Director of Food & Beverage Southern Hills Country Club
BoardRoom magazine, Tulsa, OK, United States
TULSA, OK
DIRECTOR OF FOOD & BEVERAGE AT SOUTHERN HILLS COUNTRY CLUB
Southern Hills Country Club is seeking an accomplished Director of Food & Beverage who brings gravitas, confidence, and a refined passion for hospitality. This is a distinguished opportunity to join one of the most highly regarded private clubs in the country, where the expectation is clear: the food and beverage experience must reflect the high standard of excellence that has led to the Club being a top‑15 Platinum Club in the country. The successful candidate will combine strategic insight with a highly visible and engaged leadership style, elevating all aspects of the dining and social environment while reinforcing a culture of professionalism, consistency, and service at the highest level.
Position Overview The Director of Food & Beverage reports directly to the General Manager/Chief Operating Officer and is responsible for leading and overseeing all food and beverage operations at Southern Hills Country Club. This individual sets the tone through a highly visible and engaged leadership style, fostering accountability, consistency, and follow‑through across the team. With a focus on building a strong, cohesive operation, the Director leads by example, establishing clear expectations while bringing a consistent sense of urgency to the role. The role will work alongside high‑performing department heads who operate with mutual respect, alignment, and a shared commitment to excellence.
The primary focus of the role (approximately 75%) is dedicated to food and beverage leadership and execution. The remaining 25% involves involvement in club‑wide initiatives, including capital projects, strategic planning, and facility master planning. This structure provides meaningful exposure to overall club operations and supports continued growth and development within a comprehensive club management environment.
Initial Priorities
Observe, listen, ask questions, and gain a deep understanding of the culture, history, and operations of Southern Hills Country Club. Build trust and credibility with leadership, staff, and members.
Maintain a highly visible presence and actively engage across all areas of the operation, fostering a caring and trusted rapport with members while building strong relationships at all levels.
Establish clear expectations across the food and beverage operation to drive consistency, alignment, accountability, and sustained performance.
Create and implement standard operating procedures for all front‑of‑the‑house dining operations.
Conduct a thorough evaluation of all banquet and dining physical assets and presentation standards, including linens, tabletop, décor, and equipment, to ensure a refined, consistent, and elevated experience aligned with the Club’s standards of excellence.
Actively monitor all member services, with particular emphasis on delivering a ļà carte service excellence. Ensure standards consistently meet or exceed established expectations and focus on continual progress and enhancements. Engage with members regularly and ensure timely follow‑up on feedback, concerns, and suggestions.
Evaluate and enhance training programs across the food and beverage operation, ensuring team members are well‑prepared, confident, and aligned with the Club’s service standards and expectations.
Partner closely with the Executive Chef to strengthen alignment between front and back of the house operations through communication, training, and team development, ensuring a seamless and consistent member experience.
Develop and manage budgets and profit and loss statements for club events and food and beverage operations, maintaining disciplined expense control and labor management, without compromising the quality of the member experience.
Bring a collaborative and forward‑thinking approach by working closely with the General Manager/Chief Operating Officer on strategic initiatives, while supporting the execution and oversight of ongoing and future capital projects.
Foster engagement, alignment, and synergy across all areas of the operation, reinforcing a unified team approach that supports both front and back of the house and enhances the overall member experience.
Candidate Qualifications
Demonstrated expertise in food and beverage operations, including casual and fine dining, events, and banquet service within multi‑outlet club, resort, or high‑end luxury hospitality environments.
Passion for providing engaging, warm hospitality and high‑quality Member service with a commitment to exceeding expectations.
Professional, self‑motivated, and high‑energy leader who embodies the Southern Hills Country Club culture.
Possesses a high degree of emotional intelligence and executive presence, complemented by strong self‑awareness and interpersonal effectiveness.
Being respectfully confident and “connected” to the membership and team is critical, as is the ability to work with leadership to deliver a cohesive and inviting club culture and environment.
Possesses exceptional advanced planning skills, attention to detail, time management, communication, and organizational skills. Ability to organize and complete work in accordance with established timelines.
Ability to proactively lead a team with a transparent and uplifting, inspirational style while creating a culture of accountability.
Possesses excellent listening skills as well as verbal and written communication skills to interact professionally with a diverse group of executives, managers, and team members.
Motivated by learning with a desire and passion to lead at a high level.
A respect for the game of golf and an understanding of golf‑centric club culture will be viewed as a strong asset.
Educational and Certification Qualifications
5‑10 years food & beverage management experience in high‑volume club, hotel, or resort and proficiency in managing fine dining, casual dining, and/or banquet events.
A bachelor’s degree is preferred, with a focus on Hospitality Management.
Substantial private club or hospitality experience will be considered in lieu of the degree.
Industry certifications such as CCM are encouraged but not required.
Employment Eligibility Verification In compliance with federal law, all hired employees must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Salary & Benefits Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Club offers an excellent bonus and benefits package, including association membership.
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Position Overview The Director of Food & Beverage reports directly to the General Manager/Chief Operating Officer and is responsible for leading and overseeing all food and beverage operations at Southern Hills Country Club. This individual sets the tone through a highly visible and engaged leadership style, fostering accountability, consistency, and follow‑through across the team. With a focus on building a strong, cohesive operation, the Director leads by example, establishing clear expectations while bringing a consistent sense of urgency to the role. The role will work alongside high‑performing department heads who operate with mutual respect, alignment, and a shared commitment to excellence.
The primary focus of the role (approximately 75%) is dedicated to food and beverage leadership and execution. The remaining 25% involves involvement in club‑wide initiatives, including capital projects, strategic planning, and facility master planning. This structure provides meaningful exposure to overall club operations and supports continued growth and development within a comprehensive club management environment.
Initial Priorities
Observe, listen, ask questions, and gain a deep understanding of the culture, history, and operations of Southern Hills Country Club. Build trust and credibility with leadership, staff, and members.
Maintain a highly visible presence and actively engage across all areas of the operation, fostering a caring and trusted rapport with members while building strong relationships at all levels.
Establish clear expectations across the food and beverage operation to drive consistency, alignment, accountability, and sustained performance.
Create and implement standard operating procedures for all front‑of‑the‑house dining operations.
Conduct a thorough evaluation of all banquet and dining physical assets and presentation standards, including linens, tabletop, décor, and equipment, to ensure a refined, consistent, and elevated experience aligned with the Club’s standards of excellence.
Actively monitor all member services, with particular emphasis on delivering a ļà carte service excellence. Ensure standards consistently meet or exceed established expectations and focus on continual progress and enhancements. Engage with members regularly and ensure timely follow‑up on feedback, concerns, and suggestions.
Evaluate and enhance training programs across the food and beverage operation, ensuring team members are well‑prepared, confident, and aligned with the Club’s service standards and expectations.
Partner closely with the Executive Chef to strengthen alignment between front and back of the house operations through communication, training, and team development, ensuring a seamless and consistent member experience.
Develop and manage budgets and profit and loss statements for club events and food and beverage operations, maintaining disciplined expense control and labor management, without compromising the quality of the member experience.
Bring a collaborative and forward‑thinking approach by working closely with the General Manager/Chief Operating Officer on strategic initiatives, while supporting the execution and oversight of ongoing and future capital projects.
Foster engagement, alignment, and synergy across all areas of the operation, reinforcing a unified team approach that supports both front and back of the house and enhances the overall member experience.
Candidate Qualifications
Demonstrated expertise in food and beverage operations, including casual and fine dining, events, and banquet service within multi‑outlet club, resort, or high‑end luxury hospitality environments.
Passion for providing engaging, warm hospitality and high‑quality Member service with a commitment to exceeding expectations.
Professional, self‑motivated, and high‑energy leader who embodies the Southern Hills Country Club culture.
Possesses a high degree of emotional intelligence and executive presence, complemented by strong self‑awareness and interpersonal effectiveness.
Being respectfully confident and “connected” to the membership and team is critical, as is the ability to work with leadership to deliver a cohesive and inviting club culture and environment.
Possesses exceptional advanced planning skills, attention to detail, time management, communication, and organizational skills. Ability to organize and complete work in accordance with established timelines.
Ability to proactively lead a team with a transparent and uplifting, inspirational style while creating a culture of accountability.
Possesses excellent listening skills as well as verbal and written communication skills to interact professionally with a diverse group of executives, managers, and team members.
Motivated by learning with a desire and passion to lead at a high level.
A respect for the game of golf and an understanding of golf‑centric club culture will be viewed as a strong asset.
Educational and Certification Qualifications
5‑10 years food & beverage management experience in high‑volume club, hotel, or resort and proficiency in managing fine dining, casual dining, and/or banquet events.
A bachelor’s degree is preferred, with a focus on Hospitality Management.
Substantial private club or hospitality experience will be considered in lieu of the degree.
Industry certifications such as CCM are encouraged but not required.
Employment Eligibility Verification In compliance with federal law, all hired employees must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Salary & Benefits Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Club offers an excellent bonus and benefits package, including association membership.
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