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KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE

University Club of Chicago Assistant General Manager

KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290


ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER PROFILE UNIVERSITY CLUB OF CHICAGO CHICAGO, IL

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER OPPORTUNITY AT THE UNIVERSITY CLUB OF CHICAGO

The University Club of Chicago (UCC) has an exceptional opportunity for candidates with a successful track record of leadership and high-end hospitality operations management. We are conducting the Assistant General Manager (AGM) search for this premier city club rated a top Platinum Club of America every year since the inception of the award and located in "the Loop" in Chicago. The ideal candidate will assume a true "number two" position as part of a high-performing, tenured team. The position is a career milestone in preparation for a candidate's next leadership phase as a private club General Manager.

Successful candidates should have a strong track record of exemplary leadership in high-end club operations, extensive task, and project management experience, member communications and publications expertise, and experience mentoring and developing their teams.

Click here to view a brief video about this opportunity.

UNIVERSITY CLUB OF CHICAGO

Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, the University Club offers members and guests world-class amenities including six unique dining venues, 59 beautifully appointed guest rooms, state-of-the-art squash and athletic facilities, 13 private event spaces, and much more. Established in 1887 by a small group of university graduates, this member-owned private social and recreational club has significantly impacted the City's cultural landscape.

The membership is committed to fostering an appreciation of literature and the arts and to providing a space where members can explore many intellectual and cultural pursuits. College or university graduation remains the requirement for membership, and nearly every business and profession are represented within the diverse network of members.

The UCC has an extensive and active food and beverage and events program. The club's centerpiece, Cathedral Hall is adorned with painted glass windows by artist Frederic Clay Bartlett (a club member) and coats of arms representing distinguished universities in the United States and Europe. Cathedral Hall is used for special events and is a popular wedding venue.

The club has three other a la carte outlets including The Parliament (a casual rooftop restaurant), College Hall (a self-service restaurant), and room service. Three bars/lounges are available for members including the Living Room, the Presidents' Bar, and the Game Room.

The University Club of Chicago has 13 private dining rooms that can be rented and combined for events. At times, some of the a la carte restaurants are used for member and club events. Private dining rooms can accommodate seating for 30 to 400 and are located on the second, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth floors. The club hosts approximately 80 weddings per year and its largest annual member event is the New Year's Day Open House when the club hosts approximately 2,100 members and guests.

When visiting the city, members and their guests can retreat to the 59 sophisticated and classically furnished guest rooms; some with stunning views of the city and the lake. The Michigan rooms face east, overlooking Lake Michigan and Millennium Park. The Monroe rooms overlook Monroe Street. The Courtrooms are small, quiet interior rooms. The Junior Suite overlooks Lake Michigan and Millennium Park and the 1,000-square-foot Park Suite has unparalleled views of Chicago's noted Michigan Avenue.

Athletics is another integral part of the club and spaces include six international squash courts, one doubles court, Area 13 (a group training center), a strength training center, a cardio squash center, a golf training center, and an aquatic and group exercise center.

Additional member amenities include a staffed library, an expansive member business center, outdoor dining terraces, an art gallery, and valet and concierge services. The club also has reciprocity with some 285 private clubs around the world.

UNIVERSITY CLUB OF CHICAGO BY THE NUMBERS:

Initiation fee - $7,500 for full member Annual Operational Dues - $6,000 for full member Capital Dues - $600 for full member Annual Gross volume approximately - $33M Annual Dues and fees volume approximately $13.4M Annual F&B volume approximately $13.4M Approximately 3,320 Members Approximately 270 Employees (Full and Part-time) Average age of members: 60 years University Club of Chicago is open 7 days/week, 12 months/year Taxable Status - 501c7 CLUB WEB SITE:

www.ucco.com

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

The AGM works closely with the general manager and is responsible for the general operations of all functions relating to Food and Beverage, Athletics, Front Desk, Housekeeping, Membership, Rooms, Programming, Special Events, and the Engineering department.

Serves as a steward of the Club's treasured workplace culture. Manages all aspects of the Club in the absence of the General Manager Has responsibility to ensure the high standards of the F&B department are adhered to and create a rewarding member experience. Oversees staffing and general operating procedures for Athletics, Communications, Front Desk, Housekeeping, Membership, Programming, Special Events, and Engineering departments. Functions as an administrative link between all departments Assists the General Manager in developing and implementing long-range and annual plans, operating reports, forecasts, and budgets. In conjunction with Human Resources monitors safety conditions and employees' conformance with safety procedures; updates emergency plans and procedures and assures that effective training for these programs is conducted in all departments. Maintains contact with members, guests, and employees daily. Ensures the highest standards for food, beverage, and other club services. Participates in ongoing facility inspections throughout the Club to assure that cleanliness, safety, and other standards are consistently attained. Oversees the care and maintenance of all the club's physical assets and facilities. Serves as an ad-hoc member of appropriate committees as determined by General Manager and Board of Directors Assists in the planning of facility improvements, remodeling, construction, and repair, and interacts with applicable club committees for this purpose. Personally, handles selected member and guest complaints and advises the General Manager about appropriate corrective actions taken. Maintains responsibility for sales, expenses, and revenue goals for their dedicated departments. ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE

The University Club of Chicago operates under the general manager organizational structure. The AGM reports to the general manager and works with the board of directors and the House, Finance, Activities, and Public Relations Committees. The current GM has a long and successful tenure at UCC, having served the members and staff there for over 35 years. The previous AGM transitioned to a significant GM/COO role leaving a positive legacy.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate:

Has at least five years of management experience in a similar, high-end hospitality environment. Is a passionate and highly motivated, detail-oriented professional. Has a fundamental understanding of what constitutes a "Platinum Club experience," and the proven ability to execute to that level. Remains calm under pressure and proactively anticipates and resolves conflicts or complaints. Additionally, assists team members in critical thinking and problem-solving. Is collaborative with and additive to department manager meetings. Enjoys thinking "outside the box" and promotes synergy. Is articulate and possesses strong verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrates respect and earns the respect of their staff and other department managers by following through on commitments and being a hands-on leader. Has a verifiable track record of successfully leading and growing dynamic service operations including building revenues, controlling costs, and meeting or exceeding planned and budgeted bottom-line goals. The AGM has a working knowledge of financial acumen, HR policies and regulations, and the club operations for which he or she is responsible. Has technology skills including Microsoft Office, POS systems (UCC uses ClubTec), and social media. Has strong listening skills and can absorb many ideas and filter to the most important and viable options for execution and completion. Has the ability to interact effectively with diverse constituencies of members, board members, committees, staff, vendors, and other people who are part of the UCC family. Is a professional with a verifiable, positive career track. He or she is someone who has been a "difference maker" wherever the candidate has been in the past. Aspires to progress to a GM role with a continuous desire to improve himself or herself and his or her team. EDUCATIONAL AND CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor's degree with a focus on hospitality management is preferred. In lieu of the degree, substantial private club or hospitality experience will be considered. Possessing the designation of CCM or in pursuit of this certification is preferred. 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

Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The club offers an excellent bonus and benefits package, including association membership.

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 John Spidalette, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer,

and clearly articulate your alignment with this role and why you want to be considered for this position at this stage of your career, and why UCC and the greater Chicago area will be beneficial to you, your family, your career, and the Club if selected.

You must apply for this role as soon as possible but no later than Monday, December 9, 2024. Candidate selections will occur in

late December with the first Interviews expected in January 2025 year and the second interviews a short time later. The new candidate should assume his/her role in mid-February.

IMPORTANT:

Save your resume and letter in the following manner: "Last Name, First Name - Resume" & "Last Name, First Name - Cover Letter - University Club Chicago" (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 Katy Eliades: katy@kkandw.com

Lead Search Executive:

J.G. Ted Gillary, CCM, CCE, ECM, CMAA Fellow Search & Consulting Executive 313-220-6140 (M) - Beverly Hills, MI ted@kkandw.com