Description
THE GENERAL MANAGER OPPORTUNITY AT ROSE HILL PLANTATION PROPERTY OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION
Rose Hill Plantation Property Owners’ Association (RHPPOA) is seeking a dynamic and experienced General Manager (GM) to lead this distinguished Lowcountry community in Bluffton, South Carolina. With its natural beauty, resort-style amenities, and strong community atmosphere, Rose Hill provides an excellent environment for a proactive, service-oriented leader. The General Manager will oversee daily operations, including managing amenities, overseeing finances, leading staff, and maintaining homeowner relations, all while working closely with the Board to execute strategic plans. This presents a unique opportunity to join a vibrant, established community (since 1982) that values professionalism, innovation, and hospitality.
ABOUT ROSE HILL PLANTATION PROPERTY OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION AND COMMUNITY
Rose Hill Plantation - a Golf, Equestrian, Waterfront Community is a top gated community in the heart of Bluffton, South Carolina. Covering over 2,000 acres, the community blends Lowcountry charm with modern amenities, including an 18-hole golf course, full-service restaurant, equestrian center, tennis and pickleball courts, three pools, a community clubhouse, and access to the Colleton River. Offering estate homes, patio homes, and equestrian properties, Rose Hill provides a diverse and active lifestyle backed by a committed association that maintains the community’s beauty, safety, and quality of life.
ROSE HILL PLANTATION PROPERTY OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION BY THE NUMBERS
Approximately 997 total lots with 95% build out of quaint patio homes, large golf fairway homesites, and marsh waterfront estates with panoramic views of the Colleton River.
Association fees $2,800 per year for improved properties and $1,864 for unimproved properties.
RHPPOA uses JONAS software for operations.
Approximately 80% of members live in RHPPOA or the area year-round.
There are 9 board members serving staggered three-year terms.
The average age of members is 60 years.
Committees include Architectural Review Board (ARB), Audit, Common Grounds, Nominating, Social, Long Range Planning, and Communications.
RHPPOA is organized as a not-for-profit corporation under the State of South Carolina statutes.
At present, direct reports include the Chief of Security, ARB Coordinator and Compliance Advisor, Operations Manager, Office Manager, Administrative Assistant, and Staff Accountant. (The Maintenance Supervisor and Maintenance Technicians report directly to the Operations Manager)
ROSE HILL PLANTATION PROPERTY OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION WEBSITE: www.rosehillplantationpoa.com
Requirements
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors through the Association President, the GM is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and daily operations of the Association. This includes managing core POA functions such as financial oversight, member services, covenant enforcement, infrastructure and common area maintenance, security, staff leadership, and support for the Board and committees.
Although the golf course, equestrian center, food and beverage operations, and tennis facility are operated independently by third-party partners, the GM plays a vital coordinating role—maintaining strong relationships with these providers to ensure alignment with community standards, responsiveness to resident feedback, and an integrated approach to delivering a high-quality living experience.
The GM must be a visible and approachable leader within the community—friendly, diplomatic, and attentive to the needs of residents, staff, and stakeholders. Building trust through consistent communication, prompt follow-up, and transparency will be crucial. The GM is expected to foster a collaborative team environment among staff, support effective governance with the Board and committees, and oversee the implementation of policies, projects, and long-term plans that preserve and enhance Rose Hill’s unique character.
This role requires strong administrative, organizational, and financial management skills, along with a hands-on approach to operational excellence. The GM will oversee budget development and forecasting, manage contracts and vendors, lead staff, guide reserve planning and capital projects, and ensure compliance with governing documents and applicable laws. The ideal candidate will also have a forward-thinking mindset—leveraging technology and process improvements to enhance service delivery, communication, and community engagement.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills are essential. The GM will represent the POA professionally and credibly, engaging comfortably with a wide range of individuals—from members to contractors to government agencies. In partnership with the Board, the GM will help define and execute a clear strategic vision for Rose Hill’s future, balancing operational excellence with the evolving needs of a vibrant and diverse community.
INITIAL PRIORITIES OF THE GENERAL MANAGER
The following priorities have been identified for likely initial primary focus:
Establish Strong Relationships
Build trust and open lines of communication with the Board of Directors, staff, members, and key vendors.
Conduct introductory meetings with department heads and community stakeholders to understand current dynamics and expectations.
Review Governance and Operational Documents
Familiarize yourself with the community’s governing documents, rules and regulations, strategic plans, and past Board decisions.
Ensure compliance with state laws, association policies, and best practices in POA management.
Assess Amenities and Infrastructure
Evaluate the condition, usage, and operational efficiency of all amenities, including the golf course, equestrian center, pools, clubhouse, racquet facilities, and common areas.
Identify any immediate maintenance or safety concerns and begin planning for short- and long-term improvements.
Review Financial Health and Budgeting Processes
Analyze current budgets, financial statements, reserve funds, and contracts.
Begin preparing for the next budget cycle with a focus on transparency, sustainability, and proactive reserve funding.
Evaluate Staffing and Operational Structure
Assess team structure, staff performance, and service delivery models to ensure alignment with the community’s needs.
Address any immediate staffing needs or efficiency improvements.
Enhance Resident Communication and Engagement
Review current communication tools and strategies; identify opportunities for improvement.
Create a welcoming presence in the community and respond proactively to homeowner concerns and feedback.
Prioritize Key Projects and Strategic Initiatives
Identify and prioritize any ongoing or upcoming capital projects, operational transitions, or committee-led initiatives.
Begin planning updates to the reserve study and ensure follow-up on any recommendations from engineering or facility inspections.
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will bring a minimum of 8+ years of progressive executive leadership experience, preferably within a private, member-governed residential community, large-scale POA, or a comparable resort/hospitality environment with complex, multi-faceted operations. Experience managing or having direct knowledge of amenities such as golf, equestrian, racquet sports, and club-style facilities is highly desirable. Demonstrated success operating within a strong General Manager model—marked by a high level of personal ownership, accountability, and strategic leadership—is essential. The successful candidate will be a hands-on, service-minded professional with a track record of delivering operational excellence while fostering strong relationships with the Board of Directors, staff, and residents alike.
EDUCATIONAL AND CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS
A bachelor’s degree is preferred, ideally with a concentration in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
Substantial large-scale POA, community association, or hospitality experience will be considered in lieu of the degree.
Industry certifications such as CMCA, AMS, and PCAM are preferred. Strong preference for LSM designation and/or verifiable large-scale community operations experience.
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 AND BENEFITS
Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Association offers an excellent bonus and benefits package.
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 Sue Wolford, Board President, 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 Rose Hill and the Bluffton, SC area will benefit if you are selected for the role.
Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as this search is moving on an accelerated timeline. Candidate review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
The selected candidate will be expected to assume the role as soon as reasonably possible following acceptance of the position, allowing for an appropriate professional notice period and transition from their current employer.
IMPORTANT: Save your resume and letter in the following manner:
“Last Name, First Name - Resume” &
“Last Name, First Name - Cover Letter – Rose Hill”
(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.
If you have any questions, please email Christy Latimore: [email protected]
Lead Search Executive:
Brad Baecht, LCAM, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Search & Consulting Executive
O: (833) KKW-HIRE, ext. 706
M: (703) 727-0964
