Old Westbury Golf & Country Club
Old Westbury, NY
General Manager/Chief Operating Officer (GM/COO)
The Club
The story of Old Westbury goes back prior to the turn of the century when William C. Whitney, then Secretary of the Navy, purchased the property and built the estate and tower in 1887. He also built the stables, which housed many great thoroughbred horses.
In 1904 the estate passed on to his son Harry Payne Whitney who also maintained a string of horses, one of which won the 1915 Kentucky Derby. Gloria Vanderbilt lived on the estate during the 1930s. The estate was inherited by Cornelius Vanderbilt “Sonny” Whitney in 1942. He demolished the old mansion and that same year built the mansion, which has become the Old Westbury clubhouse.
In 1961, the newly-formed Old Westbury Golf & Country Club purchased 200 acres of the estate, including the mansion house, tennis house, polo buildings, stables and tower.
The club recently completed a major clubhouse expansion adding additional dining, bar, meeting and kitchen facilities. In addition to the main clubhouse the property also houses its golf course maintenance operations in the historic stables facility. Adjacent to the main clubhouse the tennis and fitness center houses athletic facilities and an incredible indoor tennis court. Golf facilities include 27 holes of championship golf as well as expansive practice facilities. The clubhouse sits atop a hill with commanding views of Long Island and the surrounding area, and the golf courses feature diverse rolling terrain, beautiful wooded areas, and water features.
The Club’s golf courses are some of its most revered assets. The 27 holes are some of the most scenic and challenging anywhere in the state. In addition to the Overlook/Woods being ranked the
22nd best course in the state of New York by Golf Digest, Old Westbury hosted the 2013 Met Open and has played host to numerous other local, regional, and state golf events.
The club owns a private residence on the grounds, which serves as the GM/COO’s home. The home is within the Jericho Public School district which US News & World report lists in the top 100 districts in the nation for 2013.
The club’s membership is predominantly Jewish however there are no restrictions as such to become a member.
Club Facts
Golf: 27 holes – Three nines; Blue Grass, Overlook, and Woods Tennis: 13 outdoor courts (11 Har Tru, 2 hard) and one indoor court Aquatics: Two outdoor swimming pools
Rounds of golf per year: Approximately 20,300
Annual gross dollar volume: Approximately $13,800,000.00 Annual food and Beverage sales: Approximately $3,700,000.00 Gross annual payroll: Approximately $5,800,000.00
Joining fee: $20,000.00
Annual Dues: $27,100.00 (full charge member)
Total number of members all categories: Approximately 475 Board of Governors is comprised of 15 members (4 officers). The Club operates under section 501 (C)(3) of the IRS code Peak staffing levels: 220 associates
Please visit the website at: www.owgolf.com
The Role
General Manager/Chief Operating Officer (GM/COO)
Reporting to the President and Board of Governors, the GM/COO will function as a true Chief Operating Officer responsible for all aspects of Club operations. All department managers will report to the GM/COO including the Director of Finance, Clubhouse Manager, Executive Chef, Head Golf Professional, Golf Course Superintendent, Head Tennis Professional, Fitness Director, Pool Director, Special Events Director, and Executive Assistant.
The GM/COO is responsible for managing all operations of the Club consistent with the policies established by the Board of Governors and the By-Laws and rules of the Club. The GM/COO will report directly to the Board President and Board of Governors and will be responsible for all operational aspects of the Club’s day to day operations. In addition, the GM/COO will collaborate with the Board of Governors in an advisory capacity regarding all matters of long range, strategic,
and financial planning, as well as directing and coordinating all management facets of the Club. The GM/COO will liaise and collaborate with committees and committee chairs to ensure the goals and objectives of the Club are achieved, and will be held accountable for the standards and
operating results of all of the functional and operational aspects of the club.
Of utmost importance will be the GM/COO’s ability to lead and motivate the senior management team to establish and provide the highest possible member experience for Club members and
their guests. Implementation and maintenance of the highest service standards delivered
consistently is a critical component of success.
Successful administration of the ‘business’ of Old Westbury, while meeting annual strategic goals and expectations is critical, as is maintaining high member satisfaction levels in the course of doing so.
In addition to leading all management functions in the operation with gross revenues exceeding $13.8M, food and beverage revenues in excess of $3.7M, and a staff of over 200 associates, the Club’s top executive will lead the preparation of annual operating and capital budgets in
conjunction with the Director of Finance and under the approval of the Board of Governors. The General Manager must be highly skilled in all matters pertaining to the financial planning and management of a multimillion dollar operating budget. The GM/COO is a collaborative partner with the Board developing strategic plans that will carry the club forward.
Food and beverage operations are a significant portion of the member experience at Old Westbury and the General Manager must have significant food and beverage experience and expertise. Focus on the food and beverage operations will be critical for short and long term success at Old Westbury. In addition, the new General Manager must be technologically savvy and comfortable with multimedia communication methods to ensure the club is on the cutting edge of member engagement, communications, and awareness.
The GM/COO role is clearly the most significant role within Old Westbury Golf & Country Club. This executive will be primarily responsible and ultimately accountable for all matters of importance and consequence at the Club, including the organizational structure and senior management/leadership team ensuring that club goals and member expectations are consistently achieved.
Initial Priorities of the GM/COO
With the expectation that the new GM will commence his/her role shortly into the new year of 2014, the following priorities have been identified as recommended primary focus:
Observe, listen, ask questions and learn about the culture and heritage of Old Westbury.
Spend time with the team (staff in all areas of operations), getting to know them, their abilities and aspirations, consistently using this time to further communicate the vision and mission of Old Westbury.
Review and revise as necessary all management/leadership personnel position descriptions
and responsibilities to ensure they are appropriately aligned with club objectives.
Review all club purchasing and control protocols to ensure appropriate checks and balances
exist to manage and protect club inventory and assets.
Assess all club facilities to identify priorities and standards for organization, cleanliness,
function, and efficient operations.
Dedicate considerable time with the Director of Finance and Administration to understand
the history of the Club from financial and other perspectives, and to develop this critical, mutually supportive and necessary relationship.
Develop the Board and Committee relationship, developing a strong bond and
communication exchange of diplomatic openness.
Review all food and beverage standards and redefine expectations for all aspects of food
preparation, presentation, and creativity. Ensure all service standards and expectations are clearly defined and staff are well trained to consistently execute a high service standard in all aspects of the food and beverage operation.
Work with all department managers to assess current member service goals and strategies.
Develop comprehensive service training and accountability procedures to ensure the member experience is consistent, warm, and welcoming in all areas of operation.
The successful candidate will be active and well respected in his or her local and national CMAA organization. A college degree and the CCM designation are preferred.
This position is available immediately.
Salary: Open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The club, along with the typical CMAA benefits, offers an excellent bonus and benefit package.
Inquiries:
Interested candidates should submit resumes and a thoughtful, detailed cover letter outlining one’s alignment with the above noted qualifications and expectations for the position. Those documents should be saved and emailed in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name Resume” and “Last Name, First Name Cover Letter” respectively) to:
Click this link to upload your resume and cover letter (Word or PDF format). or email to:
Nan Fisher
nan@kopplinandkuebler.com Scottsdale Office
480-443-9102
Firm Website: www.kopplinandkuebler.com Contact
Kurt Kuebler Greg DeRosa