The Royal Northern & University Club Aberdeen
Club Secretary
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About the Club
Founded in 1854 and granted Royal status in 1863, the Club is Aberdeen's oldest private members' club and one of the United Kingdom's longest-established clubs. Its members enjoy dining, accommodation, private entertaining, events and access to a reciprocal network of leading clubs in the UK and overseas.
About the Role
The Chairman is seeking to appoint a Club Secretary. As the Club's most senior employee, the postholder is responsible for day-to-day management within the strategy, budget and policies approved by the Main Committee, and the delegated authority set by the Chairman. Reporting to the Chairman and accountable to the Main Committee, the Club Secretary leads all Club employees and oversees member services, finances and the Club premises.
The Club exists for its members, but must be run as a disciplined and financially sustainable business. The Club Secretary will be expected to protect the Club's character and standards while continually improving services, financial performance, staff management, use of the premises and member communications.
What the Club Secretary will be expected to achieve
- Develop the annual operating plan and budget with the Chairman and Main Committee, turn approved priorities into action and report on progress.
- Lead all Club employees through the management structure approved by the Main Committee, with clear responsibility for each part of the operation.
- Set and maintain standards across member service, dining, the bar, bedrooms, private functions, events and the Club premises.
- Run the Club within the approved budget, monitor management accounts, income and costs, and take action to deliver the agreed financial result.
- Give the Chairman and Main Committee timely papers, accurate minutes, clear advice and reliable follow-through. Administer general meetings, membership records, and nomination and election procedures in accordance with the Club Rules.
- Ensure the Club meets its legal and regulatory duties, including licensing, health and safety, food safety, employment, data protection and insurance.
- Lead agreed changes to services and working methods without weakening the discretion, personal service and traditions members value.
- Develop events and membership engagement, improve retention and increase the use of bedrooms and private rooms without compromising members' access or the Club's private character.
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Performance will be reviewed against an agreed operating plan, budget and service standards.
What we are looking for
- Substantial senior management experience in a private members' club, hotel, hospitality business or membership organisation of comparable standing.
- Experience leading a multi-departmental team through managers and improving service, staff performance and financial results.
- Direct responsibility for preparing budgets, interpreting management accounts, controlling income and expenditure, and taking action when financial results fall below plan.
- Experience supporting a board or committee and overseeing legal and regulatory duties in a licensed or comparable setting.
- Sound judgement, discretion, clear written and spoken English and a personal, member-focused approach.
- A calm and visible management style, with the judgement to handle sensitive member and staff matters, operational problems and competing demands, and the confidence to challenge constructively.
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Terms
The role is based on site in Aberdeen and includes Committee meetings, evening and weekend events, and urgent matters outside normal office hours.
Appointment is subject to satisfactory references and evidence of the right to work in the United Kingdom.
How to apply
Send your CV and a covering letter of no more than two pages, explaining your interest in the role and the experience you would bring to it, to the Chairman, Lars Frevert, either by email at lars.frevert@rnuc.org.uk or by post to 9 Albyn Place, Aberdeen AB10 1YE, marked Private and Confidential, by 1 October 2026.
Applications will be treated in strict confidence. Applicants selected for interview will receive the full job description beforehand. Applicant Privacy Notice: https://www.rnuc.org.uk/s/2026-08-30-RNUC-Applicant-Privacy-Notice.pdf
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