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General Manager: Vancouver Golf Club

Vancouver Golf Club (“VGC”) is widely recognized as one of the finest, most storied Private Golf Clubs in the Pacific Northwest. With a diverse Membership of over 1,200 Members, VGC’s culture is inclusive, fostering a camaraderie that makes the Club feel like a “home away from home” for its Members.

VGC’s 18-hole championship course is one of Vancouver’s most beautiful and challenging courses, situated in a woodland park setting of over 176 acres. The Club is open for play year-round, with approximately 43,000 rounds of golf per annum. VGC has played host to numerous top tier competitive events including four Canadian LPGA’s, one PGA Champions, ten BC
Amateur Men’s, and one Canadian Junior Men’s Championship. VGC is currently ranked in the Top 100 in Score’s Golf Course National Ratings.

Gross annual revenues are approximately $11M, with staffing of up to 130 during peak season. VGC amenities include a 40,000 square foot clubhouse, multiple dining spaces and decks, a fitness centre, a million-dollar practice facility, extensive instruction and coaching programs led by our PGA Professionals, along with a variety of other social amenities.

Since 1910, Members of Vancouver Golf Club have been stewards of the land on which the game is played, the history on which it was built, and the values on which it was founded.

We are seeking our next General Manager who will bring a unique combination of visionary leadership and strong business acumen to lead us into the next hundred years. In addition to running day-to-day Club operations, you will play a key role in VGC-100, a forward-looking strategic initiative, to engage our Members to envision opportunities to create a sustainable future for generations to come.

If you have proven strategic leadership, strong financial management, operational expertise, and exceptional interpersonal skills; you’re invited to apply for this exciting role to deliver memorable experiences for Members and guests.

Location
Vancouver Golf Club
Posted
2024-12-11
Deadline
2025-01-17
Job Summary
The successful candidate will be a trustworthy, ethical, and inspiring leader with a deep understanding of Member-owned, not-for-profit Private Club dynamics. The candidate will be responsible for all facets of Club Operations, reporting directly to the Board of Directors through the President, in accordance with the strategic, financial, and operational direction from the Board. The General Manager is dedicated to the Club’s Mission Statement, Vision and Values administered through the Bylaws and Policies and the Long-Range Strategic Plan of the Club. Direct reports include Assistant General Manager, Director of Golf, Golf Course Superintendent, Controller, Human Resources Manager and Executive Assistant.
Responsibilities

Leadership Capabilities 

  • Strong Business Acumen: The GM must have a solid understanding of financial management, budgeting, and data-driven decision-making. This includes ensuring the Club's financial health, meeting annual budget targets, aligning operational goals with long-term objectives, and managing costs effectively.
  • Interpersonal & Communication Skills: The GM should be capable of building strong and positive relationships with Members, staff, and stakeholders (municipality, immediate neighbours, associations, suppliers, consultants, and contractors). Clear communication is vital for maintaining smooth operations and fostering a positive atmosphere.
  • Working with the Board of Directors: The GM will work closely with the Board, ensuring alignment on strategic direction, governance, and financial performance. This includes providing updates and ensuring adherence to Board policies.
  • Manager Development: The GM will mentor, coach, and develop the Management team and staff, aligning them to meet Club goals, deliver excellent service, and foster leadership within the team.
  • Conflict Resolution with Members: The GM should manage Member concerns effectively, handling conflict with tact and diplomacy to ensure a harmonious Club environment.
  • Professional Conduct: Demonstrates the highest level of professionalism with Members, including limiting personal socializing to maintain appropriate boundaries while ensuring a professional leadership presence.
  • Positive Leadership: Inspires staff and Members with enthusiasm, visibility, and maintains a positive, inclusive culture. Accessibility and emotional intelligence are key to fostering trust and collaboration.

Business Knowledge

  • Club Operations & Management: Strong knowledge of all aspects of Private Golf Club operations, including golf course management, food & beverage services, inventory management, and Member relations.
  • Golf Knowledge (Preferred): Familiarity with golf can enhance communication and understanding of Member needs; this is preferred but is not required.
  • Member-Owned Club Expertise: Experience managing a Member-owned Club and navigating its governance and diverse Member interests. Be a highly visible face of the Club, building rapport with Members through in-person interactions, electronic communications and by being present at key Member events.
  • Board Governance: Experience working with a Board of Directors to align on strategic goals and ensuring adherence to governance policies. Coordinate and serve as an ex- officio Member of all Board Committees.
  • Crisis Management & Problem Solving: The GM must quickly and effectively address challenges, particularly with Member relations or operational issues, to maintain the Club’s reputation. Ensure the security of the Club’s assets and compliance with all legal and regulatory matters affecting the Club.

Functional Excellence

  • Strategic Planning & Operations: Strong ability to develop and execute strategies to drive Club success, ensuring all departments align with overall objectives. In consultation with Member committees, develop short and long-term strategic and operational plans consistent with the guiding Long Range Strategic Plan approved by the Board.
  • Team Development & Goal Alignment: Ability to mentor and empower the Management team, ensuring alignment and high performance.
  • Financial Management & Reporting: Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, and making data-driven decisions to manage costs while enhancing Member satisfaction. In consultation with the Finance Committee and the Board, deliver short and long-term operational and capital results in line with Board approved budgets. Provide the Board with clear and timely financial reporting including key metrics and KPIs.
  • Member & Guest Experience: Commitment to providing an exceptional Member experience and fostering a welcoming, high-quality environment.
  • Leadership & Communication: A visible leader who engages with Members, staff, and the Board to maintain alignment and transparency. Provide the Board, Members, management, and staff with clear, purposeful, and transparent communication on key topics.
Qualifications
  • Relevant Roles & Experience: Minimum of 7 years experience in a senior management leadership role such as a General Manager. Proven leadership in managing Private Golf Clubs or high-end hospitality operations, especially in Member-owned facilities.
  • Education & Certifications: A degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field is preferred. Golf Club Management certifications (e.g., CCM) are a plus.
  • Trust & Transparency: Proven ability to build and maintain trust with all stakeholders through open, honest communication and transparency.
  • Exceptional Member Service: A focus on delivering exceptional experiences for Members, ensuring that all services exceed expectations.
Compensation
The annual base salary range for this role is $250,000 - $300,000 plus bonus and benefits.
Benefits/Perks
To be discussed.
Employment Duration
Permanent, full-time.
Contact Information

This is a rare opportunity for the right candidate who has a demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate a team to contribute to VGC’s rich history. For more information about VGC visit https://www.vancouvergolfclub.com/

Interested individuals are invited to send their resume and cover letter summarizing your qualifications and alignment with the position requirements no later than Friday, January 17, 2025 to office@vancouvergolfclub.com

All applications and responses will be held in strict confidence. Only successful candidates under consideration will be contacted. VGC is an equal opportunity employer. Thank you to all applicants for your interest.