Executive Search: Chief Operating Officer for Marine Drive Golf Club

                       

Chief Operating Officer
Marine Drive Golf Club
Vancouver, British Columbia

About the Club

Marine Drive Golf Club (“MDGC” or the “Club”) is one of Canada’s most prestigious and historic private golf clubs. Situated in the heart of Vancouver and boasting a diverse membership of 1,300 resident and non-resident enthusiasts, MDGC prides itself on delivering an outstanding member experience with over 40,000 rounds in a typical 12-month season. Founded in 1922, MDGC combines the heritage of a top-rated golf course on the shores of the Fraser River with a stately clubhouse for member services, dining, and events.

The Club and course have been central to Canadian amateur golf for 100 years. MDGC’s Junior Development Program is widely recognized for the quality players it cultivates from its over 150 young players. The Club has produced multiple champions including Stan Leonard, Dick Zokol and Doug Roxburgh – and it has hosted numerous prestigious amateur events including the 2018 Canadian Women’s Amateur and the 1992 World Amateur.

For more information on Marine Drive Golf Club, visit www.marine-drive.com.

About the Role

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for the overall operations, fiscal integrity, leadership, and strategic planning for the Club. The COO is a strong, energetic leader who is customer service-focused and has experience working at a private club. The successful candidate will have interest in taking on new challenges while ensuring the smooth operations of the club year-round.

The successful candidate will:

  • Oversee the complete operation of the Club
  • Work closely with the Board to set the vision and strategic planning efforts, and develop annual priorities and business metrics.
  • Establish strong relationships with staff, members, and other COO/GMs in the lower mainland
  • Lead, coach and motivate the Senior Leadership Team and staff
  • Successfully execute the strategic plan initiatives
  • Ensure the success of all aspects of member/guest satisfaction, engagement, and safety

The Chief Operating Officer will be responsible for the following:

Operational Excellence:

  • Develop and implement industry-leading operating policies, programs, procedures, and methods while directing the work and promoting the development of all department managers
  • Monitor long and short-term financial objectives and reporting, including:
    • Develop annual operating, cash, and capital budgets
    • Monitor monthly budget and other financial information
    • Approve invoices and other arrangements before inception or payment
    • Prepare and deliver timely financial reports to the Board
  • Remain current with industry trends and ensure the Club implements improvements, as required
  • Champion the development of the Club’s strategic and annual tactical plans, consistent with its long-term strategic direction
  • Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory matters affecting the Club, including health and safety protocols and processes

People:

  • Champion management philosophy that exemplifies the Club’s core values in making a healthy impact on the lives of members and the community. The Club’s values include: Passion for People, Strive for Excellence, Be Vulnerable, and Do Right.
  • Develop and monitor basic human resource policies consistent with treating employees fairly and in compliance with all laws and regulations.
  • Support direct reports by developing, defining, and managing goals and objectives, providing consistent feedback toward continuous improvement, and promoting personal development

Key Attributes

The ideal candidate is a proven collaborator and relationship builder who possesses the following core competencies, experience, and attributes:

Leadership Skills:

  • A dynamic leader with the ability to build strong teams by motivating staff and leading by example
  • Possess the ability to provide direction and expectations, performance feedback and recognition that inspires employees to enhance member experiences

Interpersonal/Fit:

  • A self-starter with a results-oriented work style combined with excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
  • A confident, diplomatic, and competent “hands-on” professional who recognizes the importance of accountability
  • Strong professional deportment with a clear commitment to member service through an open and transparent member approach while maintaining a professional balance between empathy and process adherence

Business/Finance Skills:

  • Possess an entrepreneurial spirit combined with a background in business management, including business development, finance, information technology, human resources, risk management and performance management
  • Promotes succession planning by preparing staff for key leadership roles

Qualifications and Experience

  • A post-secondary degree in business or a related discipline, e.g., Hospitality Management, Business Management, Golf Club Management
  • A minimum of five (5) years of directly related experience as a senior leader in the golf industry; experience in the private club, hospitality and resort industries preferred provided the candidate has golf industry experience
  • A Certified Club Manager designation (CCM) is preferred
  • Experience reporting to a Board with a club governance structure and processes to lead the Club to success

Salary and Benefits

The successful applicant will receive an attractive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications along with a comprehensive health benefits plan and retirement savings matching program.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the position qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by January 15, 2023, at 5:00pm PST.

Documents are required to be submitted in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Marine Drive COO Cover Letter” and “Last Name, First Name, Marine Drive COO Resume”) respectively to: execsearch@ggapartners.com. Please direct all inquires to the Search Consultant at the contact information listed below.

Marine Drive Golf Club is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and, upon request, will work with qualified job applicants to provide suitable accommodation in a manner which considers applicants’ accessibility needs due to disability.

Lead Search Consultant: 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Executive Search: Director of Golf for Marine Drive Golf Club

           

Director of Golf
Marine Drive Golf Club

The Club and the Course

Marine Drive Golf Club (“MDGC” or the “Club”) is one of Canada’s most prestigious and historic private golf clubs, situated in the heart of Vancouver and boasting a diverse membership of 1,300 resident and non-resident enthusiasts. Founded in 1922, MDGC combines the heritage of a top-rated golf course on the shores of the Fraser River with a stately clubhouse for member services, dining and events. MDGC prides itself on delivering an outstanding member experience over approximately 40,000 rounds in a typical 12-month season.

The Club and course have been central to Canadian amateur golf for 100 years. MDGC’s Junior Development Program is widely recognized for the quality players it cultivates from its over 125 young players. The Club has produced multiple champions including Stan Leonard, Dick Zokol and Doug Roxburgh – and it has hosted numerous prestigious amateur events including the 2018 Canadian Women’s Amateur and the 1992 World Amateur.

Jim Urbina served as the Club’s Golf Course Designer from 2009 to 2019, completing the renovation of all bunkers and green surrounds. In 2015, the Club invested in a state-of-the-art 1.5-acre short game practice area. Rod Whitman is the Golf Course Designer working with the Club today following the members’ recent approval of a $3.9 million investment into its driving range to round out the state-of-the-art practice experience.

Our Core Values

Passion for People, Strive for Excellence, Be Vulnerable, Do Right.

The Position

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Golf will play a pivotal role in exceeding the expectations of our members by delivering an exceptional golf experience that positions the Club for sustained leadership in our community and our industry. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Golf will operate our golf operations at the highest service levels as expected by our membership and guests. Delivering exceptional service, programs and teaching at this facility will be paramount to the Director of Golf’s success in the role.

The Director of Golf will be responsible for the following:

  • Manage the Club’s entire golf operation, including the practice facilities, golf professionals, non-professional golf staff, teaching programs and seasonal golf activities and events.
  • Enthusiastically promote the game of golf and excellence in every member and guest experience at MDGC.
  • Build and lead a strong team of golf professionals, pro shop staff and back shop team members.
  • Be a visionary leader and represent the Club with pride in support of our brand and goals.
  • Lead and advance our comprehensive teaching program, including clinics and private instruction.
  • Direct and organize all golf activities, including member and invitational events/tournaments, practice facilities, tee time reservation program, back shop and cart operations.
  • Manage golf-related administration and financial activities such as budgeting and reporting.
  • Actively participate in golf committees, external events and conferences, and serve as an ambassador in the industry.

Candidate Profile

  • Recent and relevant experience in a high-end golf club environment.
  • Demonstrated commitment to exceptional member service.
  • Strong leadership and relationship-building. Track record of motivating and inspiring a team towards a common vision and defined goals.
  • Demonstrated interest in the golf industry, a considered perspective on where the industry is moving and how private golf clubs will adapt to these developments.
  • Post-secondary degree or PGM college diploma.
  • Business sense and experience as it relates to golf shop management within a private golf club.
  • Class “A” professional capable of playing at a high level.
  • Member in good standing with the PGA of Canada or the US (eligible for Canadian membership).
  • Collaborative contributor to the Senior Leadership Team with a Club-wide perspective and focus.
  • Commitment to excellence in all aspects of the game of golf:
    • Organization & promotion of events / tournaments
    • Understanding of golf instruction
    • Ability to tactfully enforce the rules and regulations of golf and of the Club

Compensation

The successful applicant will receive an attractive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications along with our comprehensive health benefits plan and retirement savings matching program.

Inquiries

IMPORTANT: Interested candidates should submit a resume along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the position qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by Sunday, July 31st at 5:00pm EDT. Please include up to [5] professional references within your resume.

If you require any accommodations to be considered for this position, please include that information in your submission. Documents are required to be submitted in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Marine Drive Director of Golf Cover Letter” and “Last Name, First Name, Marine Drive Director of Golf Resume”) respectively to: execsearch@ggapartners.com

Interested candidates are asked NOT to contact any Club employees directly in relation to this posting. Please direct all inquires to Michael Gregory at the contact information listed below.

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

Lead Search Consultant

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

For more information on Marine Drive Golf Club, visit www.marine-drive.com.

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