General Manager
Wisconsin Club – City Club
Milwaukee, WI
The Club
Built in 1843 by Alexander Mitchell, grandfather of General Billy Mitchell, the current City Club clubhouse has been a fixture of the rich history of Milwaukee and is listed on the National Registry of Historical Places. The Wisconsin Club is a connected community of inclusive, diverse and caring people that has everything a club can offer. We strive to provide our members and their guests with the absolute best club experience possible, highlighted by incredible personalized service. We offer an exceptional private club experience at great value. The senior staff have years of Club experience and that ongoing caring and consistency go a long way in providing personalized service to members and guests.
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.
**As of May 10, 2023, the members of the Wisconsin Club voted in favor of selling the Country Club. This position of General Manager is to oversee the City Club.**
City Club Facts & Figures
Reporting Relationships: This position reports to the President of the Board of Directors with a secondary reporting relationship to the Board Executive Committee and Board of Directors of 9 to 12 members. Position oversees management of a staff of 200 in the off-season, 300 in-season and a combined club membership of 1,244 including 514 regular members and 302 members in other social categories, 310 golf members and 118 pool/fitness/tennis members. The overall average age of members at 63. Note these figures reflect the membership through the end of fiscal year 2023 (October 31). Numbers will alter at the start of the 2024 fiscal year based on the number of golf and pool/tennis/fitness members that remain affiliated with the City Club as an add-on after the sale of the Country Club.
This position has direct reports from the Senior Staff, including the Chief Financial Officer, Club House Manager, Director Marketing and Communications, Membership Director, Executive Chef and Director of Transportation and Concierge Services.
Internal Relationships: This position requires relationship building and interface with Senior Staff, all full-time and part-time staff and the Board of Directors.
External Relationships: This position requires relationship building and interface with
- the general membership of the Club.
- the management team of Concert Golf Partners and the Wisconsin Country Club.
- business and community leaders and community opinion makers.
- government officials at the local, county and state level.
Budget Responsibility: After the Country Club sale, responsible for budget of $7.0 MM with $2.7 MM in revenues from membership dues $3.0 MM revenues from food and beverage; a staff of 150 and a payroll of $4.0 MM.
The General Manager Position
Serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Club managing all aspects of the Club including its activities and the relationships between the club and its Board of Directors, members, guests, employees (staff), community, government, and industry.
Provide direction, clarity, and confidence to the end of supporting and encouraging fulfillment of the organization’s primary mission and shared vision.
Ensure that a dedicated team of professionals is in place to effectively execute the Club’s business plan and hold them accountable to meet operating standards and to achieve a high level of member satisfaction while simultaneously achieving the financial objectives of the club.
Serve as the face of the club both internally and externally.
Principal Accountabilities
- Articulate a “Shared Vision” and provide the leadership to achieve it by motivating the entire organization.
- Lead strategic planning and implement plan, adapting and providing solutions and a plan of action as necessary.
- Build effective relationships and open and ongoing communications with Board, staff and general membership, business and community leaders, influential members of the community, opinion makers and with local and state government and with vendors.
- Take a leadership role in initiating programs for increased financial and operational efficiencies.
- Encourage team building. Develop a solid understanding throughout the organization of how the activities of team members and departmental areas of responsibility interact and impact one another and drive the shared vision of the organization and Club as a whole.
- Create greater awareness and visibility for the Club in the community.
- Works to promote diversity in membership development and staff hiring.
- Increase revenue through membership development and initiatives to increase club facilities and program usage.
- Demonstrate fiscal responsibility through prudent budget management and expense controls.
- Instill effective and efficient management disciplines and accountability among all members of the staff.
- Work to build synergy with staff and membership.
- Ensure facilities are maintained and kept in prime condition including both front of house and back of house, club interiors and club grounds.
- Ensure high standards, excellence and quality of food and beverage offerings and food service.
- Develop effective, measurable performance metrics for implementation throughout all departments of the organization, including measurement and evaluation of staff performance.
- Ensure the Bylaws and Code of Conduct are adhered to throughout the organization.
- Serve as the liaison to the management team of Concert Golf Partners and the Wisconsin Country Club.
Nature and Scope (Functional Job Responsibilities)
Business Management and Leadership
Responsible for short- and long-range business plan development, Board management and governance, relationships with business, community and government leaders and leadership of the organization as a whole. Sets the standard for effective management, maintaining a high level of ethics, prudence, creativity, productivity, and innovation. Apprises the Board of trends, changing circumstances and unexpected occurrences that could call for adaptation of the strategic plan, providing solutions and a plan of action accordingly. Monitors long and short term objectives and financial reports.
Organizational Management
Develops, maintains and disseminates a basic management philosophy to guide and empower all personnel toward optimal operating results and positive employee morale to insure member satisfaction. Work with senior staff to schedule, supervise and direct the work of all employees. Provides proper and ongoing training in all club areas to ensure smiling, friendly and efficient service throughout all levels of the organization. Convene and preside over meetings with departmental managers; conduct all-facility personnel meetings. Has ultimate authority over inter-departmental, inter-club matters and implementation of policies concerning employee-employer relations. Write policy and rule directives or approve those written by department heads. Act as mentor and developer of professional talent with the staff. Interact with department managers pursuant to the appraisal, discipline, and or discharge of any employee. Ensure job descriptions and job accountabilities are in place for all salaried staff. Initiate annual performance evaluations.
Membership Development
Responsible for development and implementation of strategies to expand all classifications of membership. Welcome new members, ensure they are informed about the club and integrated into its activities. “Meets and greets” all club members as practical during their visit to the club. Gets to know the members and their desires. Ensures member satisfaction and engagement by providing members with premier friendly service, high quality casual and fine dining experiences, an exciting calendar of events and entertainment, exceptional product offerings of sports, cultural and travel experiences, informative member communications and membership recognition programs. Establish methodology to get member satisfaction input and feedback. Monitor overall membership management to ensure membership retention. Report member infractions to the Board for necessary action.
Finance and Budget Management
Responsible for preparation of annual goals and budgets for day-to-day operations and recommended capital improvements. Oversee budget management, financial reporting and annual audits. Oversee investment planning and management. Initiate revenue generating products and programs though earned revenue and contributed income. Ensure operational guidelines, best practices and fiscal accountability are implemented across all operating departments. Coordinate development of operating and capital budgets with department heads, monitoring monthly and other financial statements taking effective corrective action as needed. Install controls and cost-effective procedures related to employee payroll, purchasing, inventory management and supplies. Actively look for efficiency opportunities in all areas. Maintain an up-to-date management information system which can be counted upon for all operations of the club including online dues payment.
Revenue Generation
Responsible for revenue generation through contributed income and earned revenue including member dues and fees, member assessments and/or minimums if deemed necessary; food and beverage; branded merchandise offerings, events, and sports, cultural and travel offerings. Develop a special events annual calendar to increase revenues and member engagement. Make sure every product, program or special event has a budget in place to ensure proper pricing and profitability. Initiate a plan to increase revenues generated through catering, banquet and meeting facilities with the goal of having bookings at maximum capacity with a full calendar, thus maximizing revenues.
Operations & Management
Responsible for management of all office and administrative details of the club in a manner that is consistent with good management practices in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal laws. Plan, develop and approve specific operational policies, programs and procedures to ensure efficient club operations. Ensure that club by-laws and code of conduct are adhered to throughout the organization, making recommendations for updates as necessary. Serve as ultimate authority over all inter-departmental and inter-club matters.
Attend all meetings pertinent to management of the club including executive committee and board of directors. Serve as ex-officio member of all club committees. Oversee preparation of reports and other support materials for the board and committees. Assist leadership of the governing board in assessing progress of the club, creating solutions and providing a plan of action related to any issues of concern. Serve as liaison between all management staff and the board. Prepare and negotiate any contracts for board approval. Hire outside consultants, as needed, with the approval of the Board President and Executive Committee. Participate in community activities deemed appropriate and approved by the board of directors to enhance the prestige of the club.
Manage relationship with Concert Golf Partners and the Wisconsin Country Club regarding reciprocity arrangements and other operational issues in relation to the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement.
Ensure the highest standards for food, beverage, sports, travel, entertainment and other club services.
Monitor the safety of all staff and membership ensuring crisis management protocols are in place and staff properly trained to deal with weather, fire and medical emergencies, bomb threats, robberies or theft and active shooter incidents. Maintain relationship with fire, police, liquor control board, health department and other government agencies. Insure proper security measures are in place including security cameras and protocols for securing cars and property.
Oversee the care and maintenance of all of the club’s physical assets and facilities, both internal and external. Ensure proper cleanliness and sanitation of all club facilities and environments. Provide advice and recommendations to the board and building committee about construction, alterations, maintenance, materials supplies, equipment, and services. Develop and implement an annual and long range plan for interior and furniture upgrades or replacement.
Build relationships with, provide direction to, and work closely with vendors, outside contractors, firms and individuals providing services to the club. Maintain an active vendor directory across all disciplines of the club. Establish and monitor compliance of purchasing policies and procedures across all club disciplines. Direct inventory controls, purchasing, receiving, storage, maintenance and control of all products, supplies and equipment.
Provide oversight and management of transportation program including scheduling and purchasing and maintenance of vehicles ensuring all drivers are properly licensed.
Maintain membership with professional associations such as the Club Managers Association of America and attend conferences, workshops and meetings to keep abreast of current information, trends and developments in the field, and programs available to aid in club management and staff training and continued education.
Perform other duties as directed by the President of the Board of Directors.
Marketing & Communications
Responsible for overall communications and marketing plans to enhance image, visibility and awareness of the club among target audiences. Provide oversight and approval of all internal and external promotion and communications materials in support of club programs. Supervise media relations. Serve as spokesperson as required. Direct and approve content selection, writing and publishing of the club newsletter and website.
Ensure all member communications are received in a timely way to allow members to take action and ensure all programs are promoted well in advance to allow members to add them to their calendars. Maintain archives of the club including club history and chronological timeline of milestones. Direct development and management of an annual events calendar providing members and their families with a variety of events and experiences. Provide oversight of club travel program serving as traveling companion and host to members on all trips.
Food and Beverage & Food Service Management
Provide Club members with an unsurpassed excellent dining experience with well-plated, beautifully prepared, tasty food and impeccable service. Ensure menus in the Mitchell Room and Veranda and Alexanders are different from one another providing members a variety of food choices. Work in conjunction with Club House Manager and Executive Chef to ensure rotation of menus, making fresh options available seasonally and specials available daily or weekly, offering variety and new options for frequent diners. Ensure options are available for members with special dietary needs. Work with catering to provide high quality menu options for meetings, banquets, parties, weddings and events. Ensure that all food venues and events are properly staffed and that staff is well-trained to offer welcoming, friendly impeccable service.
Work with dining room managers and banquet managers to make sure all wait staff knows how to properly pace service, and how to maximize food and beverage revenues by graciously suggesting drinks, appetizers, salad and soup, wine with dinner, a second drink or other beverage, and dessert or after dinner drinks without being intrusive. Review food and beverage ordering and inventories with executive chef and beverage manager to create efficiencies and avoid waste. Ensure bars at all venues and events are stocked with top shelf liquor and high-quality house brands and that bartenders are well trained and able to accommodate any member request, including non-alcoholic choices. Ensure all dining options are priced properly for profitability.
Candidate Qualifications
- A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive leadership and management experience in the Hospitality Industry and Private Club Environment preferred. 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 preferred.
- Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation or working towards one preferred.
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 Friday, June 9, 2023. Documents must be saved and emailed in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Wisconsin Club GM Cover Letter” and “Last Name, First Name, Wisconsin Club GM Resume”) respectively to: execsearchus@ggapartners.com. Please e-mail resume with references.
Lead Search Consultants:
Michael Gregory
Managing Director & Partner
GGA Partners™
Michael.gregory@ggapartners.com
Dee Anna Clarke
Director
GGA Partners™
deeanna.clarke@ggapartners.com
For more information about Wisconsin Club, please visit www.wisconsinclub.com.
