Apply on Employer Site

BoardRoom magazine · 3 days ago

General Manager / COO Saucon Valley Country Club

Bethlehem, PA

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

7+ years exp

BoardRoom magazine is representing Saucon Valley Country Club, a prestigious private club in the Lehigh Valley. The General Manager/COO will oversee all aspects of the Club's operations, ensuring exceptional member experiences while leading a diverse team and implementing strategic initiatives.

Publishing

Responsibilities

Provide proactive, high-quality leadership and uphold a positive, professional presence that reflects Saucon Valley's tradition of excellence. Ensure members receive premier service and consistent hospitality across all areas of the Club

Lead, mentor and inspire a seasoned team of department heads responsible for golf, racquets, aquatics, fitness, dining, lodging, grounds, facilities, finance and member services, fostering a collaborative, performance-driven culture

Coordinate closely with department leaders to optimize the member experience at all events, programs and daily touch-points throughout SVCC's expansive campus

Partner with Chairs of key member committees to ensure open communication, effective planning and alignment with Board directives and Club priorities

Lead the development, training and execution of service standards and operating policies across all departments, ensuring attention to detail and a “member-first” culture

Set the standard for effective management, demonstrating high levels of ethics, professionalism, accountability, creativity and operational excellence

Mentor, develop and retain top talent at all levels, including seasonal and specialized staff necessary for golf, racquets, aquatics, dining and hospitality operations

Work closely with the Board, HR and department heads on compensation, recruitment, benefits, performance reviews and significant personnel matters

Partner with the controller, treasurer and finance committee to develop the annual operating and capital budgets, long-range forecasts and financial strategies that support the Club's mission and future growth

Provide timely, accurate communication to the Board of Directors and committee chairs regarding operations, financial performance, capital projects and emerging issues

Oversee and report on all major projects, including the Club's extensive five-year capital plan and long-range initiatives such as the irrigation system replacement, golf practice facility and parking expansion, kitchen renovations at Weyhill Guest House and Villa Pazzetti, and exploration of a Golf Performance Center and Commissary

Maintain and continuously upgrade management information systems, ensuring strong reporting, analytics and performance metrics throughout the organization

Negotiate, evaluate and recommend contractual agreements, securing competitive bids and managing vendor relationships for significant projects and operational needs

Maintain an approachable, highly visible presence throughout the clubhouses, golf courses, racquets facilities, aquatics areas, dining venues, lodging facilities and grounds, fostering strong relationships with both members and staff

Collaborate with the golf professionals, racquets professionals, food and beverage leaders and other department heads to develop new programs, enhancements and revenue-generating opportunities aligned with member interests

Oversee marketing, communications and membership initiatives to strengthen engagement, reinforce brand identity and support continued membership demand

Serve as an ambassador for the Club within the greater community, promoting Saucon Valley's reputation and maintaining constructive relationships with local government, public service agencies and business partners

Coordinate and serve as an ex officio member of appropriate Club committees, ensuring strong governance practices, transparency and adherence to established roles and responsibilities

Qualification

Financial acumenOperational excellenceMulti-venue operationsLeadership experienceHospitality managementFoodBeverage knowledgeEvent managementTeam buildingMember engagementCommunication skillsEmotional intelligenceOrganizational skills

Required

A minimum of 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience as a General Manager/COO or senior executive at a premier private club or comparable high-end hospitality environment. An exceptional Assistant General Manager or 'rising star' with strong training, mentorship and demonstrated readiness may be considered

Proven experience overseeing multi-venue operations that include golf, racquets, aquatics, fitness, dining, events, lodging and large-scale facility or grounds management

Experience leading or participating in infrastructure projects or capital improvements, including facility renovations, course projects and long-range planning, is strongly required

Strong financial and analytical acumen, with demonstrated success in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting and long-term capital planning

Deep knowledge of Food and Beverage operations, banquet and event management and the ability to elevate dining experiences across multiple venues and member demographics

A track record of building, developing and mentoring high-performing teams, with exceptional leadership, communication and interpersonal skills

Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to manage complex operations, multitask effectively and drive performance measurement and continuous improvement initiatives

Familiarity with golf operations, course conditioning expectations, tournament preparation and broader industry trends impacting premier private clubs

A career history marked by stability, strong performance and a demonstrated commitment to excellence in private club management

A leader of exceptional integrity, professionalism and emotional intelligence, motivated, energetic, approachable and deeply committed to service excellence

Impeccable professional references are required; all candidates will undergo a comprehensive background check

Preferred

A Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration or a related field is preferred; however, significant private club or luxury hospitality leadership experience may be considered in lieu of a degree

Experience hosting or supporting a national USGA or PGA championship is highly valuable and preferred, though not required