South Beds Golf Club is seeking a proactive and ambitious General Manager to lead our golf club into the next phase of growth and success. You will be responsible for overseeing the Club’s operations, delivering industry leading customer service, and enhancing the member and visitor customer experience You can find out more about the role below…
The Club:
South Beds Golf Club is a private members’ club steeped in history. Established in 1892, it is the second oldest golf club in Bedfordshire and still occupies land used to create a unique chalk downland golfing environment. Harry Vardon was a regular visitor and even provided design advice on several holes that are still in use today. Its current layout was created in 1974 and offers an unbelievable all-year-round golfing experience.
Set along the Warden and Galley Hills of South Bedfordshire and surrounded by areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Special Scientific Interest are two courses – the 18-hole Galley Course (6,401yd Par 71) and the 9-hole Warden Course (2,364yd Par 32).
In addition, there is a Full 250 Yard practice ground, a practice putting green and short-game practice area. The Club has a large clubhouse which accommodates a well-stocked professional’s shop, locker rooms and offices. On the second floor there are bars, function areas and meeting rooms.
The Club has over 600 members and a waiting list. All sections of the Club are extremely active with a full calendar of internal and external competitions, including county and regional events.
The Role
The Club is seeking to recruit an experienced, proactive and enthusiastic General Manager. You will work closely with the Management Council, Club committees, Club professional and Club members to deliver and contribute to the Club’s future operational, financial and strategic objectives. This pivotal role within the Club will be responsible for motivating, leading and inspiring staff to deliver first class standards of service to the Club membership and visitors.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Club and will report directly to the Chair of the Management Council, working to determine, prioritise and deliver on clear business objectives and strategic plans for the Club and its members.
Additionally, they will be expected to liaise with key suppliers, sub-committees and volunteers.
The General Manager with have 4 direct reports – Assistant Manager, Course Manager, Catering Manager and Bar Supervisor & Events. A total of 27 staff are employed across Club operations.
The Candidate
The successful candidate will be a professional person, who possesses great all-round management skills and be capable in operational, project, people and customer service skillsets within the sports hospitality industry.
Be able to communicate effectively and relate to a diverse range of people. Ability to balance the needs of different groups of people within the club environment, in particular the needs of the members, committee and the team of staff.
They will have an excellent and proven track record of people management and leadership, and preferably good knowledge and understanding of the expectations and traditions of a members’ club. Knowledge of current golf club market challenges, industry best practice operating methodology and structure would be advantageous.
Commercial judgement with experience of developing additional revenue streams while managing costs and efficiency is expected, as is a sound understanding of budgeting and finance.
The General Manager and Club staff act as the first point of contact for members and visitors, ensuring that everyone who works for or visits the Club has the most positive experience possible, enhancing the Clubs reputation at every opportunity.
Applicants should process and be able to demonstrate the following attributes:
Essential Criteria:
- Proven track record in managing a golf club or equivalent organisation.
- Outstanding ability to communicate verbally and in writing with a wide range of stakeholders, using various mediums.
- Inclusive team management style. Commitment to leading, developing and motivating multi-disciplined teams to maintain a friendly positive ‘can do’ culture.
- Excellent demonstratable customer care and change management skills.
- Sound financial and commercial acumen.
- Good IT Skills – including MS Office applications and IT services.
- Ability to adopt and deliver industry best practices across all areas of the Club’s activities.
- Working knowledge of employment law, licencing law, health and safety legislation and risk management.
- Experience of business development and growing revenue streams. Willingness to work flexible hours outside office hours to meet the demands of the position and business.
Desirable Criteria:
- GCMA/CMAE/PGA qualifications would be an advantage.
- Appreciation of golf and the expectations of a member’s golf club.
- Sound knowledge of the rules of golf and the world handicap system.
- Experience with club management software systems.
- Active social media skills.
- Willingness to undertake skills and industry training.
- Ability to adapt to changing needs and circumstances as they arise.
Remuneration
We offer a market competitive salary and benefits package based on the applicants experience and knowledge. This will be subject to review following the successful completion of a 6-month probation period.
Application Process
Candidates should provide a covering letter showing how they meet the Club’s requirements, along with an up-to-date CV, including your qualifications and details of your current remuneration based on the year 2024.
Please respond to [email protected].
The closing date for applications is Friday 24th January 2025. Suitable applicants will be shortlisted, and the interviewing process will commence at the beginning of February 2025.