General Manager
Country Club of Charleston

The Country Club of Charleston is a prestigious private club located in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina. Since its establishment in 1900, the club has cultivated a rich heritage, offering its members a well-managed, family-oriented environment that caters to their diverse interests. In 1925, the club moved to its present location on the McLeod Plantation, which consists of 900 acres on the Ashley River. The 26,000 sq. ft. clubhouse, considered a focal point in Charleston, was built on top of a bluff overlooking Charleston Harbor.

The Board of Directors is committed to overseeing the club's operations to promote a vibrant atmosphere for both social and sporting events, all within the context of its pristine facilities.  The club is currently planning a full golf course renovation to commence in December 2025.

The Country Club of Charleston has a rich tournament history and a long tradition of supporting the game of golf. The Azalea Invitational is hosted every year before the Masters. Today the Azalea has developed into a National Amateur Event with players from across the country and an impressive list of former champions.  The Club also hosts the Beth Daniel Junior Invitational and the Azalea Senior each year.  In addition to the invitational, the Club has hosted 27 State Championships, the 2019 U.S. Women’s Open, and is actively pursuing additional major amateur championships in the next 5-10 years.

CLUB OVERVIEW:

Established: 1900 (124 Years Old)

Initiation Fee: $85,000

Annual dues: Full membership $10,200

Total Number of Members: 896

Total Employees: 162

Direct Reports

Food and Beverage Manager; Executive Chef; Director of Finance and Administration; Director of Golf; Golf Course Superintendent; Director of Tennis; and Director of Facilities.

Amenities

18-hole championship course, par 72, designed by Seth Raynor in 1925.

6 outdoor lighted courts (5 Har-Tru Clay & 1 Har-Tru Hard Court).

Outdoor resort-style, zero-entry pool.

Family Activity Center (FAC), a 24/7 fitness facility with a wide range of equipment and classes.

Dining Facilities:

Lounge/Bar that seats 32

Formal Dining Room that seats 35

Casual Grill Dining Room with Terrace Seating that seats 98

Outdoor Pool Café that seats 70

Upstairs Ballroom that seats 200

 

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Lead a thriving private club environment:  The General Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping the member experience by overseeing all Club operations. Your focus will be on creating a welcoming and exceptional environment that fosters member satisfaction and loyalty.

Champion Strategic Growth:  You'll work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to develop and execute a long-term vision for the Club.  This includes identifying and implementing innovative strategies that enhance member experience and optimize financial performance.

Build a High-Performing Team:   You'll foster a collaborative and results-oriented work environment, empowering your team to deliver exceptional service.  Your leadership skills will be crucial in building strong relationships with staff, identifying and developing top talent.

Drive Operational Excellence:  You'll ensure efficient and cost-effective club operations, implementing continuous improvement initiatives that elevate service standards and member satisfaction.

Competencies:

To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate the following competencies. These same areas will be a focus for your performance evaluation, ensuring clear expectations and ongoing support.

 

• Models Hospitality and Service Excellence: Creating a welcoming and exceptional experience for members and guests. Setting high standards for service and ensuring staff are well-trained and empowered to deliver.
• Leadership - Interpersonal: Building strong relationships with members, staff, and board members. Demonstrating empathy, active listening, and effective communication skills to foster collaboration and address concerns.
• Displays Emotional Intelligence: Being aware of and managing one's own emotions, while understanding the emotions of others. This allows for navigating complex situations and building trust.
• Leads Change & Supports Innovation: Championing new ideas and initiatives that improve the club's operations and member experience. Effectively communicating and managing change processes to gain buy-in from members and staff.
• Club Governance: Understanding the legal and ethical frameworks that guide private club operations, including member rights and responsibilities, board structures, and regulatory compliance.
• Strategic Management: Developing long-term plans that consider the club's vision, mission, and competitive landscape. Setting goals, allocating resources, and measuring progress.
• Accounting: Understanding financial statements, budgeting, cost control, and financial analysis specific to the private club industry.

Targeted Qualities:

 Leadership

• Builds High-Performing Teams: Creates a collaborative environment where staff thrive and departments work seamlessly together.
• Develops Top Talent: Identifies and mentors high-potential staff, addressing any skill gaps through training and development.
• Member-Centric Leadership: Cultivates a "Members First" culture by prioritizing member needs and fostering strong relationships.

 Strategic Vision

• Innovation Champion: Drives positive change by championing new ideas and initiatives that enhance member experience and club operations.
• Action-Oriented Planning: Develops clear action plans to achieve strategic goals, translating vision into tangible results.

 Financial Acumen

• Cost-Conscious Management: Demonstrates a strong understanding of private club finances and implements strategies to optimize costs while maintaining service excellence.

 Communication & Results

• Engaging Communicator: Effectively communicates with members and staff, fostering transparency and buy-in for changes.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Analyzes member feedback (surveys) and other data to identify areas for improvement and measure the success of initiatives.
• Results-Oriented: Sets clear goals, motivates the team, and ensures achievement of objectives.

Candidate Qualifications

Educational Requirements

• Hospitality/Business Management degree preferred.
• In lieu of a degree, substantial private golf club or hospitality experience will be considered.
• CCM and CCE certification preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Previous success as a General Manager at a Private Country Club.
• A minimum of 5 - 7 years of progressive Private Club management experience, strong financial acumen, exceptional administrative skills, and thorough knowledge of food and beverage. We are looking for someone who:
  • Has identified and led initiatives and programs to enhance member experience and increase Club usage.
  • Has implemented a vision of success for F&B, addressing staffing, service, training, standards, consistency, member experience, policies/procedures, etc.
  • Experience hosting Invitational and Championship Tournaments.
• Experience developing/implementing long-range (strategic) and annual (business) plans, operating reports, forecasts, and budgets, with a strong understanding of hospitality and service balanced against financial efficiencies.
• A team builder in the industry who has a history of attracting, developing, and retaining a high-performing team.
• A personable style and visibly engaged presence with members, guests, and staff.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

The successful applicant will receive an attractive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications. Other benefits include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance per Country Club of Charleston benefit package.
• 401(k) plan, paid time off
• Professional dues and educational allowance with emphasis on continuing education.
• Relocation assistance

This position has been filled.

Lead Search Consultant: 

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

For more information about the Country Club of Charleston please visit: https://www.countryclubofcharleston.com/