Assistant General Manager - Urbana Country Club

THE ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER (AGM) OPPORTUNITY AT THE URBANA COUNTRY CLUB

An exceptional opportunity exists for a candidate with a successful track record of accomplishment, leadership, and high-quality operations management experience in private clubs, hotels, high-end restaurants or resorts.  We are conducting a search for the Assistant General Manager at Urbana Country Club in Urbana, IL.  The successful candidate will be an integral part of a high-performing team at this thriving Club, one acknowledged for its first-class amenities, high quality food and beverage program, quality work environment, and focus on continually ‘raising the bar’ for its members and staff.

The initial focus of the role is delivering an exceptional Food and Beverage experience, which is of primary importance to the social fabric and culture of the Club.  The ability to be consistently organized, innovative, and mentoring departmental leadership is the critical skill set required for success in this position.  Also important is the ability to intuitively embrace the need to be visible and highly interactive with members and staff; leadership in this area begins and ends with approachability and accessibility.

ABOUT URBANA COUNTRY CLUB

Golf was introduced at Urbana Country Club when the club was founded in 1922.  Originally designed by Scotsman Tom Bendelow the golf course has continued to evolve over its nearly 100 years of use. In 2024, the club completed a $10 million golf course renovation project including a new short game and driving range facility with Architect Drew Rogers.  This new golf experience is slated to open in May of 2025 with new USGA greens, Better Billy Bunkers with ProAngle Sand, cart paths and bentgrass playing surfaces.  There is a new gated entrance road experience and parking lot project currently underway at this time.  While embracing its deep, historical roots and traditions, Urbana Country Club is also advancing into the modern age of service offerings and distinguishing, private club experiences.

When longtime club member, Flex-N-Gate CEO and Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan took over the Urbana Country Club in 2008, it was losing members and running deficits. More than a decade later, the country club is growing and has embarked on a $25 million upgrade to its pool facility, adding a spa and eight guest suites. The upgrades come after a $5 million renovation to the clubhouse.

In addition to golf and tennis, the club offers world class amenities including a resort style swimming complex, Full Spa, state of the art fitness center, and eight exquisite overnight guest rooms for member and guest use. Dining at UCC is considered the best experience in town with the great food and an excellent service staff to satisfy casual to elegant dining options for the membership.

URBANA COUNTRY CLUB BY THE NUMBERS:

·        $4.5M Total Revenue

·        $2.5 M Dues Revenue

·        318 members – all categories

·        Initiation Fee - $15,000

·        FTE Employees – 50, Seasonal additions - 40

URBANA COUNTRY CLUB WEBSITE: www.ucc1922.com

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER (AGM) POSITION OVERVIEW

The AGM is responsible for the general operation of clubhouse functions relating most importantly to food and beverage and will quickly include housekeeping, facility maintenance, and ensure that all services exceed members’ and guests’ expectations. The AGM is responsible for all aspects of the Clubhouse operation in the absence of the General Manager/COO and performs specific tasks as requested. He/she will also assist in preparation of an annual food and beverage budget. He/she will develop an awareness of the “club culture” and is responsible for the dissemination of hospitality, friendliness, and goodwill among members, guests and staff. His/her goal is always to help members and guests enjoy the facilities and events of the club. The Assistant General Manager reports directly to the GM/COO.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Assistant General Manager will:

·        Be the primary coordinator of food and beverage, budgeting, hiring, orientation, coaching, training, menu development, inventory control, creating a culture of teamwork and the supervision of associates to ensure all is done in accordance with approved Club policies compliance with governmental regulations.

·        Have a passion and aptitude for teaching and training.  Develop and enhance training programs for all food service personnel, working, as necessary, with the managers responsible for those operations.

·        Have a strong and highly visible and respectful presence with the membership, be an exceptional communicator, have adroit interpersonal skills, and the maturity to instinctively know how to treat members and guests with a high-level of service. He or she must be able to communicate these expectations to a staff with diverse backgrounds and motivate them positively to understand and execute to those expectations.

·        Be an active and dynamic recruiter of team members and someone who inherently enjoys developing and building his/her team and leading them to significant, positive membership satisfaction outcomes.

·        Ensure that an effective orientation and onboarding program exists in all areas of responsibility, along with consistent professional development and training.

·        Establish standard operating procedures, procurement and processes for the operational execution of all food and beverage on the club property. 

·        Oversee dining areas to ensure smooth and consistent experience commonality of service standards, high levels of member and guest satisfaction, quality food products and exemplary service in conjunction with dining room staff and the Executive Chef.

·        Be a focused and consistent evaluator of personnel, ensuring that standards of conduct and delivery are met; this includes oversight of high standards of appearance, hospitality, service, and cleanliness of the clubhouse facilities.

·        Conduct and/or oversee training programs for food service personnel on various issues including service techniques, knowledge of menu items and daily specials, sanitation, team building and conflict resolution; regularly test and evaluate knowledge and understanding of these expectations.

·        Responsible for the proper accounting and reconciliation of the point-of-sale system (NorthStar) and member revenues.

·        Develop and implement marketing programs to increase dining room, lounge, banquet and general participation in F & B related activities.

·        Hold daily and weekly staff meetings with direct reports to keep them informed of necessary and relevant activities and expectations at the Club.  Assist in planning and be responsible for ensuring that special club events are well-conceived and executed.

·        Oversee all banquets and social functions, including member and member sponsored events.

·        Be responsive to members’ requests for menu selections, event planning, etc., and strive to find creative ways to accommodate reasonable requests.

·        Clearly understand the metrics for successful attainment of financial goals and objectives in F&B operations, and consistently review these expectations with his or her direct reports to ensure understanding and ‘buy-in’ from those contributing to their attainment.

·        Develop and monitor plans, budgets and procedures to provide direction and controls for food and beverage operations; implement corrective procedures as necessary to help ensure that budget goals are attained.

·        Recommend, monitor and manage policies, operating procedures and staffing for all F & B areas; recognize the needs and consistently perform to high levels of service in each of these operating areas.

·        Ensure adherence to, and compliance with, all health, safety, liquor consumption, and all other food and beverage regulations.  Keep current on all matters pertaining to the food and beverage industry.

·        Be responsible for the management of all alcoholic beverage inventories and purchases.

·        Consistently monitor payroll and labor resource allocations to ensure they are in line with financial forecasting and goals.

·        Be a collaborative team player who is willing to be “hands on” when necessary but understands when to step back and lead the team.

·        Involve associates in the decision-making process of how ‘work gets done’ and creates a work environment people want to come to and participate every day.

·        Establish and consistently enhance operating standards for personnel in areas of responsibility and consistently evaluate knowledge, understanding and execution to these high standards.

·        Ensure effective and efficient staffing and scheduling for all facilities and functions while balancing financial objectives with member satisfaction goals.

·        Work closely with the Executive Chef to facilitate a strong relationship between kitchen and front of the house staff.

·        Ensure that associates clearly understand performance expectations and that assigned tasks are reasonable, well-conceived and appropriately conveyed. Provide resources necessary to allow employees to perform their jobs effectively and create an exceptional ambience for members and guests.

·        Establish and uphold expectations for dress, decorum, and other service standards and consistently always monitor for adherence.

·        Take personal ownership of his or her area of responsibility, with special attention to the physical plant and overall appearance of the operation and understand the need to be consistently “member ready” in appearance.

Requirements

·       A college degree is preferred with a major in Hospitality, Finance, and/or Business management or a minimum of four to six years of Food & Beverage management experience in a high-volume facility or an equivalent combination of related education and experience.

. Must be able to pass a background check and 10 panel drug screen

Is a passionate leader with strong food and beverage credentials and a proven track record of providing premier -level hospitality services, with a personality that is commensurately appropriate for UCC culture.

·        Is a proven food and beverage leader who can manage his/her time and establish priorities, to which he/she is accountable to execute against.

·        Has a verifiable track record of successfully leading and growing a dynamic food and beverage program and clubhouse operations including building revenues, controlling costs, and meeting or exceeding planned and budgeted bottom line goals and objectives.

·        Is a “relationship” person who is successful in finding solutions with all sides in mind.

·        Has an in-depth knowledge of wine, beer, and spirits. Has a thorough knowledge of multi-dimensional à la carte dining services, training, and service standards and processes as well as strong and verifiable skills in developing and growing catering sales and banquets.

·        Is a highly motivated individual who is confident in his/her abilities and yet humble in personality; a person who can share the credit with their staff for achievements made as well as take responsibility when standards are not met.

·        Has a positive attitude and is professional in nature with a high degree of integrity, strong work ethic, and can handle a fast paced, high energy environment and clientele.

·        Exhibits a continuous desire to improve him/herself and a track record of developing strong and upwardly successful associates and direct reports.

·        Understands golf and court sports and is knowledge of the traditions of the games.

·        Is a confident, proactive team builder who has a history of attracting, developing, and retaining high performance staff.

·        Has an intuitive style resulting in a sincere and visibly engaged presence with members, guests, and staff; a truly engaging “people person.”

·        Has a fundamental understanding of what constitutes a “premier club experience” and the proven ability to execute to that level.

·        A professional career track record of food and beverage achievement and stability with experience in a high volume, highly respected club, resort or hotel.

·        Proven leadership qualities with demonstrated ability to direct, coordinate and manage all facets of club operation.

·        Must have excellent computer skills, including extensive use of Microsoft Office programs.

·        Possessing financial acumen to understand club financials and manage budgets.

·        An overriding sense of quality consciousness that pervades every part of the clubhouse operation. This includes a high quality, courteous and efficient staff.

·        Sound and current knowledge of human resources practices, including wage and hour laws, employment and discharge, equal opportunity employment, OSHA and the full range of employee benefits.

·        Strong verbal and written communications skills. Comfortable speaking in front of a wide variety of groups including staff. Communication with members, guests, and visibility are important attributes of the incoming Assistant General Manager.

Benefits

Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The club, along with the typical CMAA benefits, offers an excellent benefit package including relocation assistance.

Date Available: February 3, 2025