Savannah Yacht Club
Location
730 Bradley Point Rd
Savannah, GA 31410
Position
The Club is using the CMAA General Manager/COO profile as the model for this position.
Club History
Dating back to 1865 when the Regatta Association of Georgia evolved into the Savannah Yacht Club, the Club has been the home to generations of boaters and sailors, their families, and guests. Over the years, one of the hallmarks of the Club has been the highly regarded sailing programs that serve as an introduction for young people to learn to sail through stages beginning with the ‘Penguin Class.’ In 1966 the Savannah Sports Fishing Club became an affiliate of the Club, providing Yacht Club members with the opportunity to participate in Fishing Club events such as the Annual Blue Water Tournament.
Resting on the Thunderbolt River/Intracoastal Waterway and bordered by Tom Thumb Creek, the Club’s facilities include the Clubhouse, Dock House, sailing center, marina with boat slips, boat storage yard, a tennis complex with 11 courts, a spacious outdoor deck with two swimming pools and a fire pit with a picturesque view of the surrounding waters.
The Club is proud of its family focus and offers a variety of activities that appeal to members of all ages. In addition to the recreational activities of sailing, boating, fishing, tennis, pickleball, and swimming, the club hosts social events throughout the year including themed dinners, banquets, weddings, and events for children including recreational camps and sailing lessons, all of which draws a high rate of member participation.
The food and beverage outlets include a Main Dining Room with exterior seating, Main Bar, Quarterdeck Bar (with table seating for dining), and a new poolside pavilion/bar and kitchen.
This year, 2024, Savannah Yacht Club will celebrate its 159th Anniversary as it prepares for its future.
Club Facts
The campus includes twenty-six acres of beautiful waterfront property with over 8,000 linear feet of dock space.
Age of Clubhouse Built in 1964. Multiple Renovations and Additions.
Number of members 1010 + waiting list
Club ownership Member-owned
Gross dollar volume $8.9 million
Dues volume $3.9 million
Food and Beverage – a la carte $1.4 million
Food and Beverage – banquets $1.1 million
Other Operating Revenue $2.5 million
The Club is debt free and has a strong balance sheet.
Job Specifications
Date Posted June 2, 2024
Job Title General Manager/COO
About the Position
The General Manager/COO must be a visible and accessible “collaborative” leader to the members and staff alike. Key to their success will be the ability to implement a “service first” staff training regimen while introducing an esprit d ’corps, with a goal to unify staff members (tenured, new, and seasonal) behind the Club’s Mission statement.
He or she will have the capacity to guide all Club operations while acting as the coordinator and facilitator between the Board of Steward’s and Department Heads and Committees.
With respect to the reporting structure of the Club, it is understood that the department heads and managers have historically had very positive working relationships with the Committee Chairs, but report to the Club General Manager/COO. The respective Committees contribute to the vision, guidance, and recommended direction for these positions in conjunction with the General Manager/COO. He (or she) is expected to provide administrative support as to Club policies and procedures related to all employees and to facilitate communications and implementation among all departments. The General Manager reports to the Club Commodore representing the Flag Officers and the Board of Stewards.
Be “present and engaged is of paramount importance. The need and desire to meet and develop positive relations with all club stakeholders will be critical to long-term success and the building of trust in decision-making and the earning of respect of the Board, the members, and the staff.
The balance of this document provides baseline information on the current operation as well as an insight into the qualifications the Board is looking for in the right candidate.
Job Description
· Implements general policies established by the Board of Stewards; directs their administration and execution.
· Advances the club’s Mission and Vision statements.
· Informs the Board on significant issues facing the club and proposes solutions.
· Apprises the Board on trends, changing circumstances and unexpected occurrences that could impact the Strategic Plan.
· Reports member infractions to the Board for appropriate action.
· Monitors long- and short-term goals, financial reports and, together with the Controller, prepares an annual financial plan for the Board’s approval.
· Manages club cash flow and oversees controls to safeguard funds.
· Sets the standard for effective management and leads by demonstrating a concern for the supervision and development of staff.
· Plans and develops specific operational policies, programs, procedures, methods, rules, and regulations subject to Board approval.
· Together with the Human Resources Director and department supervisors, establishes employee rules and regulations, work schedules, internal controls, and a performance appraisal system.
· Coordinates the development of the club’s long-range and annual (business) plans in efforts to meet or exceed the Board’s established goals.
· Develops, maintains, and administers a sound organizational plan, with input from department supervisors, making improvements when necessary.
· Initiates and monitors policies relating to personnel actions and oversees staff training and professional development programs.
· Responsible for managing operating, cash, and capital budgets according to the applicable budget guidelines and calendars; monitors monthly budget and financial statements; takes effective corrective action when required; approves vouchers before payment; provides Board of Stewards with timely financial reports and updates on any urgent financial matters.
· Serves as an ex-officio member of appropriate club committees.
· Leads welcome of new club members to include overseeing their orientation to the club; initiates ongoing dialogue with members through recognition, communication, and follow-through.
· Provides input and recommendations to the club’s President and committees about various matters including construction, renovations, maintenance, materials, supplies, equipment, and services not provided for in approved annual plans or budgets.
· Engages appropriate department heads to ensure that the club is operated in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
· Through daily walk arounds and interaction with department supervisors monitors the care and maintenance of all club’s physical assets and facilities.
· Provides input and support for the marketing and member-relations programs to promote the club’s services and facilities to current and prospective members.
· Ensures the highest standards of quality and service for food, beverage, sports, recreation, entertainment, and other club services.
· Establishes and monitors compliance with club’s purchasing policies and procedures; reviews and approves purchasing standards and vendor requirements.
· In conjunction with appropriate committee’s and staff, initiate programs to provide members with a year-round calendar of popular events.
· Provides direction and support for department heads as they schedule, supervise, and direct the work of all club employees; confer with them about personnel-related matters including compensation, job changes and performance evaluation.
· Convenes and presides over weekly and monthly meetings with department heads and conducts quarterly full staff meetings.
· Participates in meetings of the club’s Executive Committee and Board of Stewards, providing operational updates and highlights of any opportunities or issues.
· Represents the club in various community activities to enhance the brand image of the club; broadens the reputation of the club by fulfilling the public obligations of the club as an engaged member of the community.
· Assists as needed in coordinating inter- and intra-committee activities.
· Serves as the final arbiter over inter-departmental matters and implements club policies concerning employee-employer relations.
· Provides the leadership in disseminating the club’s management philosophy of guiding all club personnel to achieve optimal operating results, employee morale and member satisfaction.
· In accordance with club policies and annual budgets, negotiates and recommends Board approval of contracts.
· In conjunction with Human Resources, establishes employee workloads, work methods and performance standards.
· Maintains relations with police, fire, liquor control board, health department and other governmental agencies.
· Provides direction to staff for purchasing, receiving, storage, issuing, preparation and control of all products, supplies, and equipment.
· Performs competitive analyses of clubs and other businesses providing similar member services through personal observations and various data sources
· Oversees risk management programs to ensure that adequate safety measures are in place to protect members, employees, and club assets.
· Manages emergencies such as fires, accidents and breaches of security or house rules promptly and in person. Emphasizes prevention through training, inspection, and enforcement.
· Gives input and direction to club vendors, outside contractors, firms, and individuals providing certain services to the club.
· Directs and provides content for the club newsletter and input for intra-club public relations communications and activities.
· Maintains relations with local, state, and national associations that promote the recreational sport of boating and sailing.
· Assists as needed in the sale and transfer of club memberships.
· Oversees the security of the club, its environs, and members’ safety and belongings.
· Performs other duties and functions as the Board of Stewards may direct that are consistent with the role of the GM/COO.
Candidate Qualifications
The Board of Directors is seeking a candidate who can best meet the qualifications outlined below:
A confident, visible, sincere, and capable leader with exceptional communication, listening and people skills are necessary qualities for a successful ‘fit’ in this role. Equally important is someone who consistently represents themselves to all members and staff with ‘class’ and in a professional manner. Building trust and confidence with all members and staff will be a critical factor for this individual to be a success as GM/COO.
Business skills and financial acumen are of paramount importance for the GM/COO who is responsible for the efficient and financially sound operation of the entire Club. He or she is the primary ‘driver’ behind preparation of the annual operating and capital budgets.
In the coming months, the Club’s Board would like to create Key Performance Indicators (metrics) for operations in all areas, and the GM/COO will play a pivotal role in defining these various metrics as well as installing monitoring/reporting methods to stay on top of ‘actual to budget’ results. Applying modern business metrics to Savannah Yacht Club’s financial model is a vital factor to achieving sustainable growth.
The ideal candidate must be able to recruit, train, mentor and evaluate staff talent and make a positive impact on developing, coaching, and providing effective motivation for the Club’s well-regarded and, in some cases, long tenured staff. Fostering a culture of camaraderie and teamwork throughout the Club at large is particularly important to the staff and membership. Primary to this overall expectation is the ability to deliver a team of friendly, engaging, and enthusiastic associates, sincere about serving the members, and highly competent in doing so. Building a consistent model of regular staff evaluation tools and benchmarking is an important priority of the Board of Stewards.
A strong skill set in Food and Beverage Operations and Staff Training is preferred. An energetic candidate with high-end brand experience is a plus. Special consideration will be extended to candidates that have a proven record with implementing family-oriented programming that appeals to younger audiences while also growing valued boating and sailing member participation.
Collaborating closely with the Club’s staff to deliver a high-quality banquet and event experience for members and their guests will be an important task and expectation of the new GM/COO.
It would be a bonus and of significant value if the candidate had experience in facilitating club renovation projects and implementing Strategic Plans.
Knowledge, experience, or interest in boating, sailing, or fishing would be helpful.
While every candidate may not have been born in the South, it will be important for the candidate to be able to share their understanding of ‘Southern hospitality and culture’ which guides the philosophy of the Club’s commitment to the service of its members and respect for its staff.
Preferred Candidate Experience
· 4 Year University Degree (Hospitality Major preferred)
· Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation or in current pursuit of this designation is desired
· 5 Years of Private Member-Owned Club experience as a General or Clubhouse Manager
· Verifiable background and experience in Food and Beverage
· Verifiable success in membership development and retention
· Examples (via cases studies) of role played in executing successful club renovations and capital projects.
· A proven record in staff development, communication, and training
· Outstanding references from Board Members at prior Clubs worked
· History of developing management team members who have advanced their Club careers
Summary
While the Club has enjoyed the support of boaters, sailors, and fisherman over the years, like other clubs in the market, there is increased interest by the members to see the Club’s amenities and services (primarily food and beverage) expanded and improved.
The Club has been slow to invest in capital improvements while other clubs in the market have made multi-million-dollar investments. That said, the Board of Stewards recognizes that there are infrastructure needs that must be addressed as well as deciding on how best to provide the membership with the quality of clubhouse facilities and services they are seeking. Consequently, there has been ongoing research and discussion as to whether the Club should invest in the construction of a new clubhouse or make the necessary capital improvements to the current facility.
The Board is about to update its Strategic Plan which makes the hiring of a new GM/COO very timely. They have also been working on a Facilities Master Plan to include a new pool kitchen and dining pavilion (scheduled to open this year) and other on-campus capital projects including the clubhouse.
The departing GM/COO was well liked and respected by the membership and after three years, has decided to return to California having accepted a new club management position.
This is a very engaged membership which can be attested to by the fact that 410 members participated in 2023 year-end electronic survey.
The GM/COO of the Savannah Yacht Club can be an exciting challenge for the right candidate who has a passion for engaging and serving the club’s membership and who possesses a strong background in the areas of food, beverage, staff training and leadership.
Expressions of Interest
A detailed resume, letter of interest and alignment (in that order) should be submitted by email. Confirmation of receipt will be sent. Your letter should fully describe your reasons for interest in the role, how you see yourself aligning with the stated needs and requirements, and anything else you believe pertinent to understanding your candidacy.
Interviews will begin in June with the chosen candidate expected to start within a few weeks of an accepted offer. Please be prepared for initial interviews to be conducted via Zoom.
IMPORTANT: Save your resume and letter in the following manner in Word or PDF format:
“Last Name, First Name Resume”
“Last Name, First Name Cover Letter”
Head Search Executive:
Signature Group
Bruce Lucker, CEO
Office Florida EST: (904) 595-6134
For private and confidential email for Savannah Yacht Club GM/COO candidates to submit resume and letter, or for any questions, please use: HR@thesignature-group.com
The Club should not be contacted directly.
Other Benefits
Salary and bonus targets are commensurate with experience. Savannah Yacht Club offers a competitive benefits package.
Please send resumes to:
HR@thesignature-group.com
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $200,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Holidays
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Experience:
- Operations management: 5 years (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Savannah, GA 31410: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person