Knollwood Country Club, located in West Bloomfield, MI, is pleased to announce an excellent career opportunity for General Manager! Knollwood Country Club is seeking a dynamic, engaging, and highly visible General Manager to lead our welcoming, family-oriented private club. This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished hospitality professional who brings strong financial acumen, a commitment to exceptional service, and an appreciation for both the game and business of golf.
The General Manager will preserve Knollwood’s distinctive culture while providing the strategic vision and operational leadership to guide its continued success. Working closely with the Board of Directors, committees, and an experienced leadership team, this individual will build meaningful relationships throughout the membership and foster a collaborative culture grounded in clear expectations, accountability, and professional growth.
As an associate of Troon, the General Manager will also benefit from the resources and professional development opportunities of a global leader in golf and club management.
The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and daily operations of the Club. The successful candidate will maintain a visible and approachable presence throughout the property and sincerely enjoy engaging with members, guests, and staff.
Key priorities include disciplined financial management, annual budgeting and long-range capital planning, leadership team development, and consistent operating practices that elevate dining, service, and the overall member experience. The General Manager will align operating and capital investments with the Club’s long-term objectives while thoughtfully balancing tradition with evolving member expectations.
Knollwood Country Club by the Numbers
Category | Club Profile |
Memberships | Approximately 260 across Golf and Social Categories |
Full membership initiation fee | $40,000 |
Full membership monthly dues | $1,500 operating dues plus $125 capital |
Annual golf rounds | Approximately 14,000 |
Gross revenue | Approximately $8 million |
Annual dues and fees revenue | Approximately $4 million |
Food and beverage revenue | Approximately $1.8 million |
FTE’s (in-season) | 89 |
Board of Directors | 12 members serving three-year terms |
Average member age | 54 |
Essential Duties
- Provide leadership across all Club operations, including golf, food and beverage, agronomy, events, racquets, aquatics, fitness, and facilities.
- Partner with the Board and committees to translate the Club’s strategic objectives into clear operating priorities, respecting the distinct responsibilities of governance and management.
- Develop, manage, and monitor annual operating and capital budgets, forecasts, financial reports, and key performance measures.
- Evaluate financial results, communicate variances, and implement timely actions to support the Club’s financial health.
- Guide long-range capital planning and oversee the maintenance, appearance, and stewardship of Club facilities, grounds, and physical assets.
- Recruit, mentor, develop, and retain department leaders and associates, supporting professional growth and succession planning.
- Empower department leaders through effective delegation, clear expectations, and consistent accountability.
- Facilitate collaboration across departments to deliver a seamless and consistently excellent member and guest experience.
- Elevate dining and hospitality through service standards, staff training, and regular evaluation of member feedback.
- Lead membership recruitment, engagement, retention, and communications initiatives in collaboration with the Board and leadership team.
- Maintain a visible presence during Club activities and peak operating periods, building trust through accessibility, responsiveness, and follow-through.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, Human Resources procedures, safety standards, and applicable regulations.
- Represent the Club professionally with members, guests, vendors, community partners, and industry organizations.
- Pursue continuing education and remain engaged in private club management and hospitality best practices.
These responsibilities are representative and are not an exhaustive list of duties.
Candidate Qualifications
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Proven leadership experience: A minimum of five years of progressive leadership and management experience in a private, member-owned club or high-end resort, preferably with Board and committee involvement. Candidates may include accomplished General Managers or well-mentored Assistant General Managers prepared to advance.
- An engaging leadership style: An energetic, approachable, and service-minded presence, with the ability to inspire others, establish high standards, and provide sound guidance to members and staff.
- Strategic vision and operational discipline: The ability to remain actively involved in operations while thinking strategically, communicating priorities clearly, and translating plans into measurable results.
- Private club governance knowledge: Experience partnering productively with Boards and committees, serving as a trusted advisor, and balancing member input with sound operating judgment.
- Operational expertise: A strong record of success in food and beverage, golf operations, service culture development, strategic planning, and thoughtful innovation.
- Team development: Demonstrated ability to attract, hire, mentor, and retain a high-performing team. The next General Manager will strengthen Knollwood’s position as an employer of choice through a collaborative workplace, clear goals, professional development, and support for individual and departmental success.
- Membership engagement and growth: Success in encouraging member participation, supporting recruitment and retention, and building community relationships that strengthen the Club’s visibility and appeal.
- Financial acumen: Significant responsibility for profit and loss performance, with a strong understanding of budgeting, balance sheets, member equity, capital reserves, and cash flow.
- Capital project experience: Involvement in planning, coordinating, and executing significant strategic and capital projects, including building member and staff understanding and support.
- An understanding of evolving member needs: The ability to anticipate changing demographics and expectations and keep services, programming, and amenities relevant to current and future generations.
- Integrity and sound judgment: A creative and practical approach to problem-solving, consistent follow-through, and the confidence to present thoughtful recommendations to the Board and leadership team.
Above all, the Club seeks a hospitality professional who leads with a commitment to serving others and works collaboratively to strengthen Knollwood’s standing as one of Southeast Michigan’s premier private clubs.
Education and Certifications
- A bachelor’s degree is preferred, ideally with a focus on Hospitality Management.
- Substantial private club or hospitality experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
- Industry credentials such as CCM, CCE, or PGA certification are encouraged but not required.
Salary and Benefits
Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. This position includes eligibility for the following benefits, subject to applicable plan terms and company policies:
- Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Retirement: 401(k) with employer match for eligible associates age 19 and older.
- Time Off: Paid time off and leaves of absence, in accordance with applicable law and eligibility requirements.
- Professional Association Membership.
Eligibility and benefit offerings are governed by applicable plan documents and company policies, which may be amended at the Company’s discretion.
How to Apply
Please email your résumé and cover letter to Mr. Paul Finkel, Club President, at
finkelpg@gmail.com
.
Your cover letter should explain your alignment with the position, why this opportunity interests you at this stage of your career, and how your experience and leadership would contribute to Knollwood’s continued success. Please also describe your interest in living and working in Southeast Michigan.
Employment Eligibility Verification
All individuals hired will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
About Troon:
Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ, Troon is the world’s largest professional club management company, that specializes in services in golf, hospitality, and residential communities. With more than 900 locations in 45+ states and 27+ countries, Troon is a leading employer in hospitality. Guided by values that emphasize being infectiously energetic, consciously kind, and humbly prosperous, Troon offers professionals the opportunity to grow and succeed within a globally respected organization. Learn more at www.troon.com.