KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE
Sugar Mill Country Club General Manager/COO
KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, us, 32170
GENERAL MANAGER/CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER PROFILE:
SUGAR MILL COUNTRY CLUB
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL
GENERAL MANAGER/CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OPPORTUNITY AT SUGAR MILL COUNTRY CLUB
Sugar Mill Country Club (SMCC) is seeking a positive, energetic, and highly capable professional who has strong leadership experience to be their General Manager/Chief Operating Officer (GM/COO). The candidate must be one who embodies and demonstrates a confident servant leadership style that promotes a positive culture with an emphasis on team development, organizational consistency, process and procedure development, and financial management skills while maintaining the highest levels of member satisfaction and retention. The new GM/COO will lead the club and assist the board in articulating and executing a strategic plan for the benefit of the membership.
Click here to watch a brief video about this opportunity.
SUGAR MILL COUNTRY CLUB
Sugar Mill Country Club, located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, was established in 1970 as a private, member-owned country club. Designed by renowned golf course architect Joseph L. Lee, the club opened with an 18-hole championship golf course. In the late 1980s, a third nine-hole course was added, bringing the total to a 27-hole layout, consisting of the Red, White, and Blue courses. The course was built on the highest point in Volusia County, with sugar sand as its base, offering elevation changes, wooded areas, and water features that enhance its challenge and beauty.
In 1986, the members purchased the club's land and buildings from the developer, and in 2001, Sugar Mill officially became a private club. In 2023, the club underwent a $6.5M restoration led by architect Ron Garl, a protégé of Joe Lee. The project, completed in phases, included re-grassing fairways, tees, greens, and bunkers with Bimini Bermuda and Tiff Eagle grass, installing a state-of-the-art irrigation system, and re-contouring fairways and greens for modern play while preserving Lee's design concepts. The White Course restoration was completed in April 2023, with the Red Course reopening in November 2023, enhancing variety, challenge, and playability for all skill levels.
Beyond golf, Sugar Mill has evolved into a comprehensive country club, offering four Har-Tru clay tennis courts, three pickleball courts, an 1,800-square-foot resort-style pool with a sun deck, a state-of-the-art fitness center open seven days a week, and three dining venues with coastal cuisine. The club has hosted prestigious events, including US Women's Open qualifiers and Florida State Golf Association tournaments, and is certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Sanctuary for its environmental stewardship. Membership offers a vibrant community with diverse programming including men's and ladies' golf leagues and engaging social events.
SUGAR MILL COUNTRY CLUB BY THE NUMBERS:
$5.4M - Approximate Total Revenue $2.9M Approximate Annual Dues Revenue $1.1M Approximate F&B Revenue, 65 % à la carte, 35% catering and events Approximately 33,000 Annual Rounds of Golf 439 Total Members; 280 Full Golf, 159 Other Initiation Fee - $15,000.00 Club POS - Club Essential SUGAR MILL COUNTRY CLUB WEB SITE:
www.sugarmillcc.com
GENERAL MANAGER/CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - POSITION OVERVIEW
The GM/COO is responsible for the general operation of the Club relating most importantly to the clubhouse, golf and grounds operations, racquet sports, and pool, ensuring that all services exceed members' and guests' expectations. He/she will also prepare an annual budget and present goals and objectives to the Club Board on an annual basis. He/she will develop an awareness of the "club culture" and will be responsible for ensuring hospitality, friendliness, and goodwill among members, guests, and staff. His/her goal is always to ensure that the facilities and events at the Club are first-rate and that the members' and guests' experiences are of prime importance. The GM/COO reports directly to the President and Board of Directors.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Strategy: Provide visionary leadership, working with the Board to define its strategic goals and fostering a culture of service excellence and continuous improvement. Operational Oversight: Manage all facets of Club operations, including golf, food & beverage, clubhouse facilities, events, member services, and recreational amenities. Financial Management: Oversee the budgeting process, financial performance, and capital planning, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term financial health. Human Resources & Team Development: Build and maintain a high-performing team through training, performance management, and professional development programs. Member Experience & Engagement: Ensure a premier member experience by maintaining high service standards, enhancing club programming, and fostering strong member relationships. Governance & Board Relations: Within the first year, work with the Board of Directors to initiate a strategic planning process for SMCC, providing leadership, insights, and recommendations on Club operations and key initiatives. Facility & Project Management: Oversee the maintenance and enhancement of Club facilities and lead the phased implementation of the Master Site Plan ensuring a best-in-class experience for members and guests. Community & Industry Engagement: Represent the Club within the industry and local community, fostering positive relationships and staying informed on industry trends. Member Services:
Consistent sincere and significant engagement of members, highly visible to members and staff at the Club is of premium importance. The GM/COO is ultimately responsible for ensuring that all Club operations are running at the highest level. Provide quality leadership in a positive and upbeat manner for the members, guests, and staff. Create and maintain a first-class service culture throughout the Club property. Address and resolve all member and guest complaints and suggestions, general service, employee attitude, maintenance, and presentation of the clubhouse operations. Employee Relations:
Oversee the recruiting, hiring, and development of Club personnel. Oversee ongoing training programs at the Club complete with up-to-date standard operating procedures to ensure exceptional service in all parts of the Club's operation with special attention to the Clubhouse and Food and Beverage Departments. Provide support and mentorship for the future development of all direct reports. Instill the concept of being "team players" in all employees. Continue to coach, counsel, and evaluate departmental staff. Ensure that a positive spirit and healthy work environment exists throughout the Club, one that is free of safety risks and all forms of employee harassment. Maintain an effective communication program where employees are treated in a fair, structured, and consistent manner. Function as an administrative and communication link between all departments at the Club. Help to facilitate a team environment with high morale, impeccable ethical standards, and efficient use of resources to position Sugar Mill Country Club to be a preferred employer of choice in the community. Financial Management:
Work collaboratively with the Department Heads, CFO and Board of Directors to prepare the annual operating and capital budgets for all Club operations and assist in managing and controlling the operations to attain the desired results. Will have strong financial acumen and business skills. Monitor the budget each week/month and direct the taking of corrective action as necessary to ensure that the budgeted goals are attained. Provide input to all Club personnel regarding annual budgets, capital spending plans, fiscal controls, and operational guidelines. Responsible for all labor cost payouts and maintaining them within the constraints of the budget. Personnel Management:
Display a very hands-on approach and lead by example. Must be approachable to staff, members, and guests. Assist the Department Heads as well as the Club in developing and implementing long-range (strategic) and annual (business) plans, operating reports, forecasts, and budgets. Responsible for all direct reports and department heads hiring, discipline, termination, and documentation of all employees. Organizes and facilitates weekly department meetings of senior management and carries out directives. Serves as an ad-hoc member of all club committees. Possess a warm personality, a sense of humor, and the ability to work effectively with all levels of the staff and members. Further his/her own continued development as a club management professional as a member of CMAA. With the assistance and approval of the President, participates in appropriate seminars/training programs, thereby enhancing his/her value and quality of services to Sugar Mill Country Club. Operational Responsibilities:
Understand and abide by Sugar Mill club policies and departmental procedures. Suggest changes and may direct the implementation of change. Provide content for and manage communications and marketing materials for the department. Assure that the Club is run in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Disseminate information effectively and coordinate activities between departments on a timely basis. Keep the Club and Board of Directors informed of potential problems and activities related to the smooth operation of the Club. Possess a sharp eye for detail in the overall management of the operation. CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS
A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive leadership/management experience in a private member-owned country club or resort/hospitality operation, preferably those with member boards and committee involvement. The Club will consider well-mentored Assistant General Manager/Chief Operating Officer (AGM/COO) for this role as well as those who come from other sides of the hospitality industry, so long as they are able to allow verification of the relationship side (versus a transactional aptitude) of current and past success. A verifiable record of strong and intuitive mentoring of staff and achievement of a 'workplace of choice' employee environment in the operations he/she has been part of leading. Strong history of success and keen understanding of quality Food and Beverage operations, including revenue growth, training, innovation and creativity, and strong service culture development. Technologically proficient with a thorough understanding of best practices in the use of technology to improve 'high touch' service delivery to members and to more effectively manage and lead operations. Strong knowledge of club operations, maintenance standards, and the successful engagement and growth of participation in programs and activities for members. Experience in creating and executing strategic planning and capital projects. EDUCATIONAL AND CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS
A bachelor's degree is highly desirable, preferably in Hospitality Management or Business. In lieu of the degree, substantial private club or hospitality experience will be considered. CCM designation or similar accreditation outside of the club industry is desirable. 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 commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Club offers an excellent benefits package, along with the typical CMAA benefits.
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 Sugar Mill Country Club search committee/Mr. Ray Zafian, Search Chairman
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 Sugar Mill Country Club and the New Smyrna Beach, FL 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 August 22, 2025. Candidate selections will occur early September with first Interviews expected in mid September and second interviews a short time later. The new candidate should assume his/her role as soon as reasonable notice is given to a current employer following selection.
IMPORTANT:
Save your resume and letter in the following manner: "Last Name, First Name - Resume" & "Last Name, First Name - Cover Letter - Sugar Mill CC" (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 Holly Weiss: holly@kkandw.com
Lead Search Executives:
Search Executives: Sam Lindsley, Search & Consulting Executive O: (833) KKW-HIRE, ext. 117 M: (216) 509-2250 Medina, OH sam@kkandw.com
Thomas B. Wallace III, CCM, CCE, ECM Partner O: (833) KKW-HIRE, ext. 700 M: (412) 670-2021 Cleveland, OH tom@kkandw.com
GENERAL MANAGER/CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OPPORTUNITY AT SUGAR MILL COUNTRY CLUB
Sugar Mill Country Club (SMCC) is seeking a positive, energetic, and highly capable professional who has strong leadership experience to be their General Manager/Chief Operating Officer (GM/COO). The candidate must be one who embodies and demonstrates a confident servant leadership style that promotes a positive culture with an emphasis on team development, organizational consistency, process and procedure development, and financial management skills while maintaining the highest levels of member satisfaction and retention. The new GM/COO will lead the club and assist the board in articulating and executing a strategic plan for the benefit of the membership.
Click here to watch a brief video about this opportunity.
SUGAR MILL COUNTRY CLUB
Sugar Mill Country Club, located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, was established in 1970 as a private, member-owned country club. Designed by renowned golf course architect Joseph L. Lee, the club opened with an 18-hole championship golf course. In the late 1980s, a third nine-hole course was added, bringing the total to a 27-hole layout, consisting of the Red, White, and Blue courses. The course was built on the highest point in Volusia County, with sugar sand as its base, offering elevation changes, wooded areas, and water features that enhance its challenge and beauty.
In 1986, the members purchased the club's land and buildings from the developer, and in 2001, Sugar Mill officially became a private club. In 2023, the club underwent a $6.5M restoration led by architect Ron Garl, a protégé of Joe Lee. The project, completed in phases, included re-grassing fairways, tees, greens, and bunkers with Bimini Bermuda and Tiff Eagle grass, installing a state-of-the-art irrigation system, and re-contouring fairways and greens for modern play while preserving Lee's design concepts. The White Course restoration was completed in April 2023, with the Red Course reopening in November 2023, enhancing variety, challenge, and playability for all skill levels.
Beyond golf, Sugar Mill has evolved into a comprehensive country club, offering four Har-Tru clay tennis courts, three pickleball courts, an 1,800-square-foot resort-style pool with a sun deck, a state-of-the-art fitness center open seven days a week, and three dining venues with coastal cuisine. The club has hosted prestigious events, including US Women's Open qualifiers and Florida State Golf Association tournaments, and is certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Sanctuary for its environmental stewardship. Membership offers a vibrant community with diverse programming including men's and ladies' golf leagues and engaging social events.
SUGAR MILL COUNTRY CLUB BY THE NUMBERS:
$5.4M - Approximate Total Revenue $2.9M Approximate Annual Dues Revenue $1.1M Approximate F&B Revenue, 65 % à la carte, 35% catering and events Approximately 33,000 Annual Rounds of Golf 439 Total Members; 280 Full Golf, 159 Other Initiation Fee - $15,000.00 Club POS - Club Essential SUGAR MILL COUNTRY CLUB WEB SITE:
www.sugarmillcc.com
GENERAL MANAGER/CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - POSITION OVERVIEW
The GM/COO is responsible for the general operation of the Club relating most importantly to the clubhouse, golf and grounds operations, racquet sports, and pool, ensuring that all services exceed members' and guests' expectations. He/she will also prepare an annual budget and present goals and objectives to the Club Board on an annual basis. He/she will develop an awareness of the "club culture" and will be responsible for ensuring hospitality, friendliness, and goodwill among members, guests, and staff. His/her goal is always to ensure that the facilities and events at the Club are first-rate and that the members' and guests' experiences are of prime importance. The GM/COO reports directly to the President and Board of Directors.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Strategy: Provide visionary leadership, working with the Board to define its strategic goals and fostering a culture of service excellence and continuous improvement. Operational Oversight: Manage all facets of Club operations, including golf, food & beverage, clubhouse facilities, events, member services, and recreational amenities. Financial Management: Oversee the budgeting process, financial performance, and capital planning, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term financial health. Human Resources & Team Development: Build and maintain a high-performing team through training, performance management, and professional development programs. Member Experience & Engagement: Ensure a premier member experience by maintaining high service standards, enhancing club programming, and fostering strong member relationships. Governance & Board Relations: Within the first year, work with the Board of Directors to initiate a strategic planning process for SMCC, providing leadership, insights, and recommendations on Club operations and key initiatives. Facility & Project Management: Oversee the maintenance and enhancement of Club facilities and lead the phased implementation of the Master Site Plan ensuring a best-in-class experience for members and guests. Community & Industry Engagement: Represent the Club within the industry and local community, fostering positive relationships and staying informed on industry trends. Member Services:
Consistent sincere and significant engagement of members, highly visible to members and staff at the Club is of premium importance. The GM/COO is ultimately responsible for ensuring that all Club operations are running at the highest level. Provide quality leadership in a positive and upbeat manner for the members, guests, and staff. Create and maintain a first-class service culture throughout the Club property. Address and resolve all member and guest complaints and suggestions, general service, employee attitude, maintenance, and presentation of the clubhouse operations. Employee Relations:
Oversee the recruiting, hiring, and development of Club personnel. Oversee ongoing training programs at the Club complete with up-to-date standard operating procedures to ensure exceptional service in all parts of the Club's operation with special attention to the Clubhouse and Food and Beverage Departments. Provide support and mentorship for the future development of all direct reports. Instill the concept of being "team players" in all employees. Continue to coach, counsel, and evaluate departmental staff. Ensure that a positive spirit and healthy work environment exists throughout the Club, one that is free of safety risks and all forms of employee harassment. Maintain an effective communication program where employees are treated in a fair, structured, and consistent manner. Function as an administrative and communication link between all departments at the Club. Help to facilitate a team environment with high morale, impeccable ethical standards, and efficient use of resources to position Sugar Mill Country Club to be a preferred employer of choice in the community. Financial Management:
Work collaboratively with the Department Heads, CFO and Board of Directors to prepare the annual operating and capital budgets for all Club operations and assist in managing and controlling the operations to attain the desired results. Will have strong financial acumen and business skills. Monitor the budget each week/month and direct the taking of corrective action as necessary to ensure that the budgeted goals are attained. Provide input to all Club personnel regarding annual budgets, capital spending plans, fiscal controls, and operational guidelines. Responsible for all labor cost payouts and maintaining them within the constraints of the budget. Personnel Management:
Display a very hands-on approach and lead by example. Must be approachable to staff, members, and guests. Assist the Department Heads as well as the Club in developing and implementing long-range (strategic) and annual (business) plans, operating reports, forecasts, and budgets. Responsible for all direct reports and department heads hiring, discipline, termination, and documentation of all employees. Organizes and facilitates weekly department meetings of senior management and carries out directives. Serves as an ad-hoc member of all club committees. Possess a warm personality, a sense of humor, and the ability to work effectively with all levels of the staff and members. Further his/her own continued development as a club management professional as a member of CMAA. With the assistance and approval of the President, participates in appropriate seminars/training programs, thereby enhancing his/her value and quality of services to Sugar Mill Country Club. Operational Responsibilities:
Understand and abide by Sugar Mill club policies and departmental procedures. Suggest changes and may direct the implementation of change. Provide content for and manage communications and marketing materials for the department. Assure that the Club is run in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Disseminate information effectively and coordinate activities between departments on a timely basis. Keep the Club and Board of Directors informed of potential problems and activities related to the smooth operation of the Club. Possess a sharp eye for detail in the overall management of the operation. CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS
A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive leadership/management experience in a private member-owned country club or resort/hospitality operation, preferably those with member boards and committee involvement. The Club will consider well-mentored Assistant General Manager/Chief Operating Officer (AGM/COO) for this role as well as those who come from other sides of the hospitality industry, so long as they are able to allow verification of the relationship side (versus a transactional aptitude) of current and past success. A verifiable record of strong and intuitive mentoring of staff and achievement of a 'workplace of choice' employee environment in the operations he/she has been part of leading. Strong history of success and keen understanding of quality Food and Beverage operations, including revenue growth, training, innovation and creativity, and strong service culture development. Technologically proficient with a thorough understanding of best practices in the use of technology to improve 'high touch' service delivery to members and to more effectively manage and lead operations. Strong knowledge of club operations, maintenance standards, and the successful engagement and growth of participation in programs and activities for members. Experience in creating and executing strategic planning and capital projects. EDUCATIONAL AND CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS
A bachelor's degree is highly desirable, preferably in Hospitality Management or Business. In lieu of the degree, substantial private club or hospitality experience will be considered. CCM designation or similar accreditation outside of the club industry is desirable. 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 commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Club offers an excellent benefits package, along with the typical CMAA benefits.
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 Sugar Mill Country Club search committee/Mr. Ray Zafian, Search Chairman
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 Sugar Mill Country Club and the New Smyrna Beach, FL 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 August 22, 2025. Candidate selections will occur early September with first Interviews expected in mid September and second interviews a short time later. The new candidate should assume his/her role as soon as reasonable notice is given to a current employer following selection.
IMPORTANT:
Save your resume and letter in the following manner: "Last Name, First Name - Resume" & "Last Name, First Name - Cover Letter - Sugar Mill CC" (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 Holly Weiss: holly@kkandw.com
Lead Search Executives:
Search Executives: Sam Lindsley, Search & Consulting Executive O: (833) KKW-HIRE, ext. 117 M: (216) 509-2250 Medina, OH sam@kkandw.com
Thomas B. Wallace III, CCM, CCE, ECM Partner O: (833) KKW-HIRE, ext. 700 M: (412) 670-2021 Cleveland, OH tom@kkandw.com