Description

Overview

A Distinguished Leadership Opportunity
Saugahatchee Country Club invites accomplished, service-driven leaders to apply for the role of General Manager. This is a rare opportunity to lead one of East Alabama's most respected private clubs-an organization rooted in tradition, yet positioned for thoughtful growth and modernization.
The Club seeks a visible, people-first executive who embodies servant leadership and is passionate about cultivating exceptional member experiences while developing a high-performing team.

The Club
Founded in 1946, Saugahatchee Country Club is a premier, member-owned private club located on 150 scenic acres between Auburn and Opelika. The Club features a 23,000-square-foot clubhouse, an 18-hole championship golf course, racquet sports, aquatics, fitness, and a robust dining and social calendar.
With over 500 members and a strong financial foundation, the Club continues to invest in its facilities, programming, and people. Saugahatchee is honored to host the Alabama State Amateur in 2027, reinforcing its position as a leading club in the region.
Key Metrics
• Members: 500+
• Annual Revenue: ~$5.75M
• Dues Volume: ~$2.6M
• Food & Beverage Revenue: ~$1.57M

• Employees: 75-100

The Community
The Auburn-Opelika region offers an exceptional quality of life, combining the charm of a close-knit community with the energy of a major university town. Home to Auburn University, one of the nation's premier public land grant institutions. The area features strong economic growth, excellent healthcare, top-tier schools, and a vibrant cultural and dining scene.

Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree preferred (Hospitality or related field)
• Significant leadership experience may substitute for formal education
• Certified Club Manager (CCM) and/or PGA GM certification preferred
• Active involvement in professional associations encouraged

Essential Responsibilities

The Role
The General Manager serves as the Club's chief operating officer and cultural leader, reporting directly to the President and Board of Directors. This individual is responsible for all aspects of Club operations, financial performance, and long-term strategic direction.
This role requires a highly visible, approachable leader who builds trust with members and staff while consistently delivering an elevated and personalized club experience.

Leadership Philosophy: Servant Leadership
At Saugahatchee, leadership begins with service.
The ideal candidate will:
• Lead with humility, integrity, and accountability
• Prioritize the growth and development of team members
• Foster a culture of respect, trust, and collaboration
• Be present, approachable, and engaged with members and staff
• Empower department leaders to excel and innovate
• Champion a "members first, team always" mindset

Strategic Priorities
The next General Manager will focus on:
• Elevating the overall member experience across all touchpoints
• Strengthening organizational culture and team alignment
• Driving operational excellence and consistency
• Supporting long-term capital planning and facility enhancements
• Enhancing member engagement and retention
• Positioning the Club for continued relevance and growth

Core Responsibilities
Executive Leadership
• Partner with the Board to execute strategic and long-range plans
• Serve as the primary liaison between governance and operations
• Provide insight and recommendations on key Club initiatives
Operations & Member Experience
• Deliver exceptional service standards across all departments
• Maintain excellence in golf, dining, racquet sports, and events
• Ensure a vibrant and engaging club environment year-round
Team & Culture Development
• Recruit, develop, and retain high-caliber leaders
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and service excellence
Financial Stewardship
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance
• Maintain strong financial controls and cost discipline
• Identify opportunities for revenue growth and efficiency

Facilities & Asset Management
• Guide maintenance and long-term planning of all club assets
• Oversee capital projects and infrastructure improvements
Governance & Compliance
• Ensure adherence to all legal and regulatory requirements
• Support effective committee structures and board governance
Community Engagement
• Represent the Club within the local community
• Strengthen the Club's brand and reputation

Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will be:
• A proven leader in private club or hospitality environments
• Deeply committed to servant leadership principles
• Highly relational with exceptional communication skills
• Financially astute with strong business acumen
• Passionate about delivering outstanding member experiences
• Emotionally intelligent with a strong executive presence

Benefits

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary (commensurate with experience)
• Performance-based incentive bonus
• Health insurance
• 401(k) plan participation
• Paid vacation and personal days
• Professional development and association dues support