Executive Search: General Manager/Chief Operating Officer for Bayview Golf & Country Club
- July 2, 2024
- Canada, Latest News, Placement, Private Clubs, Executive Search
General Manager/Chief Operating Officer
Bayview Golf & Country Club
Bayview is an outstanding, all-season Toronto Country Club that has been a treasured part of members’ lives for nearly 60 years. Centrally located in the GTA, Bayview offers a world-class golf course complemented by exceptional sports, recreation, dining, and social experiences, centered in a modern, full-service family private club setting with tennis, aquatics, and fitness facilities.
In addition to its Top 100 ranked golf course, Bayview features a state-of-the-art indoor practice facility with four TrackMan® units, along with a short game chipping area and putting green, providing a year-round golf experience. Members play tennis and pickleball outdoors in the summer and indoors in the winter on Bayview's six high-quality Har-Tru courts. The Club offers a range of tennis programs, from friendly daily play to competitive tournaments and inter-club competitions. Bayview is a cottage in the city. Its 13,000 sq. ft. complex features a sparkling, heated swimming pool, sunning deck, swimming lanes, splash pad and wading pool for kids, along with delicious poolside dining. The fitness offering includes a professionally staffed and well-equipped 4,000 sq. ft. gym, studio space, and Wellness services in the two treatment rooms.
Bayview has a rich history and is well-positioned for future success due to its strong and diverse membership roster, industry-leading management team, significant clubhouse and golf course improvements.
THE POSITION
Bayview Golf and Country Club seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as General Manager/Chief Operating Officer (GM/COO). The GM/COO will be responsible for all facets of Club operations, ensuring a premier member experience and the continued success of Bayview as a Tier 1 private club.
This position is an exciting opportunity for a results-oriented individual passionate about the private club industry. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong blend of leadership, financial acumen, and interpersonal skills. They will also champion diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment of belonging for all members and staff.
Key Competencies
To succeed in this role, you must demonstrate the following competencies. These same areas will be a focus for performance evaluation, ensuring clear expectations and ongoing support.
Club Governance: Demonstrated understanding of the legal and ethical frameworks that govern private clubs, including member rights/responsibilities, board structures, and regulatory compliance. Experience navigating complex governance issues and ensuring the Club operates with the highest integrity.
Values & Promotes Diversity: A proven record of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that celebrates our membership's diverse perspectives and experiences. Building trust and rapport with members and employees from all backgrounds is essential.
Leadership - Interpersonal: A charismatic leader with exceptional people skills, fostering strong relationships with members, staff, and board members. Leverage empathy, active listening, and effective communication to build a collaborative environment, address concerns, and navigate complex situations. Provide clear direction, expectations, and ongoing performance feedback to motivate and empower employees to deliver exceptional service, enhancing the member experience.
Emotional Intelligence: A high degree of emotional intelligence, with the ability to manage one's own emotions while understanding and responding effectively to the feelings of others. This skill is crucial for building trust and navigating complex situations.
Strategic Management: Demonstrated ability to develop and execute long-term plans that align with the Club's vision, mission, and competitive landscape. Experience setting clear goals, allocating resources effectively, and measuring progress toward strategic objectives.
Models Hospitality and Service Excellence: A passion for exceptional service that exceeds member and guest expectations. Ability to set ambitious standards for service and ensure staff are well-trained, empowered, and committed to delivering an extraordinary experience that reflects Bayview's position as a Tier 1 private club.
Leads Change & Supports Innovation: An initiative-taking leader who champions innovative ideas and initiatives that improve the Club's operations and enhance the member experience. Possesses strong change management skills to communicate and gain stakeholders' buy-in effectively.
Financial Acumen: A solid understanding of financial statements, budgeting, cost control, and financial analysis specific to the private club industry. Experience in developing and managing budgets, ensuring fiscal stability, and providing sound financial guidance to the Board.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Membership Experience
- Develop and deliver an exceptional member experience that surpasses expectations and reflects Bayview's position as a premier club.
- Oversee all aspects of the Club's operations to ensure the highest standards of service and activities.
- Foster strong member relations and develop programs to attract new members and retain existing ones.
- Ensure a smooth onboarding process for all new members, personally welcoming them to the Bayview community.
- Maintain a visible and accessible presence throughout the Club, engaging with members and fostering a sense of community.
Our People
- Cultivate a positive and inclusive work environment that prioritizes teamwork and mutual respect.
- Develop and manage human resource policies that are fair and compliant with all laws and support employee well-being.
- Set clear goals and objectives for direct reports, providing ongoing feedback and coaching for continuous improvement.
- Implement a robust succession planning process to develop future leaders within the Club.
- Maintain an open-door policy and be readily available to all employees.
Operational Excellence
- Develop and implement best-in-class operating procedures, programs, and methods across all departments.
- Lead and mentor department managers, promoting their professional development and supporting their success.
- Partner with the Board and Finance Committee to develop and execute the Club's annual financial plan, including budgeting, monitoring financial performance, and taking corrective action as needed.
- Stay current with industry trends and implement best practices to improve Bayview's operations consistently.
- Lead the development of the Club's strategic and tactical plans, ensuring alignment with long-term goals.
- Oversee compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Communication
- Provide clear and timely communication to the Board, President, employees, and members.
- Actively solicit and incorporate feedback from members and employees on their experience, engagement, and sense of belonging at the Club.
- Collaborate effectively with the Board to ensure transparency and shared ownership of the Club's success.
DIRECT REPORTS
Assistant General Manager, Director of Finance, Director of Golf, Activities and Junior Development, Director of Agronomy and Grounds, Clubhouse Manager, Fitness, Wellness and Aquatics Manager, Director of Tennis, and Director of Human Resources.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
Education:
A post-secondary degree in business or a related discipline is preferred.
Experience and Accreditation:
- Leadership: Proven track record as a senior leader with experience managing a team of direct reports within a private golf and country club, top-tier golf facility, or resort.
- Industry Knowledge and Passion: Demonstrated enthusiasm and understanding of the unique qualities that define a premium country club experience.
- Hospitality Background: Hospitality industry experience is a plus.
- Board Collaboration: Experience working collaboratively with a Board of Directors that utilizes established club governance structures and processes to achieve success for both the Club and the GM/COO.
- Preferred Credential: A Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation is a valued qualification.
Note: The position is currently vacant.
COMPENSATION
The Club will offer an attractive compensation package commensurate with experience, including a competitive base salary and benefits. The GM/COO also participates in the Club's performance bonus award program.
INQUIRIES
APPLICATION PERIOD HAS CLOSED.
Lead Search Consultants:
Michael Gregory
Managing Partner
GGA Partners™
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com
Jeff Germond
Director
GGA Partners™
jeff.germond@ggapartners.com