Chief Operating Officer
Burlington Golf & Country Club

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Burlington Golf and Country Club (BGCC) is a premier private, shareholder-owned golf, curling, social, and member dining facility founded in 1922 and located on the shores of Lake Ontario. In 2023, the City of Burlington was ranked first as the most livable city in Ontario and fifth in Canada - BGCC exemplifies why. Our mission is to enrich the lives of our members by providing an exceptional golf, curling and social experience that fosters friendship and fellowship within a safe and secure private setting in a fiscally responsible manner. Our vision is to be the Club of choice by creating a friendly environment, embracing feedback from our members, keeping our facilities and offerings relevant and fresh, caring for our staff and being a good neighbour in our community.

BGCC is a year-round club with a very full and active membership. It is a place where golfers, curlers and social Members can relax among their peers and enjoy the many sport and social activities offered throughout the year. It was recently ranked the 61^st best course in Canada by ScoreGolf and currently enjoys a golf waitlist of approximately 115 future Members.

ABOUT THE CLUB

• BGCC’s Facilities Include:
• 18-hole Stanley Thompson golf course – currently ranked 61^st in Canada
• 6 curling sheets
• Newly renovated premium clubhouse including:
  • Formal dining area
  • Expansive casual dining lounge and waterfront patio
  • Two Golf simulators
  • Banquet Facilities

Club Overview:

• Total members: 1,597
• Total Shareholders: 662
• Initiation fee + shareholder price: $45K
• Annual Shareholder dues: $6,042
• Annual facility improvement fee: $960
• Annual dues revenue: $4.3M
• Gross revenue: $9.6M
• F&B revenue: $4.5M
• Average member age: 60.2 y/o
• Rounds of golf annually: 33K

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES

The COO is the leader of BGCC’s Management Team and will:

• Report to the President and be accountable to the Board of Directors for providing leadership and vision in all aspects of the operation including facility management and development, food & beverage, member services, golf and curling, retail, finance, and human resources.
• Lead and manage a culture that provides exceptional, personalized member and guest experiences, promoting membership growth, and advancing the long-term viability of the Club.
• Working with the Board, be responsible for developing and achieving the strategic, financial, and operating objectives and report to the Board on progress and attainment of both short and long-term goals.
• Prepare the annual budget, and after Board approval, manage and control the operations of the Club to attain the desired results.
• Protection and security of the Club's assets and facilities.
• Negotiate and ensure the terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Club and Union are maintained by all parties thereto.
• Ensure all regulatory requirements of a not-for-profit organization are met in a timely and accurate manner.
• Perform all duties and responsibilities of a Corporate Secretary including provide proper notice and attend the Board of Directors meetings. special meetings and annual meetings and take the minutes of all such meetings.
• Plan and oversee execution of capital projects.
• Develop and implement best-in-class and industry leading operating policies, programs procedures and methods.
• Ensure the development and implementation of policies and practices necessary for the Board to meet its fiduciary and operating obligations and objectives. Recommend to the President any changes to policies deemed necessary.
• Proactively monitor member, guest, and stakeholder feedback regarding the Club’s services. Maintain or improve the quality of the Club's services accordingly. Ensure timely and effective communication is provided to the members regarding any significant projects and changes and/or improvements to Club services.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Given the leading role this individual will play in achieving the strategic and business objectives of BGCC, it is essential that the successful candidate possess the following core competencies, experience, and attributes:

LEADERSHIP

A dynamic leader with the ability to build strong teams by motivating staff and leading by example.  Possesses the ability to provide direction and expectations, performance feedback and recognition that leads to positive outcomes to enhance Member experiences through inspiring department managers and employees. Exhibits leadership skills in team building, employee motivation and service training and is respectful and professional in all interpersonal dealings.

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS, RECRUITMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING EXPERTISE

A strategic thinker with strong business acumen who will:

• Directly supervise all department heads including the Food and Beverage Manager, the Executive Chef, the Controller, the Golf Course Superintendent, the Golf Professional and the Curling Manager. The COO will be responsible for the performance of the entire management team and for all operating results.
• Provide guidance in the selection and compensation of staff and lead the selection process of all management staff.
• Encourage and oversee the development of training programs that enhance employee skills and align with strategic objectives.
• Foster a team environment that builds the desired culture and encourages open communication among staff.
• Keep employees informed of all matters and lead periodic meetings with management and staff.
• Develop and maintain an effective organizational structure that reflects operational needs and outlines staff responsibilities as they relate to the accomplishment of the objectives established in the operational and strategic plan.
• Implements progressive policies and programs that enable the organization to attract and retain expert staff.

MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL EXCELLENCE

The candidate must have the knowledge and experience to:

• Work with the management team to continually evaluate opportunities to enhance the services and programs offered or organized for members.
• Ensure the ongoing financial management of the Club and its operations.
• Identify and manage principal risks and ensure the Club has put in place the policies and processes to mitigate the same.
• Ensure the Board has the timely and accurate financial information needed to meet their fiduciary obligations.
• Work closely with the Club’s Controller, to implement financial programs that seek to achieve the Club’s strategic goals.
• With the operations team, develop the Club’s annual operational and capital budgets for approval by the Board.
• Through the Executive Chef, ensure the food & beverage program is designed and delivered in a way that meets member needs, exhibits a culture of innovation and variety, and is managed in accordance with approved budgets.
• Manage and update the long-range capital maintenance plan.
• Ensure the budgets are adhered to and seek ways to optimize revenues and expenses.
• Ensure the club has adequate systems and controls.
• Ensure an effective healthy and safe environment exists and is supported by policies and procedures in accordance with relevant government regulations and are followed by all staff and members.
• Ensure that regular inspections are taking place and follow-up actions are implemented.
• Oversee the marketing communications, and social media plans for the Club.

A VISION FOR EXCELLENCE

• Ensure the Club keeps abreast of new thinking and program innovations which enhance member experience and the member’s sense of value.
• Maintain a high profile and visibility with the members and continually seek ways of improving member communications.
• Demonstrates integrity and ethical conduct in words and deeds; embodies the characteristics of a successful COO through honesty, straightforwardness, accountability, leadership, and dedication.
• A self-starter with a results-oriented work style combined with excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills demonstrated with all the Club’s stakeholders.
• Demonstrates energy and a desire to interact with the membership.
• A confident, diplomatic, and competent professional who is a “doer” and a take charge person who recognizes the importance of accountability.
• Strong professional with a clear commitment to member service through an open and transparent member approach.

COMMUNITY/PUBLIC RELATIONS AWAREMENT

• Develop and maintain effective external stakeholder relationships including homeowners surrounding the golf course, nearby community associations, and local municipal officials.
• Maintains effective relationships and the transfer of applicable best practices from industry associations and peers, and ensure the Club participation in relevant industry, trade and community events.
• Promote the reputation of the Club internally and externally, including the golfing, curling and dining club industries.
• Working with member and supplier partners in development, marketing and sales to promote the Club.

 DIRECT REPORTS

• Food & Beverage Manager
• Golf Course Superintendent,
• Head Golf Professional,
• Controller,
• Executive Chef, and
• Curling Manager

COMPENSATION

Burlington will offer a very attractive compensation package, commensurate with experience, which will include a competitive base salary, bonus opportunity and benefits.

NOTE

The Incumbent Chief Operating Officer will retire on October 31^st, 2024, after a 17-year tenure at the club.

APPLICATION

IMPORTANT: Interested candidates should complete an application, including a resume along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by May 21st, 2024.

The documents must be saved as a PDF (save as “Last Name, First Name, Burlington).

Apply Now

Lead Search Consultants: 

Michael Gregory
Managing Partner
GGA Partners™
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com

Jeff Germond
Director
GGA Partners™
jeff.germond@ggapartners.com