About the Role
Overview
GENERAL MANAGER / CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER PROFILE
Irish Creek Country Club
Kannapolis, North Carolina
THE OPPORTUNITY
Irish Creek Country Club is entering one of the most exciting chapters in its history.
Under new ownership, the Club is beginning a renovation that will redefine the member experience and position Irish Creek Country Club as one of the premier private clubs in the Rowan County and greater Charlotte region. This transformation presents a rare opportunity for an experienced club executive to lead a respected club through a period of growth while preserving its traditions and strengthening its culture.
The successful candidate will serve as both General Manager and Chief Operating Officer, partnering directly with ownership to lead daily operations, build an exceptional leadership team, oversee the renovation process, and create an outstanding member experience.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Irish Creek Golf Club is seeking a dynamic and engaging GM/COO to lead the club through an exciting period of growth and transformation.
With new ownership and a planned clubhouse renovation, this is a unique opportunity for an experienced leader to help shape the future of one of the region's premier golf properties. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership while overseeing the daily operations of the club, ensuring exceptional experience for the members, guest and employees.
The GM/COO will serve as a leader of the management team, working closely with the Head of Golf Professional and Golf Course Superintendent to deliver a first-class golf and hospitality experience. In addition, this individual will play a key role in planning and executing the clubhouse renovation, developing the food and beverage operation and recruiting a talented team to support the club's long-term vision.
The ideal candidate is a visible and approachable leader who believes great clubs are built by developing great people. This individual will create a culture of hospitality, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement while maintaining sound financial stewardship and operational excellence.
Experience Required
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will be an engaging, visible, and servant-minded leader who enjoys building relationships with members and employees alike.
They will possess:
A minimum of 5 years of successful experience as a General Manager or General Manager/Chief Operating Officer of a private country club or premier hospitality organization.
Demonstrated success leading clubs through renovations, capital improvements, or significant operational growth
Outstanding leadership and team-building skills with a proven ability to recruit, mentor, and retain exceptional department heads.
Strong financial and business acumen.
Extensive knowledge of private club operations, including food and beverage, golf, clubhouse operations, membership, and events.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
A visible leadership style with a genuine passion for member engagement.
High personal integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
Ability to work collaboratively with ownership and department leaders
LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS
The successful candidate will be:
Servant Leadership
Visionary yet operationally engaged
High Integrity
Highly visible and approachable
Member focused
Passionate about hospitality
Financially disciplined
Collaborative and relationship driven
Emotional Intelligence
A confident decision maker
An exceptional communicator
A builder of people, teams, and culture
Essential Responsibilities
Key Leadership Responsibilities
Leadership & Culture
Create a culture built on hospitality, professionalism, accountability and teamwork
Develop and mentor department leaders while encouraging professional growth throughout the organization
Foster an environment where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed.
Serve as a visible leader who builds meaningful relationships with members, guests, employees and the surrounding community
Club Operations
Provide overall leadership for all club operations
Ensure safety for all members, employees and facility
Partner closely with the Head of Golf Professional and Golf Course Superintendent to ensure consistently exceptional golf experience
Establish service standards that elevate every aspect of the member and guest experience
Oversee the successful operation of golf, clubhouse, food and beverage, events and maintenance dept
Actively engage in recruiting, hiring and developing of all personnel
Club Renovations/Capitol Project Management
Collaboration with ownership, architects, contractors and department leaders throughout the clubhouse renovation process
Help develop operational plans to minimize disruption while maintaining a positive member experience
Prepare organization for the successful reopening of renovated facilities
Food and Beverage Leadership
Lead the development of Irish Creek's food and beverage program
Recruit, hire and mentor an experienced Food and Beverage Manager
Establish service standards, operating procedures, staffing plans and financial objectives that support long-term success
Establish events integrating club activities each month bringing current trends and best practices forward
Financial Leadership
Develop annual operating and capital budgets
Monitor financial performance while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability
Utilize data and thoughtful planning to support sound business decisions
Work closely with ownership to ensure operational goals align with the club's long-term vision
Holds departments accountable for meeting budget goals
Oversee the implementation and maintenance of all systems' hardware, software and networking programs
Member & Guest Experience
Build authentic relationships with members and guests through a highly visible presence
Listen to member feedback and continually seek opportunities to improve the overall club experience
Ensure every department delivers service that reflects the club's values and commitment to hospitality
Create and recommend any new programs, gain new memberships, retain existing members as well as increase member engagement while improving member satisfaction
Golf Course/Tennis/Pickleball/Grounds Management
Provide oversight and support to grounds management team; including budget, implementation and capitol programming
Develops and monitors an environment where the implementation of best practices acts to continually improve the member golf, tennis and pickleball experience
Works with directors to ensure the retail operation provides the highest quality merchandise and varied selections
Helps support departments and values of PGA/USTA/DUPR
Benefits
Compensation & Benefits
Anticipated Salary Range $125,000 +, commensurate with experience and qualifications
Benefits include:
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
PGA of America and CMAA Membership Dues
Continuing Education and Professional Development
Industry Conference Attendance
Additional Benefits to be discussed during interview process