Head of Operations & Business Management

POSITION Operations Manager

The Lake is a new private social club opening in Fall 2026 in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Spanning 26,000 square feet, the clubhouse will feature a classic brick-and-limestone exterior paired with stylish contemporary interiors, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting. Designed to foster a vibrant, welcoming community, The Lake will center around an exceptional food and beverage program and bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a love of gathering with family and friends. The club will offer three distinct restaurants, including a French-inspired brasserie, a British American restaurant, and an Italian trattoria. In addition, members will enjoy two cocktail bars, a members’ wine cellar, a roof terrace, and three guest rooms, all thoughtfully designed to create a dynamic and curated experience.

Topography is a hospitality company founded by Liam Krehbiel in 2021 that develops and operates a collection of luxurious hotels and clubs, with a vision to build a world-class company known for excellence in guest experience, employee satisfaction, financial performance, and environmental stewardship. The Lake will be Topography’s first property to open, with additional projects in development across Wisconsin, New England, and North Carolina.

OPERATIONS PHILOSOPHY:

At The Lake, operations is what allows every department and guest touchpoint to deliver on our promise of elevated hospitality. The Operations Manager is expected to combine strong business acumen with genuine hospitality leadership, ensuring consistent execution and a seamless experience across every department.

Structured yet adaptable

Every decision — from staffing a shift to resolving a service breakdown — should reflect a seamless and elevated hospitality experience.

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations across The Lake’s guest experience areas, ensuring consistent execution of service, staffing, and financial standards. This role prepares and supports the property for a seamless member experience by partnering closely with service and administrative leadership, from pre-opening through ongoing operations, and serves as a key liaison to the General Manager on daily operational matters.

The ideal candidate is passionate about hospitality operations, possesses strong leadership and organizational skills, and thrives in a luxury, member-focused environment where operational precision is as important as guest experience.

Oversee daily operations across The Lake’s guest experience areas, including housekeeping, valet, front desk, door service, and guest rooms.

Serve as the primary liaison between daily operations and the General Manager, providing regular updates and escalating priority issues.

Staffing & Team Management

Manage scheduling, labor planning, and staffing coverage across the property.

Support recruiting, onboarding, and training coordination alongside People & Culture.

Financial & Vendor Oversight

Monitor budgets, cost controls, and overall financial performance across departments.

Manage vendor and supplier relationships, including ordering, receiving, and inventory oversight.

Standards, Safety & Compliance

Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.

Uphold sanitation and workplace safety standards across all outlets.

Work collaboratively with service and administrative teams to deliver seamless member experiences.

Pre-Opening & Continuous Improvement

The Lake is seeking candidates who combine strong operational leadership with a passion for hospitality and luxury service.

5+ years of progressive operations or management experience in high-volume hospitality or private club settings.

Working knowledge of P&L management, labor cost control, and vendor management.

Familiarity with health and safety code compliance.

Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Previous private club experience is a plus.

The Lake offers a competitive compensation package for this role, including an annual salary of $80,000–$90,000, bonus eligible, and a 401(k) plan. Additionally, The Lake provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, and paid vacation.