THE RACQUET CLUB OF LAKE BLUFF LAKE BLUFF (CHICAGO), IL GENERAL MANAGER POSITION PROFILE The Racquet Club of Lake Bluff (RCLB) seeks a General Manager (GM) who, on behalf of the club's private ownership, will provide strategic leadership towards the club's mission. This broad-based role entails managing all aspects of the Club including operational, staff leadership, financial, marketing, facilities, member programs, and ensuring excellent member experiences.
About The Club The Racquet Club of Lake Bluff has been serving up the North Shore's finest tennis for nearly 50 years by delivering the region's best programs, instruction, and facilities. The club is home to hundreds of tennis players of all levels and generations that participate in a wide variety of activities including instructional programs, team tennis and social events. The club's philosophy is to ensure that those who love tennis can enjoy the sport, develop new skills with the support of a world-class professional staff, and access court time to put those skills to the test.
Mission: With certified professionals and top-tier programs and facilities, the RCLB is dedicated to advancing the game of tennis for both adults & children.
Philosophy: Serving up the North Shore's finest tennis for nearly 50 years, RCLB provides cutting edge teaching methodologies to ensure that players maximize their playing potential.
Instruction: RCLB offers instructional programs for both aspiring and experienced player alike, and the opportunity to learn fundamentals, key strategies, and practice, practice, practice!
Facilities: With a facility that features amenities for instruction, drills, camps, tournament play, and special events, The RCLB offers programs for every age and level of tennis experience. Member amenities include:
- 8 indoor Plexipave tennis courts with state-of-the-art LED lighting
- Full locker rooms with security coded lockers, showers, personal hygiene amenities and towels
- Fitness area with cardio and strength training equipment
- Lounge with TV, court viewing areas and complimentary Wi-Fi access
- Pro shop with apparel, shoes, accessories, tennis racquets, and more
- Private club parking
This Position By the Numbers - At present, there are approximately 900 members in all categories
- Average age of Members is early/mid 40 years of age
- Overall revenues are $3MM - $4MM
- Full-time/seasonal employees at peak season: 12 (FTE) + 13 (Seasonal)
- The Club uses the Club Automation system for POS and accounting
About The Location Lake Bluff, IL is located at the northernmost point of the North Shore. Known for its quality of life, the North Shore has a reputation as one of the most desirable places to live in Chicago. Lake Bluff boasts a beautiful lakefront and charming downtown where events and festivals are hosted. The Village of Lake Bluff stands apart from other communities because of its culture of laid-back, down-to-earth atmosphere. The town, which has a population of nearly 5,800 residents, is situated only 35 miles north of downtown Chicago. Despite being located relatively close to Illinois' largest city; Lake Bluff provides residents with a charming and quaint atmosphere.
About The Opportunity The General Manager (GM) is engaging and energetic in style and, with the support of a committed staff, is responsible for the overall operation and management of all club operations. The GM provides professional leadership and a consistent positive demeanor for the Club, ensuring members enjoy premier service, quality facilities, and an exciting calendar of events. Through continual monitoring of the quality of the Club's facilities and services, the GM will develop and update plans for maintenance and continual improvement and upgrades to ensure maximum member satisfaction. To ensure consistency and a reliable degree of high service, the GM will develop, implement, and maintain operating policies and procedures for all Club activities and services and direct the work for all club elements and related personnel. Working hand in hand with the club's teaching professionals, coaches, and support staff, the GM will lead a renewed commitment to further building upon the club's high level of service and membership experience.
Reporting to the Managing Partner, the GM will excel in these core competencies: Financial Management - Creating and managing the operating budget and providing timely reports on variances and projected or necessary adjustments.
- Monitor, analyze, and project organizational cash flow.
- Oversee the financial management of the pro shop.
- Ensure timely development of financial reports and realistic projections.
- Improve internal controls, financial reporting, and budget management procedures.
- Oversee key staff including Administrative Manager/ Front Desk Manager to ensure all bank deposits, member billing is performed accurately.
Staff Management & Development - Provide staff with regular, supportive feedback as well as timely formal performance evaluations.
- Responsible for performance evaluations and staff supervision. i
- Oversee staff hiring, training and discipline
- Design processes by which staff and program performance and efficiency are objectively measured.
- Work with Director of Tennis to ensure tennis programming is staffed properly and Club is providing exceptional member experiences.
Facilities Management - Oversees Club facilities and schedule ongoing maintenance and inspections to ensure an optimum experience for members.
- Develop and manage a preventative maintenance plan and checklists for housekeeping.
- Meet all vendors on a scheduled basis, including reviewing performance to agreed upon written agreements.
Communication, Member Services & Club Marketing - Market club programming and plan for future sessions/camps and activities with Director of Tennis and Administration Manager.
Update the Managing Partner of relevant operational challenges, immediate and long-term capital needs of the Club, and any staffing issues.
Qualifications: Personal Traits / Experience / Education / Certification The RCLB GM is a confident self-starter with a passion for leadership, innovation, and member service with a successful record in leadership positions. The GM consistently exhibits positive personal traits that include:
- A deep commitment to personal growth and the growth of team members.
- A strong sense of urgency and an ability to manage multiple priorities.
- A deep desire to grow a business and explore new opportunities.
- An understanding of, and a commitment to excellence in a private club.
The ideal candidate has a minimum of five (5) years of experience in a leadership role in a private club environment. Ideally, the GM holds a BS or BA degree from an accredited college or university, , or in lieu of a degree, has extensive and verifiable successful experience in similar positions over a successful career.
Compensation / Benefits / Professional Support The salary is open and commensurate and targeted to a range of $135,000 to $145,000 based on qualifications and experience, plus a bonus potential of upt to 20% of base salary which will be based on to be agreed upon metrics of profitability, member satisfaction and revenue growth. The Club is committed to continuing education and the compensation package shall include the payment of national and local CMAA/USPTA/PTR dues and an annual educational reimbursement stipend. The Club offers a generous benefits package which includes:
- Paid Vacation
- Family Health Insurance (PPO)
- Annual Retirement Contribution
Application Process & Deadline When completing your application, you will be asked to complete a brief application and submit your resume and Cover Letter, which should be
addressed to the attention of the club's Managing Partner, Mr. Dan Bruch. Your Cover Letter should clearly articulate how your successful experience and skills are aligned with the position, and why you believe you are a great fit with the requirements of the role. You should also state why you wish to be considered for this position at this stage of your career, and why you believe the Racquet Club of Lake Bluff and the Chicago North Shore area would be a good fit for you and your family if you are selected. When your Cover Letter is complete, please be prepared to upload it and your updated resume, while completing the Online Applications. Your documents should be in this format:
- Save As (Word Document or PDF Format only) with a filename as:
- LastName_GeneralManager_RCLB_Resume
- LastName_GeneralManager_RCLB_CoverLetter