Executive Search: General Manager for Earl Grey Golf Club

General Manager
Earl Grey Golf Club

 

History:

Earl Grey was founded in 1919 by Major Duncan Stuart, a practicing city lawyer, who organized a group of people interested in playing golf. The original course, which consisted of five holes, was located on land leased from the C.P.R., south of and adjacent to the Earl Grey Public School in the Mount Royal district. The Club moved on two occasions, and in 1932, a twenty-year lease was negotiated with the City of Calgary for the present site. The Club continues to lease the land from the City of Calgary pursuant to a long-term agreement.

Rejuvenation and Transition:

Improvements were made to the courses and clubhouse over the years leading to a transition to the current club designed to meet member expectations for the entire family. By 2019, the Club had completed construction of a new clubhouse, turf care facility and club storage building and significantly renovated the golf course just before celebrating its 100th anniversary. The Club continues to assess capital needs and is currently preparing a master plan for the golf course. The Club has a full waiting list, as demand for golf in Calgary, and in particular for the Earl Grey experience, is very high.

In 2023, Earl Grey was selected to be the host of the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open from July 22 to July 28.  Preparations for the event are in full swing with the cooperation of Golf Canada, the LPGA, and the City of Calgary.

Earl Grey will continue as one of Calgary’s premiere Golf Clubs and a preferred choice of many for years to come.  The new General Manager has an opportunity to be a part of the Club’s exciting future.

Mission Statement: To provide an excellent golf club offering a friendly, year-round golf and social experience for all members and their families, with a high level of service, while acting as good members of the community.

ABOUT THE CLUB:

Club Facilities

  • 18-hole championship golf course
  • 9-hole Lakeview Par 3 course
  • HD indoor golf simulators
  • SAM PuttLab
  •  Premium clubhouse including:
    • Dining, lounge, and bar areas
    • Private event and meeting spaces
    • New and well-appointed locker rooms

Club Overview

  • Total members: 1,400
  • Total Shareholders: 559
  • Initiation fee: $56,000
  • Annual dues: $5,100
  • Capital dues: $500
  • Annual dues revenue: $4.2MM
  • Gross revenue: $10.0MM
  • F&B revenue: $2.8MM
  • Rounds of golf annually: 30,000
  • Full-time equivalent employees: 100-150, depending on season.
  • Peak season total employees:  220

THE POSITION

We are looking for a General Manager (GM) reporting to the Board to oversee the entire Club.  The GM will deliver a consistently excellent member experience within the existing financial framework. The GM will balance innovation with tradition as the history of the club is highly valued by members.  The anticipated start date is in March 2024.

The GM will be responsible for:

  • The consistent delivery of a member service that meets, and often exceeds member expectations.
  • The supervision of the food and beverage operations, membership services, golf services operations, golf course maintenance, Club facilities and administrative services.
  • Responsibility for Senior Managers who report directly to the GM and are responsible for the day-to-day activities and processes.  Although the GM will rely on the Senior Managers to operate the daily activities, the GM will be ultimately accountable for overall performance metrics, service and development and mentorship of the senior management team.
  • Preparation of the Club’s annual operating and capital budgets and monthly financial results.
  • The development and implementation of the Earl Grey Strategic Plan and resulting Business Plan.
  • The implementation of Board policy and strategy.
  • Representation of the Club to members, staff and external stakeholders.  The GM is engaged in new member recruitment and onboarding.

The initial key areas of focus for the GM will be:

  • To understand the Club’s mission, vision, and evolving culture though interaction with members of all categories. This will be essential in building and executing plans and services to deliver the member experience model.
  • Coordination and delivery of an excellent CPKC Women’s Open.
    • Sit on the tournament executive committee with the Club’s volunteer tournament co-chairs.
    • Collaborate with Golf Canada, CPKC and their providers, and the City of Calgary; and
    • Manage Club resource requirements to ensure successful execution of the event.
  • Review the current Strategic Plan, operating and capital budgets and identify with Senior Management team opportunities for increased revenue, improved service delivery, and continuous process improvements.
  • Develop key performance indicators which can be used by the GM and Board to initiate business process improvement, establish a performance management plan and to measure success.
  • Develop strong relationships with key outside stakeholders, including the Club’s landlord and the surrounding communities.
  • Build on the already strong culture at Earl Grey, making the Club a preferred choice for prospective employees and new members.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The GM reports to the Board. Given the leading role this individual will play in achieving the strategic objectives of Earl Grey Golf Club, it is essential that the successful candidate possess the following core competencies, experience, and attributes:

  • A dynamic leader with the ability to build strong teams by motivation and leading by example. Has the ability to provide direction and expectations, performance feedback and recognition that leads to positive outcomes.
  • Previous experience as a senior leader at a private golf club or other similar facility, experience in the hospitality industry beneficial.
  • A self-starter and results-oriented work style combined with excellent communication and interpersonal skills with all the Club’s stakeholders.
  • Strong professional deportment with a clear commitment to member service through an open and transparent customer/member approach.
  • A strategic thinker with a strong business acumen that has the ability to identify opportunities for maximizing club revenues.
  • Politically astute with the ability to identify potential issues and deal effectively with them while exercising tact and diplomacy.
  • An entrepreneurial style combined with a background in all aspects of business management including business development, finance, information technology, human resources, risk management and performance management.
  • Previous experience hosting national amateur or professional golf tournaments, championships, or major events an asset.
  • Readily accepts and responds to challenges. Directly confronts problems and persists in finding a solution.
  • Demonstrates integrity and ethical conduct in words and deeds.
  • Incorporates succession planning by preparing staff for key leadership roles.
  • Ensures compliance with all regulatory and matters affecting the Club.
  • Displays a definite business presence complemented with personal drive, resourcefulness, maturity, integrity, and sound business judgment.
  • Has experience reporting to a Board that has adopted a club governance structure and processes to lead the Club and GM to success.
  • A post-secondary degree in business or a related discipline preferred.
  • A Certified Club Manager designation (CCM) is preferred.

NOTE

The previous General Manager’s last day with the club is February 29, 2024 due to accepting another position within the club industry.

COMPENSATION

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

INQUIRIES:

IMPORTANT: Interested candidates should submit a resume along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by January 29, 2024.  The documents must be saved as a PDF (save as “Last Name, First Name, Earl Grey) and email to: execsearch@ggapartners.com.

 

Lead Search Consultants: 

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

 

George Pinches
Director
GGA Partners™
george.pinches@ggapartners.com

 

To learn more about the club please visit: https://www.earlgreygolfclub.com/  

 

Executive Search: General Manager/COO for Silver Springs Golf & Country Club

General Manager / Chief Operating Officer
Silver Springs Golf & Country Club

Silver Springs Golf and Country Club is a premier private, member-owned golf and dining facility located in Calgary, Alberta.  The Club aspires to provide the best possible member and guest experience both on and off the golf course.  Members truly participate here, in a Club where quality of life and their recreation is further improved by belonging to Silver Springs.

Silver Springs is ideally situated on an expansive, 260-acre property in northwest Calgary, 15 minutes from the downtown core.  Many of the Club’s members live in the neighborhood surrounding the Club, contributing to a vibrant culture and high usage. The Club continues to craft a culture of service and remarkable care that extends throughout the golf course, the recently renovated clubhouse and through quality member events. Members express high overall satisfaction in recent surveys, and the golf course and experience is consistently rated very well.

To learn more about the Club, visit Home – Silver Springs Golf & Country Club

 

ABOUT THE CLUB:

Club Facilities:

  • 18-hole championship golf course
  • Premium clubhouse including:
    • Formal dining area
    • Social lounge areas
    • Spacious and clean locker rooms

Club Overview:

  • Total members: 1,016
  • Total Shareholders: 512
  • Initiation fee + shareholder price: $30K
  • Annual Shareholder dues: $5,500
  • Annual facility improvement fee: $600
  • Annual dues revenue: $3.9M
  • Gross revenue: $6.2M
  • F&B revenue: $1.8M
  • Average member age: 65
  • Rounds of golf annually: 40K
  • Full-time equivalent employees: 18
  • Total active employees: 115 at peak season

GENERAL MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Leading and managing a culture that provides exceptional, personalized member and guest experiences
  • Ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the Club
  • Creating and directing programs with goals of ensuring effective financial stewardship, enhancing member and guest experiences, promoting membership growth, and advancing the long-term viability of the Club
  • Working closely with the Club’s president, Board of Directors and various operational committees to ensure development and execution of successful work plans
  • Providing financial leadership that includes the development, analysis and execution of Club budgets, periodic financial reporting, and the implementation of appropriate and up-to-date financial and system controls
  • Providing leadership to the Turf Care, Pro-Shop, Food & Beverage, and Administrative areas
  • Creating specialized programs and providing direction to the Food & Beverage area that encourage growth of the Club’s outside, catered events and effective year-round use of the clubhouse, while minimizing member conflicts during the golfing season
  • Recommending and implementing policies that enable the Club to adhere to all aspects of applicable government laws and regulations
  • Ensuring staff and member understanding and adherence to all Club bylaws and policies
  • Embody the vison, mission, purpose and values of Silver Springs

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

LEADERSHIP

  • Leading, inspiring, and developing all staff in order to achieve the highest results and standards
  • Ensuring all business units – Turf Care, Pro Shop, Food & Beverage, Administration, and Facilities – develop goals and achieve objectives aligned with the Club’s strategic plan and annual operating plans
  • Providing coaching, mentoring and advice to employees
  • Taking responsibility for employee actions and results
  • Lead all Human Resource related functions and issues

DIRECTING THE OPERATIONS OF THE CLUB

  • Focusing on day-to day operations to meet financial and performance goals
  • Overseeing the marketing and membership development activities
  • Facilitating communication and information flow with the Management Team, the Board and Member Committees
  • Providing direct expertise and oversight to the Club’s Food & Beverage catering activities to ensure required growth
  • Recommending Club policy changes and enhancements while ensuring adherence to same
  • Lead the planning and execution of capital projects

MEMBERSHIP SALES

  • Focus on selling shares to reach targeted budget number
  • Oversee the marketing plan, communications, and social media for the Club
  • Point of contact for all new member enquiries
  • Manage trial, designate, sponsored intermediate member lists and wait lists

 MEMBER EXPERIENCES

  • Seeking ways to provide the Club’s members and guests an exceptional quality experience while balancing the financial needs of the Club
  • Maintaining a high profile and visibility with the members and continually seeking ways of improving member communications

FINANCIAL EXCELLENCE

  • Working closely with the Club’s Controller, implementing financial programs that seek to achieve the Club’s strategic goals
  • With the operations team, developing the Club’s annual budget for approval by the Board
  • Manage and update the long-range capital plan and present
  • Ensuring the budget is adhered to and seeking ways to optimize and revenues and expenses
  • Improving the Club’s systems and controls
  • Oversee Men’s Section, Ladies Section, and Junior Section budgets

 EMPLOYEE RELATIONS, RECRUITMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING

  • Providing guidance in the selection and compensation of staff and leading the selection process of all management staff
  • Encouraging and overseeing the development of training programs that enhance employee skills and align with strategic objectives
  • Fostering a team environment that builds the desired culture and encourages open communication among staff
  • Keeping employees informed of all matters and leads periodic meetings with management and staff

COMMUNITY/PUBLIC RELATIONS

  • Developing and maintaining 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 ensures Club participation in relevant industry, trade and community events
  • Promoting the reputation of the Club internally and externally, including the golfing, sporting and dining club industries
  • Working with member and supplier partners in development, marketing and sales to promote the Club

BOARD RELATIONS & CLUB COMMITTEES

  • Maintaining close and effective communication with the President, Board of Directors and Operational Committees and leadership at all Board meetings
  • Being a standing member of the Executive Committee
  • Continually seeking ways of improving the effectiveness of the Club’s governance and committee structure to ensure development and alignment of strategic goals

HEALTH, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT AND SECURITY

  • Ensuring effective Club health, safety, environment and security policies and procedures are developed and implemented, in accordance with relevant government regulations and are being followed by all staff and members
  • Ensuring that regular inspections are taking place and follow-up actions are implemented

REPORTING STRUCTURE

The position reports to the Board of Directors through the Club President.

DIRECT REPORTS

Golf Course Superintendent, Head Golf Professional, Controller, Executive Chef, Food & Beverage Manager, Communications and Marketing Specialist, and Clubhouse Maintenance Supervisor.

COMPENSATION:

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

INQUIRIES:

IMPORTANT: Interested candidates should submit a resume along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by January 7, 2024.

The documents must be saved as a PDF (save as “Last Name, First Name, Silver Springs) and email to: execsearch@ggapartners.com.

We thank all applicants for their interest but will only contact those selected for an interview.

Lead Search Consultants: 

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

 

George Pinches
Director
GGA Partners™
george.pinches@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

Executive Search: General Manager for Country Hills Golf Club

                                                                         

    General Manager
Country Hills Golf Club
    Calgary, Alberta

Position title: General Manager

Department: Administration

Course: Country Hills Golf Club

Reports to: Board of Directors

Job Type: Full Time

Application Deadline: February 21, 2022

Start Date: ASAP

About Country Hills Golf Club

Country Hills Golf Club (CHGC) is a private, member-owned facility with two courses that provide distinct and exciting golf experiences.

Our Mission:

To promote an engaging culture of family and friends with remarkable golf and social experiences for everyone.

 Our Vision:

To deliver the most complete golf experience for the contemporary Albertan family.

Country Hills Golf Club is the only 36-hole facility within Calgary city limits and is located 20 minutes from downtown and less than 15 minutes from an international airport. The Club is easily accessible by way of Beddington Trail, Country Hills Boulevard, and Stoney Trail.

The Talons

The first Thomas McBroom design in Alberta features five lakes and the meandering Nose Creek which adds beauty and intrigue to your shot making strategies. The challenging layout has hosted professional and elite championships including the Mackenzie Tour’s ATB Financial Classic.

The Ridge

In contrast to the rugged appearance of the Talons course, the Ridge course, designed by Dave Bennett, offers a more park like setting with trees and manicured turf as the aesthetic focus. The upper nine presents panoramic views from the cliff tops. The lower nine is influenced by the rising cliffs and Nose Creek that will challenge your game to an incredible finish.

Members

Country Hills Golf Club offers outstanding amenities in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Members find the Club to be a place of choice for both business meetings and social entertaining. Whether it is a round of golf, or dinner and drinks in our clubhouse, we provide Members and their families an extension of their own home. Our active and fun-filled social calendar encourages Members to spend time at the Club and create new relationships. Over the years, the Club has developed a true feeling of camaraderie among its Members and staff.

Position Objective

The General Manager, is responsible for executing the strategic plan for the Board, providing input to that plan, and executing the operational plan that is formed to support progress towards achieving the Club’s mission, vision, values and strategic plan.

Structure

Reports to: Board of Directors

Direct Reports: Executive Chef, Food and Beverage Manager, Marketing Manager, Head Golf Professional, Building Manager, Accounting Manager, Superintendent, Event and Experience Manager

Duties and Responsibilities

Member Focus

  • Build and develop the desired culture of the Club
  • Build and develop a highly member focused Club
  • Promote and be a champion for service excellence
  • Oversee the efficient management of the Club on a day-to-day basis
  • Ensure policies and procedures support the needs of members, staff and the public; and are reviewed periodically to ensure they are current and aligned with the strategic and operating needs of the Club
  • Plan for quality golfing and year-round social events for members
  • Ensure that the membership categories reflect the demographic of the Club and target members; maintain appropriate category limits and access to the facilities

Team Building

  • Lead a dynamic workforce that thrives on providing a best-in-class private club experience for all stakeholders, including members, guests, staff, and our community
  • Create accountability and guide the management team towards short- and long-term objectives
  • Strong leadership skills that foster a positive environment for all patrons and staff of the Club
  • Overall corporate responsibility for the development and implementation of HR practices and systems, including attraction, retention and training of staff, resulting in CHGC being a choice place for employees to work

Financial

  • Accountability to the Board of Directors for the financial operations and policies of the Club
  • Ensure the financial sustainability of the Club through evolution of the existing membership base
  • Oversight of the financial operations as it relates to daily management, budgeting, cash flow, forecasting and long-range financial and capital planning
  • Develop the annual operating budget with a focus on creating efficiencies within the operation; synergies between operating departments; and long-term sustainability of fiscal status for the benefit of members
  • Develop and maintain the Capital Plan including specific upgrades to the golf course and Clubhouse; surrounding grounds; member and public oriented facilities; maintenance facilities and equipment

Branding

  • Elevate the Country Hills brand through networking, marketing, and business development
  • Promote golf, and specifically CHGC, foster hospitality, friendliness, and goodwill amongst all members and guests
  • Strengthen the brand and reputation for the Club in the community

Communication

  • Provide open communication and accessibility to the membership and board
  • Attend all Board meetings and ensure that the Board is kept promptly advised of all activities of the Club and its financial progress
  • Develop member relations by responding to Members requests in a timely manner
  • Create a multi-channel communication approach to providing information and gaining feedback so that both the operation and strategy are supported – and new opportunities identified

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

  • Technical Skills and Knowledge
  • Experience with POS systems
  • Advanced Experience working with Microsoft Office
  • Extensive experience running a Private Golf Club
  • A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited post-secondary institution

Abilities

  • Leadership – Innate and inspiring leadership that demonstrates the needs of a governance board including interface between the members/Board/GM; sound leadership in developing and executing an operational plan for the Leadership team; engaging and leading employee culture to provide an exceptional experience for staff and patrons of the Club. The GM will be a mature and seasoned communicator with experience communicating proactively, across multiple stakeholder groups, and utilizing appropriate channels.
  • Business Acumen – Sound financial and business acumen that balances short-term fiscal needs with long term financial sustainability. Correspondingly excellent understanding and business acumen in a golf environment will be advantageous.
  • Hospitality – Understanding of, and experience in, providing a premium private club experience via all aspects of the facility.
  • Governance – Mature experience dealing with a governance board and developing and implementing the bylaws; policies; governance handbook; strategic plan; and succession plan for both board and employees. It is further facilitated by the GM in supporting the board to execute the strategic plan.
  • Personality – A self-starter and results oriented work style combined with excellent communication and interpersonal skills with all the Club’s stakeholders. Strong professional conduct with a clear commitment to member service through an open and transparent member approach. Highly ethical conduct and the ability to hold people accountable.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Department financial contributions
  • Labour & Expense Controls
  • Member Experience Results
  • Team Member Experience Results
  • Membership Satisfaction results
  • Capital Planning, on budget, on time

Our Core Values

  • Live our Values
  • Service
  • Quality
  • Accountability
  • Respect
  • Community
  • Camaraderie

Country Hills Golf Club is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Salary will be commensurate with private golf clubs in Calgary.

Application Process and Deadline

IMPORTANT: Interested candidates should submit resumes along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by Monday, February 21, 2022. Those documents must be saved and emailed in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Country Hills Resume” and “Last Name, First Name, Country Hills Cover Letter”) respectively to: execsearch@ggapartners.com.

For more information about Country Hills Golf Club, please visit www.countryhills.ab.ca.

Lead Search Executives

Michael Gregory
Partner
GGA Partners

George Pinches
Director
GGA Partners

 

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