Organization

Great Hills Country Club, established in 1973, is a private, member-owned club nestled in the rolling hills of Northwest Austin. The Club features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by PGA legend Don January and architect Billy Martindale. In 1985, members purchased the Club from its developers, fostering a close-knit community that values family traditions and lifelong friendships.

In 2018, the Club underwent a significant transformation with a $12 million renovation project. This development introduced a new two-story, 27,000-square-foot clubhouse, enhancing dining and social spaces, and a 4,500-square-foot recreation building, expanding amenities for members.

Looking ahead, Great Hills Country Club is committed to continuous improvement. In 2024, members approved a $22.3 million enhancement project focusing on the golf course and clubhouse. Planned upgrades include replacing the original irrigation system, renovating greens and bunkers, and enhancing the practice facility. Clubhouse improvements aim to create a quiet dining space, a casual family bistro, a new outdoor bar and a children's playscape area. Construction is set to begin in October 2025, with a grand reopening anticipated in spring 2027.

These initiatives reflect the Club's dedication to providing exceptional experiences for its members and ensuring its facilities remain at the forefront of excellence.

Great Hills Country Club Details

• 625 Member Families
• 450 Golf Members
• 8 Lighted Tennis Courts
• 4 Dining Outlets: Legends Lounge, Fairview Room, Arboretum Room and Outdoor patio
• Swimming Pool (open year round; restricted access October to May)
• Fitness Center (open 7 days a week)
• 22,000 Annual Golf Rounds
• $11M Gross Revenues
• $4M F&B Revenues
• 100 Full-time Employees
• Average Membership Age – Mid-50s
• Profile of New Member (42-year-old couple with two children. Half the members have joined in the past 6 years.)
• POS/Accounting System - Northstar
• Open 6 Days Per Week

Position Overview

The GM/COO has full responsibility and ownership over the day-to-day operations of the Great Hills Country Club (GHCC) while leading all Club operations in pursuit of excellence consistent with brand strategy and policies established and approved with and by the Board of Directors. The GM/COO must deliver daily the member commitment of offering the finest in member service, and experience as well as must have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the current by laws and policies of the Club.

The GM/COO is responsible for managing the entire inventory of key assets (physical and staff), including golf, tennis, food and beverage, front-of-the-house operations, member events, maintenance, housekeeping, accounting, communications, membership, member services, security and future Club amenities. The GM/COO must be a "hands-on" strong motivator with excellent leadership skills supported by solid ethics of honesty, integrity, trust, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and uphold a proactive presence. The GM/COO must set the highest operational quality standards with a specific daily emphasis on consistently enhancing an extraordinary lifestyle experience for GHCC members and their guests.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the GM/COO is responsible for managing and implementing the Club's annual fiscal operating budget and long-term business plans. The GM/COO will lead and be responsible for all senior management and Club operations in attaining the agreed-upon levels of excellence consistent with desired financial results. The GM/COO must be a "hands-on" leader with a defined "coach training" leadership style when partnering and directing the executive team to establish the Club's annual fiscal operating and capital budgets, subject to the Board of Directors' approval. The GM/COO will coordinate and work collaboratively with the Club's committee chairs to lead and assist with the development of member conduct standards, Club policies, rules, procedures, programs and events. The GM/COO is the responsible leader to work with the Board of Directors in developing a strategic planning process, ensuring the future direction of the Club aligns with the goals of the membership.

The GM/COO will be the visible and present, go-to leader, often taking the role of "town mayor" of the Club. The GM/COO is directly responsible for handling and resolving all member correspondence, issues or complaints within a 24- to 48-hour period. The GM/COO must be capable, when necessary, of having a direct, respectful and thoughtful discussion with members regarding expectations and conduct. The GM/COO will deliver a Club culture of family serving family, assuring the GHCC is an extension of the members' home.

The GM/COO will be responsible for leading all employees of the GHCC to ensure the highest level of service is offered to GHCC members by providing them with personal, gracious and professional service at all times.

Responsibilities

• Implement general policies established by the Board of Directors and direct their administration and execution.
• Plan, develop and approve specific operational policies, programs, procedures and regulations in alignment with Board-approved policies.
• Coordinate the development of the Club's long-range and annual business plans.
• Develop, maintain and administer a sound organizational plan, including succession planning for key executive positions.
• Establish and monitor compliance with purchasing policies and procedures.
• Oversee the care and maintenance of all Club physical assets and facilities, ensuring high-quality amenities at all times.
• Coordinate and serve as an ex-officio member of appropriate Club committees, acting as a liaison between management staff and the Board.
• Prepare reports, financial statements, forecasts and budget recommendations for Board approval.
• Monitor monthly budgets, financial statements and cash flow while establishing controls to safeguard Club funds.
• Direct and oversee all Club operations, including food and beverage, sports, recreation, entertainment and member services.
• Ensure proper cleanliness, sanitation and safety measures across all Club facilities.
• Establish service deliverable metrics and implement systems (surveys, apps, comment cards) to monitor service standards and member satisfaction.
• Develop and coordinate marketing and membership relations programs to attract and retain members.
• Serve as the Club's primary representative in community activities and maintain relationships with local authorities.
• Maintain membership with the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) and attend industry workshops to stay informed of best practices.
• Work with department heads to schedule, supervise and manage Club employees, including personnel-related matters such as compensation and performance evaluation.
• Review and initiate member event programming to enhance engagement and satisfaction.
• Negotiate and recommend Board approval for contracts.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state and federal laws.
• Handle emergencies such as fires, accidents and security breaches in person.
• Direct purchasing, receiving, storage and inventory control of Club products and supplies.
• Perform competitive analyses of other clubs and businesses to provide member-alternative insights.
• Direct the writing and publication of Club Communications.
• Perform additional duties as directed by the President or Board of Directors.

Key Attributes & Leadership Expectations

• Professionalism & Integrity – Maintains confidentiality, honesty and integrity while treating others with kindness, respect and discretion.
• Communication & Leadership – Outgoing, professional and effective communicator with members, guests, vendors and staff. Possesses excellent supervisory and financial acumen.
• Operational Excellence – Oversees and enhances procedures, strategies and compliance with Club policies to ensure seamless operations.
• Member Experience & Engagement – Creates a vibrant Club atmosphere through exceptional service, innovative programming and a dynamic event calendar. Continuously enhances food and beverage and retail experiences to drive engagement and participation.
• Proactive & Detail-Oriented – Thoughtful listener and hands-on leader who inspects expectations daily, addresses issues promptly, and takes action to improve and innovate Club offerings.

Qualifications & Experience

• A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive leadership/top-level general management experience in a high-quality, private member-owned club, with multi-dimensional operations, or leading operations outside of the club industry of similar dynamic, quality and relevant operation. The Club will consider well-mentored "rising stars" (AGMs), but only from similarly large scale, high quality recognized clubs.
• A BS or BA degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university, preferably in hospitality management.
• A CCM and CCE designation or similar accreditation outside of the Club industry is desirable.
• Requires management and leadership skills necessary for success (as demonstrated and verified record of previous success in multiple clubs or resorts).
• Requires a high degree of culinary, golf operations, agronomy, new remodel and construction, executive COO ability, especially in problem-solving, creating and decision making.
• Must have the ability to be a master communicator -- communicate with excellent oral and written skills.
• Must possess a working proficiency of computer skills and knowledge on all GHCC software including MS - Exchange, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Recipe and Cost Control software and POS / Club Software Programs (GHCC uses Club Essentials).
• Excellent human relations skills, with a talent for motivating, mentoring and empowering their staff.
• Ability to function under pressure, set priorities and adjust to changing conditions.
• Has a demonstrated high work ethic, patience, coach training leadership style, with a sense of responsibility for the GM/COO leadership position (as defined by the CMAA GM/COO leadership model).
• Applicant must possess a passion for providing high-quality member service and a commitment to exceeding expectations by setting operational standards, benchmarks and daily inspection of all services.

Competitive Compensation

• A full-time salaried position with a full benefits package
• Performance bonus
• Paid time off
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance per GHCC Employee Benefits Package
• Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience

Individuals who meet or exceed the established criteria detailed in this position profile and posting are encouraged to send both a cover letter and resume

Note: The preferred method of contact is email. Please send your cover letter, resume, and portfolio showcasing your work in PDF format, attached via email with the subject line: General Manager/COO, Great Hills Country Club to the email address below.

Tara Osborne
Principal
tara@gsiexecutivesearch.com
512-965-5643

GSI Executive Search has been serving the private club industry for thirty years, providing a wide range of executive search and placement services. In addition to GM searches that have been performed recently, GSI consultants have done over 100 GM searches around the US in the last two years.