Month: January 2026

Executive Search: General Manager/COO, The National Club

Date:

 

General Manager/Chief Operating Officer
The National Club
Toronto, Ontario

 

CLUB OVERVIEW

The National Club, located at 303 Bay Street in the heart of Toronto’s Financial District, is one of Canada’s oldest and most distinguished private city clubs. Founded in 1874, the Club combines a rich heritage with modern facilities, providing an elegant environment that supports both business and social engagement. Members value the Club for its exceptional hospitality, high service standards, and warm, welcoming culture, which together create a trusted setting for connection, professional activity, and leisure.

The Club serves a diverse membership of professionals from across the business, professional, and innovation communities, including finance, law, technology, consulting, and other major sectors. It is widely recognized for its outstanding culinary program, its extensive wine culture including a 30,000-bottle cellar, and its popular rooftop patio, which is a unique feature among downtown Toronto private clubs. Members consistently highlight the Club’s personalized service, refined dining experiences, and strong sense of community. These qualities contribute to the Club’s reputation as a home away from home for those who value tradition, comfort, and meaningful relationships.

The Club’s operations reflect the complexity of a modern hospitality business, combining refined dining, professional services, private events, and member‑centric programming within a highly relationship‑driven environment.

As the Club looks ahead to its next chapter, it is seeking an experienced and dynamic General Manager / Chief Operating Officer who will uphold its longstanding traditions, strengthen its culture of service excellence, and guide the continued evolution of its amenities, operations, and member experience.

AMENITIES

  • Multiple dining rooms and outlets
  • A rooftop patio and lounge, offering the only outdoor dining terrace on Bay Street
  • Private dining
  • Vibrant wine club with 30,000-bottle wine cellar
  • A fully equipped Business Centre, with ongoing improvements planned
  • Concierge support and service-focused staff
  • Private meeting and function rooms for professional and social needs
  • Updated overnight guest rooms available to members and their guests
  • Reciprocal privileges with select private clubs around the world, supporting member travel and network connectivity

POSITION SUMMARY

The National Club is seeking an experienced General Manager / Chief Operating Officer to lead all day-to-day operations and uphold the Club’s long-standing commitment to exceptional service. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the General Manager / Chief Operating Officer will ensure that the Club remains a distinguished destination for both business and social engagement, thoughtfully guiding the Club’s ongoing evolution – ensuring it remains relevant to current and future members while respecting its heritage, traditions, and values.

The successful candidate will be a visible and approachable leader who builds strong relationships with members, staff, and the Board. This individual will guide all departments, oversee financial and operational performance, support good governance practices, and champion a consistent and elevated member experience.

The General Manager / Chief Operating Officer will play a key role in advancing the Club’s strategic priorities, enhancing amenities and services, and fostering a welcoming culture that reflects the heritage and values of The National Club.

Position Description/Requirements

Apply Here

SEARCH EXECUTIVES

 

Michael Gregory
Managing Director & Partner
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

Liz McDowell
Director
liz.mcdowell@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

Peter Holt
Director
peter.holt@ggapartners.com

 

Executive Search: General Manager, Cedar Brae Golf Club

Date:

 

General Manager
Cedar Brae Golf Club
Scarborough, Ontario

CLUB OVERVIEW
Cedar Brae Golf Club, nestled in the scenic Rouge Valley in northeast Toronto, is a member-owned private club with a rich history spanning over 100 years. The Club features a challenging, award-winning 18-hole course designed by renowned architect CE (Robbie) Robinson, a disciple of Stanley Thompson. The course is a picturesque parkland course featuring numerous elevation changes, large, fast greens, and multiple tees, providing a wide range of challenges for golfers of all skill levels. The club’s primary mission is to provide its members and guests with a truly exceptional golfing experience through a premier golf course layout, practice areas, clubhouse, and dining facilities. The members and the club’s leadership team strive to deliver these high-quality services and operate the club in a financially prudent, forward-looking manner. In 2025, Cedar Brae Golf Club stewarded a new Strategic Plan, confirming the priorities for the Club, and solidifying a new Purpose Statement: Cedar Brae Golf Club – where golf is our focus. Our members. Our strength.

The culture of Cedar Brae is steeped in tradition yet mindful of both the opportunities and challenges the game of golf faces in the future. To that end, they embrace the opportunity to elevate Cedar Brae’s reputation and brand as both a championship-level golf course and as a highly desirable member of the private golf club community in Toronto.

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE OF THE GM ROLE
The General Manager of Cedar Brae Golf Club is solely accountable for the efficient and effective execution of the golf club’s operations. In day-to-day operations, the GM reports directly to the Club’s member-elected President and to an Executive Committee composed of 4 Directors. On matters relating to achieving the Club’s strategic objectives, the GM reports to the full Board, which consists of an additional six Directors, for a total of 10. The annual evaluation of the GM’s performance is the responsibility of the Executive Committee.

The GM leads a full-time Management team comprising the course Superintendent, the Clubhouse Manager, the Executive Chef, the Food and Beverage Manager, the Head Golf professional, the Controller, and a small team of general administrative staff. During the outdoor golf season (~April to October), the Club will have approximately 140 occasional and full-time staff accountable to the 515 golfing members. The Club’s total revenues are just over $5.2m, with annual dues accounting for approximately $3.5m.

OVERVIEW OF SEARCH PROCESS
An ad hoc search committee has been formed to lead the search, and it has full operational responsibility for executing all key elements. The process will end when the search committee provides their recommended candidate(s) to the full Board of Directors for review and final approval.

The search committee, working with the search consultant, has identified several key competencies to be used in identifying, evaluating, and selecting the final candidate to fill the role of General Manager. These competencies reflect the Club’s operational and strategic needs today and tomorrow and have been validated through an intensive analysis conducted by a search firm with proven experience and expertise in the golf sector.

These key competencies relate to practical skills and proven abilities that align with the Club’s current and foreseeable needs. In addition, the search process will seek to identify specific behavioural attributes the Club considers necessary for the selected candidate to succeed in the GM role. The skills and abilities, together with specific behavioural attributes, have been summarized below. The search process will evaluate applications based on their ability to demonstrate a high level of expertise or command of many of these competencies.

Position Description/Requirements

Apply Here

SEARCH EXECUTIVES

 

Michael Gregory
Managing Director & Partner
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

Liz McDowell
Director
liz.mcdowell@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

Peter Holt
Director
peter.holt@ggapartners.com

 

Executive Search: Assistant General Manager, Vestavia Country Club

Date:

Assistant General Manager
Vestavia Country Club
Birmingham, Alabama

CLUB OVERVIEW
Vestavia Country Club (VCC or the Club) is a premier private club known for its rich tradition of hospitality, exceptional recreational amenities, and welcoming environment for families of all ages. Over the past five years, the Club has welcomed many new families, with membership shifting to a younger demographic and more active dependents enjoying the Club’s facilities.

VCC also has a proven history of successful reinvestment. Its last major capital project, the 2016 renovation, delivered a significant upgrade to the 18 hole golf course, reinforcing the Club’s commitment to continuous improvement. Earlier, the 2010 renovation revitalized the Par 3 course, Tennis building, and Pool, helping strengthen VCC’s long term capital strategy.

Member sentiment continues to validate this forward momentum. In the 2025 Member Survey, members expressed high satisfaction with the Club’s overall experience while identifying opportunities for enhancements (dining, fitness, and locker rooms) that are being addressed in the next wave of capital improvements.

VCC is in the process of a significant clubhouse transformation, with the dining and fitness areas scheduled to re-open in July 2026. The overall renovation plan includes:

  • A redesigned Grandview Grill with expanded dining and an artisanal pizza kitchen
  • A refreshed Wellington Room with interior and patio enhancements
  • A fully expanded and modernized fitness center
  • Upgrades throughout the Pub, Living Room, Ascot Room, Windsor Room, Corridors, Reception Room, Ballroom, and Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Rooms
  • Improved landscaping and Tennis Pavilion upgrades

To support this next chapter, the Club is seeking an Assistant General Manager (AGM) who will help refine operating procedures, build and onboard a service‑driven team, and ensure elevated and consistent member experiences through the reopening and beyond.

ABOUT THE CLUB
Member-Owned Private Club
Undergoing $15 million renovation project
Member Count: 990 primary members, 3,139 total club users
Fees (2025): $75,000 entrance fee, $10,180 full dues
Gross Revenue: $17+ million

AMENITIES
Golf: 18-hole course plus a 9-hole par 3 course
Tennis Center with 15 tennis courts
Full-Service Fitness Center
3 Extraordinary Resort-Style Pools
Dining & Events
Childcare Center

POSITION SUMMARY
The Assistant General Manager (AGM) is a senior leadership role responsible for the overall operation and coordination of all clubhouse functions at Vestavia Country Club. Reporting directly to the General Manager, the AGM provides hands-on oversight to Food & Beverage operations, service excellence, member communications, events, and clubhouse facilities.

This position will play a leading role in preparing Vestavia’s operations team for the opening of the newly renovated clubhouse in July 2026, establishing new service standards, developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), and ensuring excellence across all team interactions with members and guests.

The AGM acts as second-in-command of club operations, maintaining a visible, approachable presence throughout the clubhouse and serving as a bridge between the General Manager, department heads, and frontline service teams.

POSITION DETAILS

  • Compensation: Compensation for this role is highly competitive, with a base salary of $150,000–$180,000 plus bonus potential, a comprehensive benefits package, and robust continuing education and professional development support.
  • Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt.
  • Schedule: Variable, including weekends, holidays, and events as required.
  • Target Start Date: Open immediately, with onboarding focused on pre-opening and team development in advance of the 2026 clubhouse launch.

Position Description/Requirements

Apply Here

SEARCH EXECUTIVES

 

Michael Gregory
Managing Director & Partner
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

Eric Hutchison
Director
eric.hutchison@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

Ben Hopkinson
Director
ben.hopkinson@ggapartners.com

 

Executive Search: Chief Operating Officer, Hamilton Golf & Country Club

Date:

 

Chief Operating Officer
Hamilton Golf & Country Club
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

CLUB OVERVIEW
Founded in 1894, Hamilton Golf & Country Club stands as one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious private clubs, steeped in more than a century of tradition. Renowned for its world-class golf and collegial atmosphere, HGCC continues to deliver a world-class experience for members and guests, blending its storied heritage with modern amenities and a vibrant club culture.

Set on rolling land in Ancaster, Ontario, HGCC’s original 18-hole course, designed by legendary British architect Harry Colt, opened in 1916 and quickly earned a reputation as one of North America’s finest parkland layouts. The Club expanded to 27 holes with the addition of the East nine in 1975, and recently completed a major renovation led by Martin Ebert, modernizing bunkers, greens, and irrigation. Members now enjoy full play across all 27 holes, with the course recognized for its varied topography and championship pedigree. Additionally, the Club has a nine-hole par 27 layout with some replica holes from other Colt designs as well as a full practice facility.

The Club’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its year-round teaching academy, award-winning instructors, robust junior and caddie programs, and an active calendar of men’s and women’s events. As one of the ten founding clubs of the Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada), HGCC has hosted the Canadian Open seven times, first in 1919 and as recently as 2023—showcasing the Club to the world’s greatest players. The club is ranked among the top three private clubs in Canada and the top 100 in the world.

The clubhouse, opened in 1929 and renovated in 2009, offers elegant spaces for dining and events, including the Great Hall and Grill Room, complemented by a curated wine program and private wine lockers. HGCC also takes pride in its philanthropic efforts through the HGCC Foundation and annual charity golf tournaments, reinforcing its commitment to the broader Hamilton community.

Today, HGCC has a healthy waitlist and elevated amenities, and a unified vision for the future. The Club is currently seeking a Chief Operating Officer to lead the next chapter, supporting HGCC’s standard of excellence, executing its long-term strategic plan, and ensuring the Club continues to set the benchmark for premier golf and country club experiences in Canada.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Hamilton Golf & Country Club is responsible for all day-to-day operations and the realization of the Club’s strategic objectives. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the COO leads a high-performing team to deliver an exceptional golf, social, and hospitality experience for members and guests. The COO is expected to be a highly visible and approachable leader who fosters open communication, builds strong relationships with members, staff, and the Board, and ensures operational excellence across all areas of the Club. The COO will also serve as an ambassador for HGCC within the broader golf industry and local community, reinforcing the Club’s reputation as one of Canada’s premier private clubs.

Direct reports include the Golf Course Superintendent, Head Golf Professional, F&B Manager, Controller, and other administrative departments.

Position Description/Requirements

Apply Here

SEARCH EXECUTIVES

 

Michael Gregory
Managing Director & Partner
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

Liz McDowell
Director
liz.mcdowell@ggapartners.com

 

 

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