Executive Search: General Manager/COO for La Crosse Country Club

                   

General Manager/COO
La Crosse Country Club
 Onalaska, WI

The Club

Located in Onalaska, Wisconsin, La Crosse Country Club offers country club services and programs to members in the Western Wisconsin area.

The centerpiece of this family-centric facility is the 7,181-yard Arthur Hill-designed golf course occupying two separate valleys among the rolling hills of Emerald Valley, along with a spacious practice facility. Beyond golf, members can choose from a variety of other activities to entertain the entire family. The tennis center features five courts, including a stadium option with Nova ProBounce and Pickleball is also available. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, members and their families take advantage of fun in the sun at the Club’s main pool and family pool. When it is time for a meal, members have four options including the Main dining room, Grill room, Mulligan’s bar and at the Cabana bar and patio.

The Club does a robust event business and is known as a premier wedding venue available to members and non-members year-round. The elegant facility, which features both indoor and outdoor space, is available to host up to 250 guests and the experienced professional staff has a reputation for taking care of every detail.

La Crosse Country Club has partnered with Club Corp to provide privileges at hundreds of private golf and country clubs, fine dining clubs, resorts, and entertainment venues along with a concierge benefit to assist members with their arrangements.

Club Overview

  • Members – 436
  • Initiation Fee – $5,000
  • Annual Dues – $7,015
  • Gross Volume – $4.2 million
  • Total Annual Dues – $2 million
  • F&B Volume – $1.2 million
  • Gross Payroll – $1.9 million
  • Employees – 104
  • Board Members – 9
  • Average age of members – 36

The General Manager/Chief Operating Officer Position

The General Manager/Chief Operating Officer (GM/COO) manages all aspects of the club including its activities and the relationships between the club and its Board of Directors, members, guests, employees, community, government and industry. The GM/COO coordinates and administers the club’s policies as defined by its Board of Directors, develops operating policies, procedures and directs the work of all department managers. Additional duties include the implementation and monitoring of the budget, the Club’s products and services and maximization of member and guest satisfaction. The GM/COO must also secure and protect the club’s assets, including all facilities and equipment.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Coordinate the development and execution of the club’s long-range and annual business plans to achieve the club’s mission.
  • Prepare comprehensive operating plans and budgets, obtain approval from the board, and operate in accordance with approved budgets.
  • Maintain a long-term capital budget to assure the sustained material condition of all physical assets of the club.
  • Plan, develop and approve specific operational policies, programs, procedures, methods, rules and regulations in concert with board-approved policies.
  • Direct the recruitment and training of all staff.
  • Establish employee rules and regulations, work schedules, internal controls, and a performance appraisal system.
  • Assure that the highest standards are set and achieved in providing member service and satisfaction.
  • Operate the club in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory and other governmental agencies that have oversight of various club assets and operations.
  • Provide the board and committees with relevant information on trends and developments in the club/residential community business.
  • Work with board-established committees to ensure they are well-supported and operate in accordance with approved policies and directives.
  • Oversee security, risk management, and health and safety programs to implement and manage measures put in place to protect members, employees, staff, and club physical assets.
  • Maintain clear, consistent dialogue with the board to keep them apprised of club operations, member satisfaction, and financial performance.
  • Provide a comprehensive communications program that keeps all appropriate constituencies informed on relevant matters.
  • Interact with local community leaders and organizations.
  • Perform other duties and functions the board may direct that are consistent with this job description.

Direct Reports:

  • Controller
  • Director of Events
  • Golf Course Superintendent
  • Head Golf Professional
  • Director of Food and Beverage
  • Executive Assistant

Required Core Leadership Abilities:

  • Define a simple and understandable vision of success for the management team.
  • See the big picture, take stock, identify problems/needs, and conceptualize solutions/strategies.
  • Focus on the essentials, attend to detail, and follow through on decisions.
  • Create a sense of followership among subordinates.
  • Attract and develop a strong and supportive management team capable of ensuring a smooth transfer of responsibility when tasks are delegated.
  • Demonstrate a strong member satisfaction ethic and to interact with the membership in a frequent and friendly manner.
  • Articulate the highest performance and ethical standards, demand compliance, and move swiftly and positively when corrective action is warranted.
  • Manage day-to-day pressures and maintain a healthy and positive culture.

Candidate Qualifications:

  • A minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership and management experience in a private club, hospitality, and leisure environment.
  • A 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.

Note: A pre-employment 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 Wednesday, February 15, 2023.

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

 

For more information about La Crosse Country Club, please visit www.lacrossecountryclub.com.

Executive Search: General Manager/COO for Wisconsin Club

                   

General Manager/Chief Operating Officer
Wisconsin 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 (the Club) is a connected community of inclusive, diverse and caring people that has everything a club can offer. The Club strives to provide members and their guests with the absolute best club experience possible, highlighted by incredible personalized service at both its City and Country Club locations. The Club offers an exceptional private club experience at great value. Senior staff possess years of club experience with ongoing caring and consistency, which go a long way in providing personalized service to members and guests.

In addition to its 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.

Overview

  • 1244 members. 514 regular, 459 golf, 118 sports, 302 social
  • Initiation fee: Resident member golf $12,000
  • Annual dues: $6,700,000
  • Gross volume: $12,000,000 (including dues)
  • F&B volume: $5,000,000
  • Gross payroll: $6,000,000
  • 300 employees in-season; 200 off-season
  • 9 Board members
  • Average age of membership: 63

The General Manager/Chief Operating Officer Position

The General Manager/Chief Operating Officer (GM/COO) reports to the Board and coordinates with its President on a regular basis to implement the established policies and the Club’s bylaws. The GM/COO 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

  • Chief Financial Officer
  • City Club Manager
  • Assistant General Manager
  • Director of Grounds and Facilities Maintenance
  • Director of Marketing and Communication.
  • Director of Transportation and Concierge Services
  • Director of Membership
  • Head Golf Pro

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 7-10 years of progressive leadership and management experience in the Hospitality Industry and 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 is 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, February 3, 2023.

Documents must be saved and emailed in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Wisconsin Club GM/COO Cover Letter” and “Last Name, First Name, Wisconsin Club GM/COO 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 Wisconsin Club, please visit www.wisconsinclub.com.

Executive Search: Superintendent for Deer Ridge Golf Club

                       

Superintendent
Deer Ridge Golf Club
Kitchener, Ontario

About the Club

Deer Ridge Golf Club (“Deer Ridge” or the “Club”) is one of Ontario’s greatest golf clubs. Situated in Southern Ontario between Kitchener and Cambridge, the Club prides itself on putting its top-tier golf experience first. Deer Ridge is home to one of the best golf courses in Ontario which is consistently ranked in the Top 100 golf courses in Canada by SCOREGolf, originally designed by Thomas McBroom. An incredible practice facility complements the highly distinguished course. The Club also features an Academy run by an experienced Director of Instruction with classes for men, ladies, and junior golfers of all abilities.

In addition to Deer Ridge’s golf experience, the Club offers a beautiful clubhouse with an excellent food and beverage experience. The clubhouse features a majestic patio which overlooks the incredible Grand River Valley.

Deer Ridge is experienced by a group of just 400 equity members, meaning access to the tee is easy.

For more information on Deer Ridge Golf Club, visit www.deerridgegolfclub.com.

About the Superintendent Role

The Superintendent is responsible for leading the golf course maintenance operation. The successful candidate will work to create an environment where staff is involved and enthusiastic, with open communications and respect for themselves, members, guests, and the property.

The Superintendent will be responsible for the following:

  • Responsible for scheduling and payroll of grounds and maintenance staff.
  • Recruits, supervises and retains maintenance staff, and conducts employee performance evaluations and exercises disciplinary action.
  • Provide leadership, coaching, training, and necessary disciplinary actions for all staff.
  • Coordinate and plan with the Board of Directors to create annual budgets, with or without capital improvement projects.
  • Directs and participates in the construction and maintenance of the grounds.
  • Oversee equipment/cart maintenance and repair.
  • Designs landscape plans for facility grounds and implements the plan.
  • Administers and enforces all Club rules, regulations and policies for staff.
  • Works closely with the GM and the Board of Directors to operate the Club in a fiscally responsible and professional manner.
  • Directs and assists the staff on the planting of new vegetation, the replacement, spraying, pruning and trimming of trees and shrubs, the preparation of soil plant beds for aesthetically pleasing arrangements and tending to high stress areas.
  • Supervises and participates in the application and recording of chemical applications (fertilizers and pesticides) on the Club’s grounds in compliance with all provincial and federal regulations.
  • Maintains records and completes required reporting. Order parts, supplies and equipment as needed.
  • Schedules maintenance practices around member play and outings to maximize efficiency and minimize disruption to members.
  • Coordinates snow removal and winter maintenance activities when necessary.
  • Work closely with other managers to ensure the timely completion of golf course projects and operations to a high standard.
  • Maintain all office records, including purchase orders, pesticide records and licensing, training records, and other records as required.
  • Ensure staff are meeting all Occupational Health and safety standards and creating a work environment that promotes health and safety.
  • Assist other departments within the organization, including clubhouse repairs and maintenance as required.
  • Perform other related work as required.

Key Attributes

The ideal candidate is a proven superintendent who possess the following core competencies, experience, and attributes:

  • Knowledge of management and maintenance of greens, fairways and roughs.
  • Knowledge of use and operating standards of equipment and tools used in golf course construction and maintenance work.
  • Skill in recruiting, supervising, training, monitoring, evaluating and motivating personnel.
  • Interpersonal skill to resolve conflict and work with supervisors, officials, employees, members and the general public.
  • Knowledge of safe use, mixing and application of chemicals and commercial products.
  • Knowledge of the game of golf, golf rules and methods of play.
  • Ability to anticipate personnel, equipment, and material requirements related to golf course maintenance and repair assignments.
  • Ability and knowledge to lay out irrigation patterns, drainage patterns, construct tees and/or greens.
  • Ability to work under pressure in dynamic situations with a high level of professionalism.
  • Experience in budgeting and financial management.
  • Reliable with a strong work ethic and adaptability, with strong communication skills.
  • Must be able to work independently and be a self-starting problem solver.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Post-secondary education in Turf Management, consideration of candidates with 5 years or more applicable experience as a Golf Superintendent or 1st Assistant.
  • Class A Golf Course Superintendent designation (preferred)
  • Supervision, employee training & staff management experience (hiring/terminations and laying off employees in off season).
  • Budgeting and planning skills.
  • Knowledgeable on the safe use and training for all pieces of equipment utilized on the grounds.
  • Possess a Pesticide Applicator Certificate.
  • Extensive knowledge of golf course watering requirements, including pumps and irrigation infrastructure.
  • Advance computer skills required for financial reporting and control of operations, including use of Microsoft Office.
  • Current Pest Management certification.

Salary and Benefits

The successful applicant will receive an attractive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Inquiries

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 February 1, 2023, at 5:00pm EDT. Interested candidates are asked not to contact any Club employees directly in relation to this posting. Please direct all inquires to the Search Consultant at the contact information listed below.

Documents are required to be submitted in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Deer Ridge Superintendent Cover Letter” and “Last Name, First Name, Deer Ridge Superintendent Resume”) respectively to: execsearch@ggapartners.com.

Deer Ridge 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.

Deer Ridge Golf Club is an equal opportunity employer. It is the organization’s policy to recruit and select applicants for employment solely based on their qualifications, with emphasis on selecting the best qualified person for the job. Applicants must have a valid Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) card. We thank all applicants for their interest but will only contact those selected for an interview.

Lead Search Consultant: 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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