Executive Search: General Manager for Westmount Golf & Country Club

                       

General Manager
Westmount Golf & Country Club
Kitchener, Ontario

About the Club

Westmount Golf & Country Club (the Club) offers a world-class experience in the heart of Kitchener-Waterloo (K-W).

Dating back to 1931, Westmount offers a championship Stanley Thompson golf course, together with tennis, curling, and an active, family-friendly social program. The strong and thriving Membership is comprised of a mix of tenured golf and social members along with a growing number of families and young professionals. Westmount prides itself as a fixture in the K-W community and provides a welcoming atmosphere to be active and build longstanding relationships.

Westmount has long been regarded as one of the best private clubs in Canada. The Club is based around one of the best golf courses in Canada, ranked 12th in the country by SCORE Golf. The Club has award-winning golf, hi-tech indoor and outdoor practice facilities, a history of holding the country’s top tournaments, great tennis in the warm months, curling in the winter, and tremendous dining year-round.

For more information about Westmount Golf & Country Club, visit www.westmountgolf.com.

About the General Manager Role

The General Manager (GM) serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Club. They will manage all aspects of the Club, including its activities and relationships between the Club and its Board of Directors, members, guests, employees, community, government, and industry.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the General Manager is responsible for managing the overall performance of Westmount Golf & Country Club in providing a top-notch experience for its membership, through ongoing development and review of programs, and in delegation of tasks and duties. The General Manager will remain in tune with industry standards, be informed around future trends and will play a pivotal role in member, guest, employee, community, government and industry relationships.

The GM implements the Club’s strategies and policies as approved by the Board of Directors. This individual will be responsible for securing and protecting the Club’s assets, including facilities and equipment, and implementing and monitoring the Club’s budget.

The GM will develop standard operating procedures and direct the work of all department managers. As chief host within the Club and ambassador of the Club within the community, the GM manages the quality of the Club’s services to ensure member and guest satisfaction.

Beyond operations, the GM will be responsible for the strategic management of Westmount. The GM will ensure that annual plans, operational goals and objectives, and strategic initiatives position the Club to deliver on the long term strategic vision laid out by the Board of Directors.

The General Manager will be responsible for the following:

Leadership:

  • Implement and provide advice to the Board on existing, new or modified strategies and policies.
  • Manage and oversee all operations of the Club, in accordance with all applicable laws.
  • Lead, coach, direct and mentor management team including performance management.
  • Champion management philosophy that fosters a culture that recognizes integrity and respect as a key part in the foundation in delivering a superior member experience at Westmount.
  • Lead the development of the Club’s strategic and annual tactical plans, consistent with its long-term strategic direction.

Financial:

  • Manage the overall financial plan for the Club in working with the Financial controller to:
    • Develop annual operating, cash, and capital budgets.
    • Monitor monthly budget and other financial information.
    • Initiate effective corrective action, as required.
    • Approve invoices and other arrangements before inception or payment.
    • Deliver timely financial reports to the Board.
  • Ensure the Club is run in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
  • Ensure the food and beverage operations offer an attractive experience for members and their guests, and are run in a cost effective and economical manner.
  • Monitor, evaluate, and ensure proper maintenance of Westmount’s facilities.

Member Experience:

  • Build and deliver exceptional member experience, commensurate with a premier private golf and country club.
  • Oversee and review all aspects of the Club’s member communications, including member meeting materials, to ensure adherence to service standards, positive member satisfaction and quality of activities.
  • Evaluate and monitor membership options to ensure maximum attraction and retention of members and their families, ensuring that programs at Westmount attract participation by members to bring more life and vibrancy to the Club.
  • Strengthen the Club’s relationship with existing members and guests through frequent interaction with members, familiarity with members’ names and personal interaction to ensure member satisfaction.
  • Develop and oversee onboarding programs to ensure new members are properly welcomed to the Club, and serve as primary individual responsible for welcoming new members through personal connection.

Direct Reports:

Director of Golf, Course Superintendent, Controller, Human Resources Manager, Clubhouse Manager, Membership Services Director, Activity and Engagement Coordinator, Director of Racquet Sports, Curling Manager, and Executive Assistant.

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 department managers and employees to enhance member experiences and achieve positive outcomes.
  • An innovative and strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
  • Experience managing complex capital projects.

Interpersonal/Fit:

  • Embodies the characteristics of a successful GM through honesty, integrity, ethical conduct, straightforwardness, accountability, leadership, and dedication.
  • A self-starter with a results-oriented work style combined with excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Demonstrates energy and a desire to interact with the membership.
  • 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.

Qualifications and Skills

  • A post-secondary degree in business or a related discipline is preferred.
  • Previous experience as a senior leader at a private golf and country club or other similar top-tier facility, with a passion and understanding of a premium country club experience.
  • Experience in the hospitality industry is beneficial.
  • Experience reporting to a Board with a club governance structure and processes to lead the Club to success.
  • A Certified Club Manager designation (CCM) is preferred.

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 November 15, 2022, at 5:00pm EDT.

Documents are required to be submitted in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Westmount GM Cover Letter” and “Last Name, First Name, Westmount GM Resume”) respectively to: execsearch@ggapartners.com.

Westmount Golf & Country 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.

Successful applicants for this position must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Requests for reasonable accommodation based on disability or religion will be considered on an individual basis.

Lead Search Consultant: 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Executive Search: Director of Golf for Westmount Golf & Country Club (FILLED)

Director of Golf
Westmount Golf & Country Club
Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

The Club

Westmount Golf & Country Club offers a world-class experience in the heart of Kitchener-Waterloo (K-W).

Westmount is a vibrant community, a premier private club with a tradition of excellence in sporting and social activities for their members, their families, friends and guests. At Westmount, people of all ages come together in a welcoming atmosphere to be active and build longstanding relationships. Westmount is a place to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Westmount has long been regarded as one of the best private clubs in Canada.  The club is based around one of the best golf courses in Canada, ranked 13th in the country by SCORE Golf. The club has award-winning golf, wonderful practice facilities, a history of holding the country’s top tournaments, great tennis in the warm months, curling in the winter, and tremendous dining year-round.

The Golf Facilities

Designed by renowned architect Stanley Thompson, Westmount is one of Canada’s premier golf facilities with a stunning 18-hole championship course. Since its opening in 1931, Westmount has been consistently ranked among the top 15 courses in Canada. The gently rolling terrain of our parkland course guarantees a great golf experience each time.

The Position

Westmount is seeking a well-qualified, dynamic individual to oversee the total golf operation and services offered including the golf shop, golf services areas, golf cart fleet and supervisor of golf operations staff.

The Director of Golf will develop and deliver a consistently outstanding member experience commensurate with specified member expectations and in keeping with a premier Tier 1 private golf and country club.  Although the Director of Golf will rely on the staff to operate the daily activities, the Director of Golf will be responsible for overall performance metrics and service, including and not limited to the following:

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Recruitment, training, development, performance management and leadership of golf operations staff.
  • Working with the General Manager and Controller, preparation and oversight of all fiscal areas and performance for the golf operations including the capital and operating budgets, annual business plan, forecasting and monitoring.
  • Work with the golf operations staff, club management team and various member committees, to develop and implement merchandising, programs, club tournaments, leagues, coaching and lesson programs and outside events.
  • Oversight of the purchasing, merchandising, sales and marketing, inventory management, and financial performance of all aspects of the golf shop.
  • Oversight of the golf reservation system, starting procedures, tracking and monitoring play on the golf course. Enforce all rules and regulations governing golf course usage.
  • Representation of Westmount to members, staff and external agencies.  The Director of Golf is engaged in new member recruitment and orientation as well as experience enhancement for existing members.
  • Oversee the development of operating procedures and training manuals for the golf operation in conjunction with the Human Resources Manager.
  • Coordinate plans with the Food and Beverage Manager for all on-course food and beverage, banquets, outside events, and catering for all golf functions.
  • Foster and support equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within the Club through adoption of best practices for an inclusive and equitable workplace.
  • Develop and oversee an innovative tournament schedule and golf activities program that is appealing to all member demographics and skill levels.
  • Develop and oversee golf instruction, clinics, golf schools, and player development programs for all members.
  • Play golf with members of all skill levels, demographics and genders as time and duties permit.

Candidate Profile

The Director of Golf reports to the General Manager.  Given the leading role this individual will play in achieving the strategic objectives of Westmount, it is essential that the successful candidate possess the following core competencies, experience and attributes:

  • Class A member of the PGA of Canada with Director of Golf/Head Professional or comparable experience preferred.
  • A dynamic leader with the ability to maintain a strong team by motivation and leading by example.
  • Has the ability to provide direction and expectations, performance feedback and recognition that leads to positive outcomes. Excellent communication skills.
  • Highly visible leader with friendly and outgoing personality and focus on member service.  A leadership style that lends itself to being the ‘face of the golf experience.’
  • An out of the box thinker determined to be innovative in the modern world of golf operations.
  • An ability to work collaboratively with the active volunteer base at the club to achieve results.
  • An understanding of a private member-owned club culture.
  • A demonstrated ability to manage all aspects of the golf retail business.
  • Proficient instructor well-versed in the latest club fitting and teaching technologies.
  • Ability to organize and oversee annual golf event fixtures and programs including participation in the internal marketing and administration of the events and programs.
  • Strong administrator with excellent organizational skills.
  • Ability to implement, enforce and maintain all policies, programs and plans as established and communicated through the General Manager.
  • Ability to market, schedule and manage any external competitions and events.
  • Provide support for prospective member sales, new member integration and membership retention programs.
  • Maintain and promote a well-respected and professional image within the Club, the industry and community.
  • A keen interest in continuous learning and professional development in the industry.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and related software such as Jonas, Golf Genius, etc.
  • A self-starter and results oriented work style combined with excellent communication and interpersonal skills with all the Club’s stakeholders.

Compensation

The Club will offer an attractive year-round compensation package, commensurate with experience, which will include a competitive base salary and benefits.

Note

The current Head Golf Professional will retire on December 31, 2021.

Inquiries

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 November 3, 2021.  Those documents must be saved and emailed in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Westmount Resume” and ‘Last Name, First Name, Westmount Cover Letter”) respectively to:

Michael Gregory, Partner and George Pinches, Director

GGA Partners, Inc.

execsearch@ggapartners.com

For more information on Westmount Golf & Country Club, please visit www.westmountgolf.com.

Lead Search Executives

 

Michael Gregory
Partner
GGA Partners

 

 

 

George Pinches
Director
GGA Partners

 

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