The Club is seeking an ambitious person with the necessary leadership qualities, drive, hands-on approach, and proven management capability for this role at our golf club on the North Kent coast. The current Manager is retiring at the end of March 2025.
Westgate and Birchington Golf Club is a cliff-top course of 4825 yards with stunning views over the sea. The Club was formed in 1893 and the course has matured to the beautiful condition it is in today. It is suitable for players of all ages. Golfers with or without a handicap are welcome. The Club offers a warm welcome to all visitors, whether they are green fees or societies.
The Club General Manager reports to: The Board of Directors.
Close liaison with: Club Captain, Lady Captain, Chairs of Committees, Club Professional, Head Greenkeeper, Clubhouse Manager, and Catering Franchisee.
Personal Qualities:
Someone who is honest, reliable, punctual, non-judgemental, with the ability to build good relationships based on trust and respect, flexible, adaptable, easy-going, able to work alone, positive, has a willingness to travel as required, understands equality and diversity, and has a good sense of humour.
Main Purpose of Job
1. To have executive responsibility for all aspects of the administration of the Club and its premises within the framework of the Club’s Business Plan, policies, procedures, and approved budgets.
2. To action all directions from the Board of Directors in a timely, professional, and effective manner, and to provide appropriate support as well as monthly and other reporting to ensure key milestones in the business plan are achieved.
3. To achieve high standards of performance from all staff by adopting effective management and leadership techniques.
4. To bring industry best practice to all areas of the Club’s activities, playing a pivotal role in delivering the Club’s key operational, financial, and strategic goals.
5. To be the first point of contact for members and visitors and to promote the Club internally and externally in a professional and friendly manner, such that the membership base increases, and other sales and marketing initiatives are achieved.
6. To efficiently manage and effectively administer all aspects of the running of the Club on a day-to-day basis.
7. To oversee all aspects of the Club’s accounting and financial controls, contributing to the achievement of the Club’s financial goals.
8. Act as the Club’s Company Secretary, completing all tasks relating to the requirements of Companies House.
Key Areas of Responsibility:
a) Marketing
1. Contribute to the creation and maintenance of a marketing strategy to achieve the agreed optimum number of Club members and green fee paying visitors and take responsibility for executing this strategy.
2. Promote and organise Corporate Days, Society events etc. liaising with the Club Professional in order to utilise the Club’s facilities and generate additional profitable revenue.
3. Regularly review green fees and charges, and prepare initiatives to grow Society and Green Fee incomes.
4. Own the Club’s Marketing Plan to maximise all revenue streams.
5. Take responsibility for the Club’s website by introducing innovative ideas concerning both design and content.
6. Promote the Club externally through skilful use of local media relationships and other available networking opportunities.
7. Build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with England Golf, local golf clubs, and other appropriate entities as required.
8. Liaise with Play More Golf.
b) People Management and Leadership
1. Recruit, train and develop the Club’s staff with commitment to Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
2. Manage all Human Resources (HR) matters, including responding to and offering advice to members of staff.
3. Utilise effective performance management techniques to ensure staff deliver high standards of achievement.
4. Liaise with the Clubhouse Manager to ensure the bar and catering offers reflect members’ and visitors’ expectations.
5. Manage and chair regular meetings with all staff with managerial responsibility.
6. Prepare staff development plans and monitor and report progress.
7. Responsible for ensuring that age discrimination, disability, and diversity matters are relevant to the operation of the Golf Club.
8. Work closely with the Club Professional to maximise the benefits that his services bring to Club members and visitors alike.
9. In conjunction with the Directors, take a dynamic stance in initiating activities to attract new members.
10. Provide a welcoming and informative approach to visitors.
c) Finance
1. Actively participate in the preparation of the Club’s Business Plan, Annual Budget, and Forecasts.
2. Support the delivery of the financial goals set by the Board of Directors.
3. Prepare and present monthly/quarterly financial reports to the Board of Directors.
4. Ensure that cash flow is maximised and credit control is fully operational.
5. Ensure that proper financial controls are maintained.
d) Course
1. In conjunction with the Director of Golf and the Head Greenkeeper, ensure that the course is maintained and developed.
2. Obtain and interpret regular feedback from members and visitors concerning their views of the course.
e) Administration
1. Manage all aspects of the Club’s administration in a professional manner.
2. Ensure compliance with the Articles of the Club.
f) Communication
1. Manage all aspects of internal and external communications with a high degree of professionalism.
2. Ensure that the Board of Directors and Club Captain are kept comprehensively abreast and up to date.
g) Infrastructure Management
In conjunction with the Directors, regularly inspect the Club’s property assets to identify maintenance issues.
Essential Skills
* Experience of marketing, business development, and growing revenue streams.
* Leadership, good interpersonal and people management skills with a ‘hands-on’ & ‘can-do’ attitude.
* Thrive on delivering a great customer experience.
* High level of IT literacy and communication skills, including all social media.
* Sound financial and commercial acumen.
* Working knowledge of employment law, licensing law, health & safety legislation, and risk management.
* An appreciation of golf and the traditions/expectations of a members’ club.
* Willingness to work flexible hours to meet the demands of the position.
Desirable Skills:
* Management qualifications and experience relevant to this role.
* Sound knowledge of the Rules of Golf and the World Handicap System.
* Clean driving licence.
* Knowledge of website content management.
* Relevant hospitality “front of house” experience.
Salary: To be negotiated.
Next Steps: Written applications, including a full CV and personal statement with details of current remuneration, will be treated in strictest confidence, and should be sent or (preferably) emailed to: Roger Silk, Chairman, Westgate and Birchington Golf Club, 176 Canterbury Road, Westgate on Sea, Kent. CT8 8LT. Email ‐ rogersilk51@gmail.com. Closing Date for applications is Friday 20th January 2025.
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