Belle Meade Country Club General Manager/COO

GENERAL MANAGER/CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER PROFILE: BELLE MEADE COUNTRY CLUB NASHVILLE, TN GENERAL MANAGER/CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OPPORTUNITY AT BELLE MEADE COUNTRY CLUB Belle Meade Country Club, located in one of the most desirable areas of the country in Nashville, Tennessee, is seeking a new General Manager/Chief Operating Officer following the retirement of a long-tenured and beloved leader. Belle Meade Country Club is a distinguished and widely recognized club with a rich history. The Club embraces Southern hospitality and is seeking a leader who can guide strategic initiatives for the next generation, while respecting and preserving the culture that defines the membership experience. The ideal candidate will provide clear direction to the Belle Meade team, maintain strong visible engagement throughout the property, and champion best-in-class quality and service consistency. This individual will be proactive in team development and bring clear club expertise, innovation, and operational excellence across all areas of the club. Located in a highly competitive employment market, Belle Meade is seeking a partner to lead efforts to build and sustain a strong workforce. This includes understanding the current team's needs, implementing effective attraction and retention strategies, and positioning Belle Meade as a hospitality employer of choice in the Nashville area. The successful candidate will be a visible, engaging, and approachable communicator who can establish a strong working relationship with the Board and serve as a thoughtful partner in strategic planning. Experience in capital planning and project execution is essential, as the Club has a long-range capital plan with multiple projects scheduled across the amenities and golf course in the next several years. Above all, the next General Manager/Chief Operating Officer must bring presence, credibility, and professional gravitas to the role. Click here to view a brief video about this opportunity. ABOUT BELLE MEADE COUNTRY CLUB & COMMUNITY Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Nashville, Belle Meade Country Club is more than just a club - it's a lifestyle. At the historic clubhouse, Southern charm blends seamlessly with modern amenities. Members enjoy gourmet meals at multiple dining venues, both indoors and outdoors, network with fellow members, or simply unwind with a cocktail. The Club is home to a championship golf course designed by renowned architects and offers a challenge for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. Beyond golf, Belle Meade offers a state-of-the-art wellness center. Families will delight in our array of activities designed for all ages. From swimming to engaging in tennis matches on the courts. Belle Meade has eight state-of-the-art indoor tennis courts that utilize the Deco turf 11-layer cushion system - the same surface system required by the U.S. Open Tennis Championship, a total of ten Hydro-Grid outdoor courts, and four pickleball courts. In 1916, the Dutch Colonial clubhouse, made of cypress wood and painted white, opened to members. The name was officially changed to Belle Meade Country Club in 1921. The Belle Meade Country Club has had a storied history in Nashville for over a century, reflecting the community's growth and prosperity. From its inception, the Club, with its superb leadership and equally magnificent staff, has been renowned for its social activities and exceptional food service. Its history of parties, charitable galas, debutante balls, and wedding receptions is unsurpassed in Nashville. The mission statement at Belle Meade Country Club is: "To deliver an exceptional private club experience for Members and guests, marked by tradition, service excellence, and a welcoming community." BELLE MEADE COUNTRY CLUB BY THE NUMBERS: • Initiation Fee: $150,000 • Annual Dues: $10,656 • All membership categories: 1226 • Annual gross volume: Approximately $24.5 M • Annual F&B revenue: Approximately $7.2 M • Annual gross payroll: Approximately $10.5 M • Approximately 30,000 rounds of golf annually • There are 9 Board Members, each serving 3-year terms • There are 11 Committees: House, Green, Tennis & Rackets, Wellness, Pool, Membership, Long Range Planning, Finance & Compensation, Historical, Facilities and Design, and Safety & Security • POS Software: Jonas Encore; Accounting Software: Jonas Encore/Beanworks • Approximately 180 FTE; 45 Seasonal • Average member age: 63 • Tax Status: 501(c) (7) BELLE MEADE COUNTRY CLUB WEBSITE: www.bellemeadecc.org GENERAL MANAGER/CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - POSITION OVERVIEW The General Manager/Chief Operating Officer (GM/COO) is responsible for all day-to-day management of the Club. Reporting to the Board of Directors through the President, the GM/COO is charged with delivering an exceptional, member-centric experience, effectively managing resources to budgeted plans, inspiring a culture of excellence, and upholding the Club's long-standing values. The GM/COO will lead a seasoned management team, many of whom have a long tenure at the Club, and will promote a modern, metrics-driven management approach that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and high performance. Through thoughtful delegation and genuine engagement, the GM/COO will indirectly supervise all employees while maintaining a strong presence throughout all areas of operation. Outstanding communication skills are necessary for this role. As the primary communicator of much information at the Club, proven outstanding verbal and written skills are critical, as is a keen ability to listen, engage, build trust, and be highly approachable. As noted above, the GM/COO must serve as a strategic thought partner to the Board and Committees, guiding long-term planning, identifying opportunities for enhancement, and balancing tradition with evolving member expectations. As the membership continues to grow in diversity, particularly among younger families, the ability to blend timeless customs with contemporary relevance will be key to sustaining the Club's vibrancy. Above all, the next GM/COO must be a genuine, sincere, and unifying leader who fosters a sense of pride, purpose, and solidarity across the organization. He/she will build and nurture a team of friendly, competent, and service-driven professionals who reflect the Club's values in every interaction. Creating an environment where staff are inspired, empowered, and held accountable will be essential to sustaining the exceptional experience that members have come to expect. INITIAL PRIORITIES OF THE NEW GENERAL MANAGER/CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER PEOPLE/ORGANIZATIONAL PRIORITIES • Spend considerable time with the Board, Members, and Staff to listen and understand the culture and history of Belle Meade Country Club before making any significant changes. Be highly visible, approachable, and available. • Review and evaluate the current organizational chart and make a recommendation to the Board on any needed changes or enhancements. • Review current practices for staff recruitment, retention, and overall development/training/performance evaluation, and work with the Team to develop a plan for improvement in each area as appropriate. MEMBER EXPERIENCE • Evaluate and enhance the overall Belle Meade Country Club member experience. As part of this evaluation, pay close attention to the details that ensure a consistently successful member and staff experience - physical plant maintenance, standards and procedures, communication and responsiveness strategies, etc. OPERATIONS • Work collaboratively with the Board and management team to establish mutually agreed-upon key performance indicators, along with the essential data and metrics required to support informed strategic planning and effective operational oversight. • Assess the depth, participation, and effectiveness of club programming through data analysis and member feedback, using these insights to recommend enhancements, optimize utilization, and, where appropriate, consolidate or streamline offerings to ensure alignment with member interests and operational efficiency. • Examine the Club's financial standing, showcasing responsible fiscal management and accountability across both operating and capital budgets. STRATEGIC PLANNING • Serve as a strategic collaborator with the Board, contributing to the formulation of short and long-term goals and objectives. Work together to chart a course for implementing strategic plan initiatives. CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS • 7-10 years of General Management experience in similar multi-dimensional, member-owned, high-quality, private clubs or luxury hospitality operations is preferred. However, industry "Rising Stars" in a premier club environment with an outstanding track record of success will also be considered. • A proven businessperson from the club or hospitality industry with exceptional financial, budgeting, and business planning skills that have yielded verifiable results. In particular, the candidate must enjoy and embrace the challenge of strong fiscal management while also delivering the quality and range of services and innovative activities that enable the Club to attract and retain members and staff. • A proven track record of fiscal management and the ability to navigate complex budgets. • Strong general management skills with verifiable strengths in inspirational leadership, financial performance, "people" skills, and large-scale recreational amenity management. • A record of impeccable integrity, along with the personal attributes of being a highly visible, charismatic, passionate professional, and having outstanding membership relations, including possessing an appropriate sense of humor and humility. • Being known for positively mentoring and coaching department managers and employees, and demonstrating proven leadership skills in team building, employee motivation, and employee training programs. A proven track record of advancing employees in the industry is essential. • The proven ability to collaborate with the Board and Committees, and a strong ability to work with the Board to further establish and implement clear roles, responsibilities, and overall metrics for sustainable success. • A record of showing a high degree of initiative, innovation, and resourcefulness in directing the activities of a year-round, multi-faceted country club environment. Able to always demonstrate a consummately professional image to the staff and membership. • Demonstrate strong organizational skills and an obsession with covering the details necessary to consistently achieve high levels of quality, satisfaction, and outstanding member experiences. • A creative problem solver who approaches challenges with curiosity, strategic thinking, and a solutions-oriented mindset. Anticipate issues before they arise, think beyond conventional approaches, and engage the team in developing thoughtful, practical solutions that enhance operations and elevate the member experience. EDUCATIONAL AND CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS • A bachelor's degree is preferred, with a focus on Hospitality Management. • Substantial private club or hospitality experience will be considered in lieu of the degree. • Industry certifications such as CCM or CCE are encouraged but not required. EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. SALARY AND BENEFITS The salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Club offers an excellent bonus and benefits package. INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO APPLY Please upload your resume and cover letter in that order using the link below. You should have your documents fully prepared to be attached when prompted for them during the online application process. Please be sure your image is not present on your resume or cover letter; that should be used on your LinkedIn Profile. Prepare a thoughtful cover letter addressed to Mr. Lawson Allen, Club President, Belle Meade Country Club, and the search committee. Clearly articulate your alignment with this role, why you want to be considered for this position at this stage of your career, and why Belle Meade Country Club and the Nashville, TN area will benefit you, your family, your career, and the Club if selected. You must apply for this role as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, March 27, 2026. Candidate selections will take place in early April, with the first interviews expected in late April and the second interviews shortly thereafter. The successful candidate should assume their role as soon as reasonably possible after being hired. IMPORTANT: Save your resume and letter in the following manner: "Last Name, First Name - Resume" & "Last Name, First Name - Cover Letter -BMCC" (These documents should be in Word or PDF format) Note: Once you complete the application process for this search, you are not able to go back in and add additional documents. If you have any questions, please email Zak Kuebler: zak@kkandw.com Lead Search Executives: Michael G. Smith, CCM, CCE, ECM Search Executive O: (833) KKW-HIRE, ext. 719 M: (585) 794-6150 michael@kkandw.com Kurt D. Kuebler, CCM, CMAA Fellow Partner O: (833) KKW-HIRE, ext. 701 M: (407) 864-6798 kurt@kkandw.com