individuals that are always looking for new ways to grow, innovate and develop. There is an incredible opportunity to deepen our client relationships through a powerful combination of our unique talent strategies as well as our unparalleled experience and expertise working with private club leaders,” noted Clarke.

“Dee Anna’s financial acumen, private club experience, and problem-solving skills will also deepen the strategy and operations consulting team at GGA.  Her ability to align club vision and strategy with human resource requirements will be of great value to GGA clients” says Partner, Michael Gregory.

About GGA Partners (www.ggapartners.com)
GGA Partners™ is an international consulting firm and trusted advisor to many of the world’s most successful golf courses, private clubs, resorts and residential communities. We are dedicated to helping owners, asset managers, club and community leaders, investors and real estate developers tackle challenges, achieve objectives and maximize asset performance.

Established in 1992 as the KPMG Golf Industry Practice, our global team of experienced professionals leverage in-depth business intelligence and proprietary global data to deliver impactful strategic solutions and lasting success.

GGA Partners has offices in Toronto, Canada; Phoenix, Bluffton/Hilton Head, USA, and Dublin, Ireland.

For further information, contact:
Michael Gregory
Director & Managing Partner
t: 416-524.0083
e: michael.gregory@ggapartners.com

 

Executive Search: Chief Operating Officer for Marine Drive Golf Club

                       

Chief Operating Officer
Marine Drive Golf Club
Vancouver, British Columbia

About the Club

Marine Drive Golf Club (“MDGC” or the “Club”) is one of Canada’s most prestigious and historic private golf clubs. Situated in the heart of Vancouver and boasting a diverse membership of 1,300 resident and non-resident enthusiasts, MDGC prides itself on delivering an outstanding member experience with over 40,000 rounds in a typical 12-month season. Founded in 1922, MDGC combines the heritage of a top-rated golf course on the shores of the Fraser River with a stately clubhouse for member services, dining, and events.

The Club and course have been central to Canadian amateur golf for 100 years. MDGC’s Junior Development Program is widely recognized for the quality players it cultivates from its over 150 young players. The Club has produced multiple champions including Stan Leonard, Dick Zokol and Doug Roxburgh – and it has hosted numerous prestigious amateur events including the 2018 Canadian Women’s Amateur and the 1992 World Amateur.

For more information on Marine Drive Golf Club, visit www.marine-drive.com.

About the Role

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for the overall operations, fiscal integrity, leadership, and strategic planning for the Club. The COO is a strong, energetic leader who is customer service-focused and has experience working at a private club. The successful candidate will have interest in taking on new challenges while ensuring the smooth operations of the club year-round.

The successful candidate will:

  • Oversee the complete operation of the Club
  • Work closely with the Board to set the vision and strategic planning efforts, and develop annual priorities and business metrics.
  • Establish strong relationships with staff, members, and other COO/GMs in the lower mainland
  • Lead, coach and motivate the Senior Leadership Team and staff
  • Successfully execute the strategic plan initiatives
  • Ensure the success of all aspects of member/guest satisfaction, engagement, and safety

The Chief Operating Officer will be responsible for the following:

Operational Excellence:

  • Develop and implement industry-leading operating policies, programs, procedures, and methods while directing the work and promoting the development of all department managers
  • Monitor long and short-term financial objectives and reporting, including:
    • Develop annual operating, cash, and capital budgets
    • Monitor monthly budget and other financial information
    • Approve invoices and other arrangements before inception or payment
    • Prepare and deliver timely financial reports to the Board
  • Remain current with industry trends and ensure the Club implements improvements, as required
  • Champion the development of the Club’s strategic and annual tactical plans, consistent with its long-term strategic direction
  • Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory matters affecting the Club, including health and safety protocols and processes

People:

  • Champion management philosophy that exemplifies the Club’s core values in making a healthy impact on the lives of members and the community. The Club’s values include: Passion for People, Strive for Excellence, Be Vulnerable, and Do Right.
  • Develop and monitor basic human resource policies consistent with treating employees fairly and in compliance with all laws and regulations.
  • Support direct reports by developing, defining, and managing goals and objectives, providing consistent feedback toward continuous improvement, and promoting personal development

Key Attributes

The ideal candidate is a proven collaborator and relationship builder who possesses the following core competencies, experience, and attributes:

Leadership Skills:

  • A dynamic leader with the ability to build strong teams by motivating staff and leading by example
  • Possess the ability to provide direction and expectations, performance feedback and recognition that inspires employees to enhance member experiences

Interpersonal/Fit:

  • A self-starter with a results-oriented work style combined with excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
  • A confident, diplomatic, and competent “hands-on” professional who recognizes the importance of accountability
  • Strong professional deportment with a clear commitment to member service through an open and transparent member approach while maintaining a professional balance between empathy and process adherence

Business/Finance Skills:

  • Possess an entrepreneurial spirit combined with a background in business management, including business development, finance, information technology, human resources, risk management and performance management
  • Promotes succession planning by preparing staff for key leadership roles

Qualifications and Experience

  • A post-secondary degree in business or a related discipline, e.g., Hospitality Management, Business Management, Golf Club Management
  • A minimum of five (5) years of directly related experience as a senior leader in the golf industry; experience in the private club, hospitality and resort industries preferred provided the candidate has golf industry experience
  • A Certified Club Manager designation (CCM) is preferred
  • Experience reporting to a Board with a club governance structure and processes to lead the Club to success

Salary and Benefits

The successful applicant will receive an attractive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications along with a comprehensive health benefits plan and retirement savings matching program.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the position qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by January 15, 2023, at 5:00pm PST.

Documents are required to be submitted in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Marine Drive COO Cover Letter” and “Last Name, First Name, Marine Drive COO Resume”) respectively to: execsearch@ggapartners.com. Please direct all inquires to the Search Consultant at the contact information listed below.

Marine Drive Golf Club is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and, upon request, will work with qualified job applicants to provide suitable accommodation in a manner which considers applicants’ accessibility needs due to disability.

Lead Search Consultant: 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Gregory
Managing Director & Partner
GGA Partners™
Michael.gregory@ggapartners.com

Executive Search: General Manager for Brantford Golf & Country Club

                       

General Manager
Brantford Golf & Country Club
Brantford, Ontario

About the Club

Located alongside the Grand River in Brantford, Ontario, the Brantford Golf & Country Club is widely known as the fourth oldest golf club in North America, founded in 1879. The golf course consistently ranks in the top 100 golf courses in Canada. The course layout was originally designed by Nicol and Stanley Thompson, with changes made over the years including a major renovation that began in the fall of 2021 and will conclude summer 2023.

The clubhouse is a modern facility completely rebuilt in 2002. The clubhouse offers fine dining overlooking the fourth hole and the picturesque Grand River and conservation area. An outdoor patio is the highlight of the summer dining season as it also overlooks the river and the golf course.

Brantford boasts a strong history of developing junior golfers including two former junior members who ascended to the highest ranks of the golf world. PGA and LPGA Tour members David Hearn and Alena Sharp have played under the Brantford Golf & Country Club banner for almost twenty years. Brantford has also hosted many professional and amateur championships throughout its history. The 1970 (Al Balding) and 1986 (Dan Halldorson) CPGA championships were held at Brantford. Canadian Open Monday qualifying was also held at the Club for many years.

The Club also has a six-sheet curling rink attached to the clubhouse. The curling rink has its own lounge with viewing at ice level, and above from the main lobby area. The curling section has hosted provincial championships and world-class bonspiels that featured then current and former national and world champion teams from Canada, U.S.A., Europe and elsewhere in the world.

For more information about Brantford Golf & Country Club, visit https://brantfordgolfandcountryclub.com/ .

The Position

We are seeking a General Manager (GM) who is dedicated to the Club’s Mission, Vision and Values. The GM is the leader of the Club’s management team and is responsible for overseeing and managing all facets of the Club’s operations.

The General Manager will be responsible for the following:

Responsibilities:

  • Lead and manage the organization in accordance with the strategies, plans and policies as developed along with and by the Board of Directors.
  • Effectively manage all aspects of the Club including financial controls, marketing, maintenance of our assets including the golf course and clubhouse.
  • Develop and deliver a consistent member experience ensuring a high level of quality and service to members, guests and outside functions.
  • Develop and implement operating policies, procedures and programs that lead to strong financial controls and internal discipline.
  • Develop programs and financial forecasts that consider near-term goals and objectives and long-term needs that lead to a complete picture of future capital requirements.
  • Must be able to anticipate changes to our membership that will affect future revenue streams.
  • Develop budgets that are realistic and achievable. This includes forecasting annual operating revenues and expenses, considering current and expected/anticipated economic challenges, opportunities and other potential developments.
  • Develop an organizational structure that fosters personal development and growth of all staff members, which leads to greater member experience, and career advancement for staff.
  • Be a visible and outgoing presence with club members and guests. Welcome new members with a thorough orientation program.
  • Develop marketing initiatives and tools that increase the visibility of the Club to current and potential new members. Develop and maintain the Club as a focal point in the community.
  • Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements affecting the club.
  • Maintain effective and efficient communication with staff and members.

Direct Reports:

Head Golf Professional, Grounds Superintendent, Clubhouse Manager, Office Manager.

Qualifications

The GM 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 Brantford Golf & Country 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.
  • Ability to coach direct reports as required.

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 successfully leading hospitality operations in a club or similar setting.
  • Ability to maintain the financial integrity and viability of the Club.

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 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, and benefits.

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 January 11, 2022. If you require any accommodations to be considered for this position, please include that information in your submission. Those documents must be saved and emailed in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Brantford GM Cover Letter” and “Last Name, First Name, Brantford GM Resume”) respectively to: execsearch@ggapartners.com.

We thank all applicants for their interest but will only contact those selected for an interview. Please email resume with references.

Lead Search Consultant: 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Gregory
Managing Director & Partner
GGA Partners™
Michael.gregory@ggapartners.com

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