THE DIRECTOR OF CULINARY OPPORTUNITY AT COLLETON RIVER CLUB
The Director of Culinary role at Colleton River Club (CRC) is an opportunity to join what is arguably the top residential club community in the Lowcountry of South Carolina! The club amidst a major capital improvement project that will further cement its position as the top club community in the market. The new Director of Culinary will be responsible for the Colleton River brand reputation of culinary, leading the culinary team through the renovation of the Dye clubhouse’s entire F&B operations and a brand-new poolside restaurant which is located adjacent to the Nicklaus Clubhouse.
Member-owned, Colleton River Club is like a small city; the Culinary Director will be responsible for ensuring quality and consistency in Member dining while providing many and varied options.
This is an incredible opportunity at the top club community in a highly desirable region of the country and will command the top culinarians in the industry.
To attest to the unique and special nature of this Community, consider the special and significant accolades and recognitions Colleton River Club enjoys:
GOLF WORLD 2010 READER’S CHOICE: One of America’s Top 20 Private Courses
PLATINUM RECOGNITION: Top 15 U.S. Residential Club Communities – 2009 – 2018
LINKS MAGAZINE: One of America’s 100 Premier Properties
GOLF DIGEST INDEX: One of America’s 100 Premier Properties
CLUB LEADERS FORUM: A Platinum Club of America – 2006 – 2012, 2018
TRAVEL & LEISURE GOLF: One of America’s Top 100 Golf Communities
GOLF WEEK’S BEST COURSES 2013/2015: Top 100 Residential Golf Courses
DISTINGUISHED CLUBS OF AMERICA: Emerald Distinction 2014 – 2018
GOLF MAGAZINE: Both of CRC’s courses have been recognized as “One of the Top 100 Greatest Courses in the U.S.”
CRC enjoys seven miles of shoreline along the two rivers it borders and is adjacent to a 1,000-acre maritime forest. There are 684 buildable lots within the community and, at present, approximately 444 completed rooftops, with 56 more under construction and 21 in ARB review. Additionally, there are 9 Golf Cottages surrounding the Nicklaus Clubhouse with six of them managed for rentals through the Club.
In 2020, the Club acquired approximately 100 lots, previously owned by the Developer, and embarked on the marketing of these properties in collaboration with the real estate community, developing relationship with builders, etc. With the great success of the past few years in doing so, Members overwhelmingly approved a major reimagination of the Dye Clubhouse, a new racquets complex (6 tennis courts, 8 pickleball courts, and bocce) and the expansion of fitness/wellness, a poolside café and numerous other significant enhancements, all of which are well underway and expected to be completed summer/fall 2023.
Additionally, Colleton River is the only residential club community in the U.S. with two ‘Top 100’ courses; one designed by Jack Nicklaus and the other by Pete Dye, hence the Nicklaus and Dye clubhouses (about three miles apart) from which each course emanates.
COLLETON RIVER CLUB BY THE NUMBERS
Approximately 620 members at present in both Full Resident Members and various non-resident/national categories
Approximately $4.5 M F&B volume
New Clubhouse Concept will budget increases revenues based on demand
65% a la carte 35% banquet revenue
25 culinary employees with seasonal hires
CRC uses JONAS software for operations
Approximately 75% of members live in CRC or the area year round
The average age of members is 60 years
CRC is organized as a not-for-profit corporation under State of South Carolina statutes
Colleton River Club operates under the General Manager/COO organizational structure. The Director of Culinary (DOC) reports directly to the General Manager/COO and interfaces with the House Committee.
The kitchen staff totals 25 team members including the Executive Chef of the Nicklaus clubhouse, Sous Chef, Banquet Chef, Cooks, and kitchen stewards.
DIRECTOR OF CULINARY JOB DESCRIPTION
The Director of Culinary at Colleton River Club is responsible for the total culinary vision and mission of the CRC in alignment with the General Manager/COO. This position is a balance between administrative and hands on execution. A successful candidate will need to secure the ability to prioritize the development or their time and resources through the talents of their culinary team.
The DOC is the face of culinary operations and needs to be comfortable conversing and interacting in both the kitchen and dining rooms as he or she interfaces with multiple and diverse constituencies (members, staff, vendors, etc.) throughout the day. The DOC is visible and approachable, as a strategic and operational partner with the managers and staff of Colleton River Club to develop information sharing, good communication, superior internal and external customer relationships and high-performance teamwork to achieve club objectives.
The DOC leads, manages, motivates, and directs the entire culinary team in the mission statement and objectives of the organization. The size and scope of the CRC requires that a successful DOC candidate understand all stakeholders in the operation and prioritize their needs in alignment with the operating model in this role engaging with FOH and kitchens, the DOC will be expected to host informative meetings, participate in Club leadership sessions, and organize product educational sessions for the entire club.
The DOC will be involved in club, community, and industry alike. They will be the face of culinary excellence and assuming the responsibility to continue the culinary culture that is expected from this iconic club. A key part of this culture is the mentorship of all food and beverage staff. While developing succession planning at every level of the kitchen and front of the house professionals. Partnership with educational schools, both locally and nationally are expected in this role.
The DOC must have a clear understanding of the business model and financial literacy of the club industry. He or she is adept at creating and managing a budget, menu engineering and other measurement systems, as well as purchasing specification. This role is more than just Cost of Sales or labor, it requires culinary strategy for revenue growth, and productive systems within culinary and food and beverage.
INITIAL PRIORITIES OF THE DIRECTOR OF CULINARY
Learn and understand the culture of the CRC, engaging with all staff who are customer of the culinary department.
From the culture involvement, evaluate and set appropriate and necessary standards of operation, execution, and delivery within the culinary operation, taking ownership for the entire experience from production to final delivery of product, while working closely and positively with the FOH management team.
The opening of the Dye clubhouse restaurant and bar followed by the opening of the poolside restaurant complex. A successful candidate will be requested to successful open this concept, prior to necessary oversight of others existing concepts.
The professional desire to engage with members, understand their requirements and the value proposition of membership. Through a positive professional relationship and execution of their needs, manage their trust.
Respect the current culinary staff while clearly communicating your professional vision measurements for a positive team centric atmosphere. Leading by examples, with style and grace is expected in this leadership role.
Product menu innovation with meaning, purpose and data assessment for Colleton River Club members and guests will be imperative. Clear communication, data support and feedback are requiring for the complexity of this clubs offering.
A successful candidate must be the food authority on property, from previous experience wisdom gained. He or she must be able to know industry trends, fads, and application to the member profile of this region and demographics.
CANDIDATE PROFESSIONAL EXPOSURE AND QUALIFICATIONS
It highly appreciated if the ideal candidate been involved in an opening team, major renovations and/or concept scheduling and execution in the previous jobs.
Has held roles as Corporate Chef, Regional oversight in multi-unit brands, or experience with a large footprint of services in multi-unit outlets in either private club or hotel businesses.
Has exceptionally strong culinary credentials, and most importantly, the ability to consistently define and measure food quality systems or resources
Is an effective and passionate leader and culinary professional with a proven track record of providing high-level services with a personality that is commensurately appropriate to Colleton River Club.
Strong experience in communication, both written, and verbal. Has held positions where strategic documents, concept statements or goal measures were required.
Has been required to create budgets with operating and capital enhancements. Experience with finance reporting and measurements for accountability of the department and execution.
Is a confident, proactive team builder and a recruiter who has a history of attracting, developing, and retaining high-performing staff and working with a Human Resources team to maintain a positive culture.
Has strong communication administrative and organizational skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines and manage multiple food outlets.
Experience with internships, externships, or educational student programs. An ideal candidate should be the desire educational kitchen in the area.
Has solid understanding of computer skills including but not limited to Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
EDUCATIONAL AND CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS
Has a Culinary Arts degree from an accredited school and/or is an apprentice program graduate.
Has a minimum of 15 years’ prior culinary management experience at clubs, luxury resorts, hotels, or similar large scope culinary operations in the luxury market.
A plus to have assumed advanced culinary or leadership certification such as CEC, CMC, WSET, MBA, or seminars/course work.
A plus to have published industry papers, or authored books in the culinary principles.
Sit or hold positions on Educational or Association Boards, or held industry association (President, VP, Secretary etc.)
Must be certified in food safety.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Club, along with the typical senior staff benefits, offers an excellent bonus and benefit package.
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.
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 Tim Bakels, General Manager/COO and clearly articulate your alignment with this role, why you want to be considered for this position at this stage of your career, and why Colleton River and the Bluffton, SC area will benefit if you are selected for the role.
You must apply for this role as soon as possible but no later than Monday, February 20, 2023. Candidate selections will occur in early March with first interviews later that month, and a final selection before the end of March. The new candidate should assume his/her role as soon as reasonable for notice and transition in April 2023.
IMPORTANT: Save your resume and letter in the following manner:
“Last Name, First Name - Resume” &
“Last Name, First Name - Cover Letter – Colleton”
(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.
Click here to upload your resume and cover letter.
If you have any questions, please email Holly Weiss: holly@kkandw.com
KK&W is the leading recruiting and consulting firm in the private club sector and voted “Best Search Firm of the Year” every year since 2006 by The Boardroom magazine. We continue to lead the industry in the placement of executive chef, GM/COO, AGM/clubhouse manager, director of food and beverage, executive chef, director of golf/head golf professional, golf course superintendent/director of agronomy, director of tennis/director of racquets, fitness & wellness director, chief financial officer/controller, membership director and marketing directors for private, resort and developer owned properties, clubs and communities as well as senior living communities and property owners associations.
We are the leaders in executive placement by providing our clients with exceptional candidates who are ethical, competent and capable. The KK&W team possess more than 400 years of combined experience managing all areas of the club world. Our experience and expertise have provided us with a proven track record of placing candidates who possess integrity, competence, and compatibility with a club’s culture and environment.