The Somerset Club is one of the leading private clubs in the world, with a distinguished history and vibrant membership. Founded in 1851, the Club moved to its present location on Beacon Hill in 1872 and has occupied the former Sears Mansion ever since. From its beginning, the Somerset Club was the preeminent social club in Boston, and the Club prides itself on maintaining that reputation to the present day. Over the years, the Club has entertained presidents and royalty, and its list of distinguished guests reads like a Who’s Who. The Club is known today especially for its fine dining under the direction of Executive Chef Michael Shannon, the reigning American Culinary Federation Chef of the Year, and the high quality of its Club Life events. The Club has nearly 700 men and women members (just below our constitutional limit), including many leading citizens of Boston and environs.
The Somerset Club is open year-round, closing to members for two weeks at the end of August. The Club’s historic 200-year-old Club House is filled with fine art and antiques yet retains a family home atmosphere. In addition to our Main Dining Room, which seats 80, the Club has a ballroom that seats 110, a library, billiards room, grill room, poker room, and many private dining rooms. The Club also has a beautiful 4,000 square foot brick courtyard and garden – that is only visible from within the Club – which provides al fresco dining three seasons a year. The Club has seven recently renovated bedrooms and a guest lounge on its third floor, with some of the best views of Boston over the Boston Common to the Back Bay. The rooms are popular with both members and guests from reciprocal clubs, which include many of the top private clubs in the country and abroad. The Club remained open for all, but the first two months of the pandemic, and last year exceeded its pre-pandemic activity levels. In 2022, the Club hosted 236 private parties (including five weddings) and did 13,555 covers (6,179 a la carte, 4,937 private events, and 2,339 Club events). The Club currently has 10 salaried employees (including our Executive Chef, Maître d’hôtel, and Sommelier), along with over 70 full and part-time hourly wage employees.
The Club’s General Manager Dennis Michel and Associate General Manager Ronni Michel earlier this year announced their retirement after 42 years with the Club. Dennis and Ronni contributed in so many ways over the years to the Club’s success and helped make first class service synonymous with the Somerset Club.
The General Manager Position
Responsibilities:
- Reports to the Executive Committee, including the Club’s President.
- Direct reports include the Executive Chef, Maître d’hôtel, Sommelier, Controller, and Office Manager
- Responsible for all aspects of the Club’s operations, including:
- Maintaining a presence that communicates the Club’s culture and traditions.
- Working collaboratively with the Club’s volunteer governance structure.
- Developing positive relationships with Club members and families.
- Providing the highest level of service to Club members and guests.
- Building an effective team, with emphasis on training, developing, and supporting staff, and instilling a high level of morale.
- Recommending and administering compensation and benefit programs for staff.
- Overseeing all communications to members, whether through the Club website, newsletter, or email.
- Developing and monitoring financial plans and budgets to assure sustainability.
- Planning and managing Club House maintenance and capital projects.
- Staying abreast of best practices in Club management through industry associations.
- Liaising with Club committees, including Restaurant Committee, House Committee, and Club Life Committee, to provide exceptional member experience.
- Participating in continuing education with the CMAA and other opportunities for professional growth.
Qualifications:
- Relevant hospitality experience, preferably as private club General Manager, Assistant General Manager, or the equivalent in a hotel or resort.
- Bachelor’s degree and professional development training in club management functions.
- Good physical condition and effective communication skills.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Base salary commensurate with experience.
- Annual performance bonus.
- Health insurance, three weeks paid vacation, 401K match, and professional development expense allowance.
- 457(f) Retirement Plan after five years of service.
Cover letters and Resumés may be sent confidentially to:
David Chag Kirk Reese
Partner Partner
[email protected] [email protected]
