Senior Vice President of Operations - KemperClubs
1 day ago
Northbrook
Job Description Company Description Founded on a passion for exceptional experiences and enduring relationships, KemperSports is a privately held company specializing in property and hospitality management. Since its founding in 1978 by James S. Kemper Jr. and Steven H. Lesnik with the opening of Kemper Lakes Golf Club, the company has helped shape the modern standard for golf, hospitality and destination golf experiences in America. Today, KemperSports is one of the nation’s leading golf and hospitality management companies, creating experiences and building communities with more than 10,000 team members across 30 states. Their portfolio spans over 200 golf courses, private clubs, destination resorts, sports venues and live-event properties. The company manages more Top 100 public and resort golf courses, as recognized by GOLF Magazine, Golf Digest and Golfweek, than any other management company in the industry. What distinguishes KemperSports is its ability to combine the scale, sophistication and operational expertise of a national platform with the personalized partnership and hands-on service of a small company. From single-course facilities to complex multi-experience destinations, KemperSports delivers tailored strategies rooted in operational excellence, guest experience and long-term value creation. At the heart of the company is a culture built on service, integrity, relationships, creativity, loyalty and financial discipline. These values guide every decision, every partnership and every experience — fueling a team that is passionate about creating places and moments that leave a lasting impression on guests, members, clients and communities alike Position Summary The Senior Vice President of Operations – KemperClubs will serve as the executive leader responsible for the overall operations, strategy, growth, and performance of KemperSports’ private club division. This role will oversee the portfolio of owned, leased, and third-party managed private clubs nationwide and will be accountable for driving operational excellence, member satisfaction, financial performance, leadership development, and long-term asset value creation across the KemperClubs platform. As the leader of KemperClubs, this executive will establish and execute the division’s strategic vision while serving as the primary relationship leader for ownership groups, club boards, committees, and key stakeholders. The Senior Vice President of Operations will work collaboratively with corporate leadership and property teams to strengthen the KemperClubs brand, expand business opportunities, elevate member experiences, and ensure alignment with KemperSports’ overall growth strategy and operational standards. This position requires a dynamic and highly experienced leader with deep expertise in private club operations, hospitality, multi-unit leadership, and strategic business development. Duties and Responsibilities • Serve as the executive leader for KemperClubs with overall accountability for operational performance, member satisfaction, financial results, client retention, and strategic growth across the private club portfolio., • Develop and execute the long-term vision and strategic direction for KemperClubs in alignment with KemperSports’ corporate objectives and growth initiatives., • Lead the continued evolution and positioning of the KemperClubs brand as a premier private club management platform within the industry., • Establish scalable operational disciplines, service standards, and performance benchmarks that drive consistency and operational excellence across the portfolio., • Provide executive oversight of club operations, financial performance, service delivery, and business planning across the KemperClubs portfolio., • Analyze portfolio financial performance, including operating statements, forecasts, labor models, capital plans, cash flow and budget variances ., • Hold General Managers and senior property leaders accountable for achieving revenue, profitability, membership retention & growth, service experience , and operational goals., • Recruit, coach, mentor, evaluate, and develop Vice Presidents, Regional Operating Executives, General Managers, and senior club leaders while building leadership bench strength and succession plans across the portfolio., • Serve as the senior relationship leader for ownership groups, club boards, committees, and key stakeholders across the KemperClubs portfolio., • Represent KemperSports and KemperClubs in executive meetings, strategic planning sessions, presentations, and performance reviews., • Partner closely with the Business Development team to identify, evaluate, and pursue new private club management, lease, and acquisition opportunities., • Collaborate closely with corporate leadership teams including finance, human resources, legal, marketing, food & beverage, agronomy, and business development., • Ensure all clubs operate in compliance with KemperSports standards, client obligations, legal requirements, and risk management expectations., • Participate in corporate initiatives, executive projects, and additional responsibilities that support the overall success and growth of KemperSports. Qualifications • Minimum of 10–15 years of progressive leadership experience in private club, hospitality, golf, or multi-unit operations with significant senior executive leadership responsibilities., • Demonstrated success leading multiple private clubs or hospitality properties with direct accountability for financial performance, operational execution, client relationships, and leadership development., • Bachelor’s degree required, • Strong executive-level financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, labor management, variance analysis, operational analysis, and performance optimization., • Deep understanding of private club operations including membership models, food & beverage, golf operations, agronomy, hospitality service delivery, and asset management., • Proven ability to think strategically while driving disciplined operational execution across a complex multi-unit portfolio., • Exceptional relationship management skills with the ability to build trust and influence owners, boards, committees, executives, and operational leaders., • Demonstrated success in recruiting, coaching, developing, and retaining high-performing leadership teams., • Outstanding written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills., • Strong business judgment, professionalism, adaptability, and decision-making capabilities., • Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and complex business situations in a fast-paced environment., • Positive, polished, and service-oriented executive leadership style., • Willingness and ability to travel extensively as required, including evenings and weekends. Position Requirements • Ability to travel regularly via car and air travel., • Ability to navigate club properties, including golf courses and hospitality venues., • Ability to utilize multiple forms of communication technology and software systems., • Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook., • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as necessary. Classifications Full-time, exempt, year-round KemperSports Management is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
