By Ned Welc, CCM, CCE
In the private club and hospitality industries, job titles are more than labels. Clubs in particular thrive on tradition, hierarchy and member expectations. Titles help define structure and status, both for staff and members. Clear, standardized titles also support strong internal cultures, career progression and the ability to recruit and retain top talent.
In a service-driven environment where team alignment is essential, the right title helps reinforce clear expectations.
Consider the evolution of leadership roles within the club world. What was once known simply as Club Manager has now developed into General Manager, then General Manager/Chief Operating Officer and in some top-tier clubs, even Chief Executive Officer. Similar progressions can be seen across departments: the Bookkeeper became the Controller, then CFO, then Director of Finance. In Food & Beverage, a Manager role might now be titled Director.
But what's the difference between a "Manager" and a "Director"---and why does it matter?
It all starts with recruitment and retention of your staff. Professionals often begin evaluating an opportunity based on the job title alone. A stronger, more senior title tends to attract two key groups: those who already hold that level of responsibility and those who feel ready to step up. In both cases, you're drawing interest from qualified individuals simply by using the right words in the job posting.
Once hired, a well-considered title also supports employee retention. Employees are unlikely to move backward in title. Even if the new title is not accompanied by a raise, the words alone signal recognition and opportunity. It reflects a club's investment in their team's career trajectory and success.
Within the hospitality and private club industries, standardized titles also serve a practical purpose. They help candidates and hiring committees fairly compare roles across clubs. This can be especially important when leadership transitions occur. A title that is consistent with industry norms helps clarify scope and reporting structure. When a Clubhouse Manager is hired at one property and moves to another as a Club Manager or AGM, the change in title should accurately reflect a change in expectations. In GSI Executive Search's work with private clubs, we often help clubs revise or modernize their titles to better reflect evolving responsibilities and industry norms.
Equally important is that a title sets expectations. Does this role oversee multiple departments? Is it operational, strategic or both? What influence will this person have with the board? Will they supervise others, or act as an individual contributor? Standardized titles, when clearly defined in the job description, allow for clarity.
Job titles are often closely tied to identity, status and perceived worth---both within the workplace and in social settings. Internally, they can shape how employees perceive their roles and influence how others perceive them. Research has shown that, in some cases, individuals may prioritize an enhanced title over a pay increase, believing that the new title will benefit their long-term career prospectect and elevate their standing within the club.
Externally, job titles can support networking and recruitment, while also enhancing the club's image and brand.
In community associations and private clubs alike, titles help to define hierarchy, influence communication and set the cultural tone. They help align teams internally while reflecting a club's professionalism externally. As clubs grow and evolve, rethinking titles isn't about semantics – it's about future-proofing your organization.
When done right, titles do more than describe a job. They inspire loyalty, set standards and help attract the very best talent to help move your club forward.
