Month: July 2023

GGA Partners Expands Executive Search Practice, Appoints Kathy Grayson, Director

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Grayson brings GGA’s fast-growing search practice over 35 years’ experience in executive recruitment, career coaching, and organizational leadership across the private club industry.

July 20, 2023

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 Kathy Grayson as Director in the firms’ Executive Search practice.

“Kathy is a proven leader with a strong executive recruitment background. Her energy and ability to connect with employers and private club leaders at all levels are immediately evident,” stated Michael Gregory, Partner and Managing Director at GGA Partners. “Kathy brings the track record and experience that will benefit our growing Executive Search practice immensely.”

Grayson comes to GGA Partners with a distinguished record of executive recruitment experience. Most recently, she served as Executive Recruiter and Career Consultant with the PGA of America, where she was instrumental in growing their executive search services. In this role, Grayson provided strategic direction and leadership through proprietary expertise in career coaching, behavioural assessment, and education.

Prior to joining the PGA of America, Grayson served as Director of Global Events and Sales Manager at Callaway Golf Company and as Regional & Strategic Accounts Manager at the Antigua Group.

“I have always admired and respected the GGA brand, and I am honored to join the GGA Partners Executive Search team,” said Grayson. “My years of experience in career coaching and executive recruitment has taught me that building and fostering relationships is paramount. So, I look forward to working with GGA clients across the country to build and grow effective teams that meet club objectives and elevate members’ experience.”

Grayson is an active member in the private club industry, serving as a member of the National Club Associations’ Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, speaker at regional and national PGA events and is a Guest Speaker at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Grayson will begin her role with GGA Partners in August 2023 and will be based in Bonita Springs, Florida.

About GGA Partners (www.ggapartners.com)

GGA Partners™ is an international consulting firm and trusted advisor to many of the world’s most successful 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, West Palm Beach, USA, and Dublin, Ireland.

For further information, contact:

Samar Abdourahman
Manager, Marketing and Communications
GGA Partners
t: 416-333-5008
e: samar.abdourahman@ggapartners.com

 

Executive Search: Assistant General Manager for Caledon Ski Club

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Assistant General Manager
Caledon Ski Club
Caledon, Ontario

The Club

The second-largest private ski club in Southern Ontario, Caledon Ski Club (“the Club”), is a club where members enjoy high quality, family-oriented, competitive and recreational skiing, snowboarding and other multi-seasonal activities and social experiences. The Club is proud to share the 55 acres of skiable terrain with its members year-round in a welcoming and picturesque environment. The Club is financially stable, carries no debt and maintains a healthy capital reserve available for future planned improvements and lodge expansions.

For more information on Caledon Ski Club, visit https://caledonskiclub.com/

The Position

Reporting to the General Manager, this position is responsible for ensuring the service and safety expectations and are met for our Membership and their guests. The Assistant General Manager will supervise the Food and Beverage and Events Programming to ensure that programming and Member Experience is of the highest quality at all times. In addition, this role is responsible for the administration of our Health and Safety and WSIB Programs at the Club.

Primary Job Responsibilities

  • Work with the Food and Beverage Manager on yearly objectives to continually improve and maintain our Food and Beverage offering at the Club
  • Oversee and attend the special events at the Club and work with the Events Coordinator and the Food and Beverage team to ensure a premium experience for all in attendance
  • Ensure that operations in areas of responsibility are adequately supervised and follow industry best practices to minimize risk and to provide a quality product or programming
  • Attend meetings and provide input in to the Club’s Member Experience Committee as it relates to Food and Beverage and Members Social Programming
  • Represent the Club on the Health and Safety Committee and oversee its function to ensure that existing high standards and culture remain constant
  • Ensure the Club’s staff training and associated delivery methods are reviewed and implemented per best practices
  • Review the Sustainable Slopes program and provide structure to ongoing improvements with the Food and Beverage and Events Teams
  • Provide input into all Club Communications and ensure that the Club communications are consistent, timely and coordinated across all platforms.
  • Assist the General Manager with specific projects related to Club operations and service improvements
  • Perform annual reviews for both the Event and Food and Beverage Managers
  • Handle all Club related matters with a great amount of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

  • Degree or Diploma in Hospitality
  • Relevant Hospitality, Events supervision and Management experience in a not-for-profit or Private Club environment is an asset
  • Experience and familiarity with winter sports and skiing is preferred
  • Skilled in people management with a proven track record of service level improvement across multiple departments
  • Ability to build and foster a high-performance team that is able to meet our Membership and Guest expectations including recruitment of staff on an annual basis
  • Knowledge of required applicable legislation, best practices in respect to Food and Beverage, and Event operations
  • Computer proficiency with programs to design and manage communications and templates
  • Focused on delivering high levels of service and responding to all inquiries/requests in a professional manner and with a sense of urgency
  • Demonstrated skills in time management, planning and organization
  • Confident, energetic with ability to build credibility with staff at all levels
  • Proven ability to be proactive and use good judgment
  • Excellent communication skills – verbal, written & presentation
  • Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal & external stakeholders
  • Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and be resourceful
  • Able to maintain confidentiality / privacy of information
  • Able to work weekends and holidays during the ski season and when required for Food and Beverage, Event operations during the off season
  • Will perform their duties and ensure that they work in accordance with Caledon’s Health & Safety Policy and Procedures as well as the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • Must follow all manuals, handbooks, rules and regulations provided in the course of employment at Caledon Ski Club

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 Sunday, July 30th at 5:00pm EDT. 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, Caledon Ski Club AGM Cover Letter” and “Last Name, First Name, Caledon Ski Club AGM 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

Executive Search: General Manager for Sewickley Heights Golf Club

Date:

                           

General Manager
Sewickley Heights Golf Club
Sewickley, Pennsylvania

The Club

Over 60 years ago, five men had a vision to turn land that was planned to be an airport into Sewickley Heights Golf Club. The centerpiece of this private club is the James G. Harrison- designed, 7,029-yard, par 71 golf course that meanders across rolling hills amid mature landscape.

After golf, members have the option of enjoying both casual and fine dining in the Club’s four venues, including al fresco dining and cocktails on the newly constructed outdoor patio. The Semple ballroom, named after founding member and former USGA President Bud Semple, is host to weddings and special events for up to 200 guests throughout the year.

In 2022, the Club embarked on the development of a 5-Year Strategic Plan. This process involved a top-to-bottom examination of the Club’s governance model, market position, operations, membership structure, utilization, communications efforts, and finances that enabled the Board to set strategic initiatives that now serve as the guide to meet the needs of our existing members as well as those who will join in the future.

Sewickley Heights Golf Club Overview

  • 523 memberships (Golf: 417, Social: 106)
  • Initiation fee (Resident Member Golf: $10,000)
  • Annual Dues (Golf: $8,544)
  • $5.40M Gross volume
  • $2.86M Annual dues
  • $1.12M F&B volume
  • $2.60M Gross payroll
  • 100 Employees (during peak season)
  • 12 Board members
  • Average age of members is 55

The General Manager Position

The person chosen as the General Manager of Sewickley Heights will:

  • Report to the Board and coordinate with the Board President on a regular basis.
  • Implement policies established by the Board and the Club’s By-Laws.
  • Assume responsibility for the creation and implementation of standard operating procedures for all areas of the Club that execute on the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
  • Help to facilitate a team environment based on positive morale, high ethical standards, and efficient use of resources to position Sewickley Heights GC as a preferred employer of choice in the community.
  • In conjunction with the Finance team, prepare an annual operating and capital budget and manage operations to attain desired results established by budgets.
  • Coordinate all management functions, working with committee chairs to develop proposed policies, programs, and events.
  • Serve as lead coordinator of programming, developing synergy among all departments.
  • Oversee internal and external marketing strategies for membership growth and increased member engagement.
  • Be highly visible to members and staff.
  • Establish and communicate the standard for staff to provide first-class hospitality.

Important Individual Characteristics

  • A naturally enthusiastic personality and 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.
  • Possess effective written and verbal communications skills.
  • Disciplined follow-through to ensure the vision and goals of the Club are met.
  • Ability to cultivate a high level of member services and satisfaction.
  • Possess a strong understanding of top-notch food and beverage experiences for Club members and guests.
  • Effective fiscal management through delivery of actual operational and capital results in alignment with approved budgets.
  • Understanding of the importance of digital communications, with the ability to utilize web and social media tools to communicate with staff and the membership.
  • Ability to develop a dedicated team with a shared vision.

Candidate Qualifications

  • A minimum of five years of progressive leadership and management experience in a private club environment. Along with General Managers, 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 is preferred, preferably in Hospitality Management or Business.
  • Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation or desired future attainment of designation preferred.
  • Note: A pre-employment drug screen, background check, and reference check will be required.

Salary & Benefits

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

Inquiries

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 August 9, 2023.

Documents must be saved and emailed in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Sewickley Heights Golf Club GM Cover Letter” and “Last Name, First Name, Sewickley Heights Golf Club GM Resume”) respectively to: execsearchus@ggapartners.com. Please email résumé with references.

Lead Search Executive

Dee Anna Clarke
Director
GGA Partners™
deeanna.clarke@ggapartners.com

For more information about Sewickley Heights Golf Club, please visit www.shgc.org

Executive Search: Clubhouse Manager for Islington Golf Club

Date:

                       

Clubhouse Manager
Islington Golf Club
Toronto, Ontario

The Club

Islington Golf Club is a wonderful Stanley Thompson designed private club located in the west end of Toronto. The Club is an easy escape from the hustle of the downtown scene and prides itself on being a golf-focused club with a thriving year-round social scene. With a rich history, the Club is celebrating its centenary year in 2023. The Club has a friendly environment and a progressive strategic vision, having emerged from significant capital projects to the course and clubhouse with a renewed spirit that has propelled the club to new heights.

The Club offers its members access to a traditional amenity profile and first-class service throughout the club. Currently, the Club is home to a championship golf course, netted driving range, short game practice area, spacious clubhouse containing various dining options, and a recently renovated patio overlooking the 18th hole. The other dining amenities include the Fireside Bar, a new pizza oven, and several other dining outlets for members to enjoy. The Club is currently engaged with an architect to develop a Clubhouse Master Plan for the next stage of improvement for the future.

Islington was announced as the Club of the Year by The Club Management Association of Canada in 2019.

The Position

Role Summary

Islington Golf Club is excited to announce an exceptional career opportunity, joining their strong team as the Clubhouse Manager. Reporting to the General Manager, the Clubhouse Manager will provide leadership and management of the food and beverage department, locker room and maintenance staff. The Clubhouse Manager will oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of all food and beverage areas and the clubhouse facility. This individual will work closely with the Club’s Executive Chef and Catering Manager to execute an operation with multiple outlets including a banquet room, dining room, casual lounge, bistro bar and a newly renovated patio overlooking the 18th hole.

Primary Job Responsibilities

  • Organize, direct, and evaluate food and beverage service including both front of house and kitchen operations.
  • Manage and oversee all daily operations of all food and beverage areas and the clubhouse facility.
  • Manage supplier relationships including product selection, pricing, and promotions.
  • Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Ensure all team members understand and maintain operating standards.
  • Promote a positive work environment and culture by maintaining strong, supportive relationships with all team members.
  • Recruitment and training of staff.
  • Motivate F&B Staff and create a training program to provide exceptional customer service.
  • Monitor staff performance and provide feedback.
  • Maintain a positive workplace environment for the staff.

Qualifications

  • The successful candidate will have a minimum of three years’ experience as a Food and Beverage Manager, Restaurant Manager, Clubhouse Manager, or a similar position in the hospitality-related industry.
  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Hospitality Management or Business is an asset.
  • Must demonstrate a proven record of developing a cohesive team with service, culinary and clubhouse maintenance that delivers a high level of service. With ongoing training, monitoring and evaluation of the service staff, this individual will lead from the front, being visible on the floor and interacting with all members.
  • Has an extensive knowledge of wine, beer, and spirits along with staying current on food and beverage trends in the industry.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and operating a POS system – knowledge of Jonas program is an asset.
  • An advanced knowledge in developing and monitoring a budget and providing financial and statistical analysis of the operation is important.
  • A team player with strong communication skills and a passion for customer service excellence.
  • This position requires flexible work hours including evenings and weekends.

Compensation

The Club offers an excellent working environment and a compensation package that is very competitive and commensurate with experience. It has both salary and potential bonus opportunities as well as a complete benefits package and professional development opportunities.

Inquiries

IMPORTANT: 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 July 30th, 2023, at 5:00pm PST.

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

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

 

For more information on Islington Golf Club, visit www.islingtongolfclub.com

 

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