The Organization

Findlay Country Club was established in 1908 and has a long, storied history. The Club is located on a beautiful Ohio property covering 140 acres. Members enjoy a full roster of events in state-of-the-art facilities including our clubhouse and historic golf course, outdoor tennis courts, dining venues and event venues. The Club provides activities and services for families with children as well as programs and amenities that appeal to all the members and guests. Findlay Country Club has intentionally created a family-centered environment where members can value the past, enjoy the present and plan for a bright future.

MISSION STATEMENT

"Our mission is to offer our members an inviting family atmosphere, personalized services, outstanding facilities and a commitment to excellence"

Some of the golf tournaments held at Findlay Country Club have included the Ohio Amateur, Mid Am, Junior and Senior Championships; NCAA Division II Women's National Championship (twice); US Open Qualifier; and the AJGA Preview event.

The Club has 442 members, with an in-season staff in excess of 100. Annual budgeted rounds of golf are 16,000. Annual food and beverage sales are approximately $1,000,000. ClubEssential is utilized for all accounting and reservation systems.

Position Overview

The General Manager will report to the Club's President and the Board of Trustees and will be responsible for the organization's day-to-day operations and long-range growth and stability. The Manager will direct and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Club, monitoring the quality of its staff, services and amenities to ensure member satisfaction. This position also fulfills the role of the Chief Operating Officer, exercising all duties customarily associated with such a position, including implementing sound fiscal policy, disciplined budgeting, effective and supportive staff management and solid operating practices. He/she is expected to provide meaningful input and perspective to the Board and its committees regarding key issues, the competitive environment, club-industry trends and evolving organizational needs, all to ensure the Club's long-term stability and growth. The Club enjoys a very sound, strong financial position.

The GM will have unwavering adherence to the very highest standards of ethics, businesslike practices, and the pursuit of service excellence.

Direct reports include Head Golf Professional, Controller, Human Resource Manager, Food and Beverage Manager, Director of Grounds, Director of Facilities and Membership Director.

Specifically, the General Manager will:

• Provide strong Food and Beverage leadership, oversite, and sense of service of the Food and Beverage Operation.
• Possess the ability to inspire others to perform to the full scope of their positions — setting clear goals and expectations, coaching to provide exceptional member-service with enthusiasm, with an eye toward continuous improvement.
• Create and maintain a desirable work environment in which management and staff are well-qualified, trained and motivated to provide the highest quality service — an environment where positive behaviors are reinforced and rewarded.
• Ensure the F&B department is well-equipped to deliver high-quality food/beverage offerings, priced appropriately to meet annual budgets, assuring that service standards are at the highest level through training, coaching and continuous feedback — all with the goal of providing members and their guests a first-class country club dining experience.
• Oversee the activities, goals, and long-term objectives of the Director of Grounds to ensure the course is maintained to the best possible standards, with capital resources appropriately designated to provide for long-term sustainability, playability, and maintenance of the course.
• Oversee the Head Golf Professional to ensure that he and his staff provide a top-notch country club experience for members — a well-managed, financially sound, and appropriately stocked Pro Shop, a courteous and efficient cart/starter staff, and a member-friendly and competent teaching staff
• Manage the Tennis/Aquatics department to provide a private country club experience for members — a courteous and efficient staff, immaculately well-maintained tennis courts, pool, playground and snack shack/eating area.
• Enhance the Club's relationship, communications and responsiveness with current members, and effectively reach out to prospective members to increase Club membership.
• Set and manage a balanced Operating Budget for approval by the Board prior to the beginning of the fiscal year. Continuously monitor and scrutinize the use of operating funds, the pricing of amenities and the pace of raising costs, holding departmental heads accountable for the income and costs relative to their departmental goals and objectives.
• Set and manage a Capital Budget that appropriately prepares the Club for needed replacements, renovations and repairs, ensuring that the Club assets, facilities and equipment are always maintained in prime condition.
• Be technologically proficient, helping the Club to further advance its communications with, and its continuous feedback from, Members.
• Bring industry standards and understanding of best practices for Board members and staff.

Responsibilities

MEMBER RESPONSIVENESS

• Be a confident and diplomatic spokesperson for the Club, fostering a climate of hospitality for all members and guests. Be visible, approachable and available to both members and staff, engaged in all aspects of the Club.
• Ensure that relevant, up-to-date systems of communication technologies are being implemented for members and for staff with a goal of enhancing operational efficiency, security and member service.
• Interact with members daily, actively soliciting member opinions and input on the Club's facilities and services to promote the Club. Visibility and accessibility to members are paramount. Be available to meet with members and respond to their complaints in a timely fashion and report significant issues to the President and Board of Trustees.
• Be knowledgeable of methods of gaining Member feedback (survey, comment card) techniques to focus the Club on continuous improvement of services.
• Be the Club's industry leader bringing recommendations of industry leading standards to the Board of Trustees and department heads on a regular, on-going basis. Participate in local and national industry groups such as CMAA.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND CONTROLS

• Develop the Club's annual operating and capital budgets, in coordination with the Finance Chair, the Controller and all department heads.
• Operate the Club within the boundaries of approved budgets. Use an accounting system executive dashboard to help guide decision.
• Monitor the monthly financial performance of each department to ensure that controls are in place, variances are accurately explained, and emerging cost, margin, usage, and participation trends identified.
• Hold department heads accountable for meeting their annual budgets. Report to the Board your monthly analysis.
• Establish and monitor Club compliance with all purchasing policies and procedures.

STAFF ADMINISTRATION

• Emphasize a "member-first" culture that encourages member patronage and maximizes the use of the Club's facilities.
• Maintain a working environment that promotes exceptional service delivery and fosters supportive relationships among employees, managers, and the membership.
• Be a team-builder, develop professional staff and create a succession action plan for critical roles.
• Mentor, train and develop key staff to perform at the highest level possible.
• Ensure that strategic goals and operating objectives—developed in conjunction with the Board—are defined, communicated, understood by staff, implemented and evaluated on a continuous basis.
• Set standards for recruitment, hiring, training, supervision and the timely evaluation of the entire Club staff, with the active input and administration of direct reports.
• Administer compensation/benefits to direct reports within the constraints of the annual budget.

OPERATIONS

• Staff and maintain appropriate systems to facilitate the day-to-day administration of the organization as an efficiently operating "high-end" club.
• Ensure that the Club operates in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND MARKETING

• Monitor developing industry trends and incorporate best practices into operations.
• Create and recommend new programs, initiatives and marketing/sales programs to generate new memberships and to retain existing members.
• Develop and administer an evolving business marketing plan in conjunction with the Board of Trustees.

Requirements

The General Manager will be the consummate professional, well-versed in all facets of club administration. He or she will have a proven background as a leader and demonstrated accomplishments in effectively managing club operations. The GM will also have a track record of effective relationship and partnering skills with the Club's Board of Trustees.

• A minimum of seven years as a General Manager or Assistant General Manager in a comparable club is preferred. Candidates will have a working knowledge of all facets of private club operations with strong emphasis on:
  • Staff leadership, development, and team building
  • Financial management
  • Food and beverage management
  • Vision and strategic planning
  • Member service, retention and growth
• The ability to attract, build, train, mentor and lead a talented and cohesive staff, and to effectively manage a diverse team of accomplished and dedicated professionals. Food and beverage training and service skills are critical with the ability to realize tangible results.
• A Hospitality or Business Management or related degree preferred.
• The CCM designation preferred.
• Experiences at a member-owned club preferred.
• Impeccable and verifiable references. All candidates will be subject to a thorough background check.

Competitive Compensation

The Club offers an attractive and competitive compensation and benefits package to include:

• A base salary and performance bonus potential
• Professional dues and education expenses with the emphasis on continuing education
• 401K and Long-Term Disability
• Standard club executive benefits to include health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Relocation assistance

To be Considered

Professionals who meet or exceed the established criteria are encouraged to create cover letter addressed to Mr. Eric Morman, President and send it, along with current resume to:

Ned Welc, CCM, CCE
Principal
ned@gsiexecutivesearch.com
440-796-7922