Club General Manager - Hornet Services Sailing Club

Charisma Charity Recruitment; Gosport; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused club in Gosport is seeking a Club General Manager to ensure financial sustainability and oversee daily operations. This hands-on leadership role involves managing marina operations, facilities, and hospitality services. The ideal candidate will have experience in organizational management and a strong background in financial oversight. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage with community and heritage while driving the club's performance. Full-time commitment with some evening and weekend work required.

Qualifications

• Relevant professional experience in managing a multi-functional organization.
• Strong financial management capabilities with ownership of substantial budgets.
• Working knowledge of HR best practices and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee marina operations and hospitality services.
• Manage infrastructure and maintenance projects effectively.
• Lead staff and engage club members.

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Facilities management

Knowledge of employment law

Understanding of bar and catering principles

Experience in marina operations

Job description

We are delighted to be partnering with Hornet Services Sailing Club, a not-for-profit members’ Club providing high-quality and affordable sailing, marina and social facilities for serving and veteran members of the Armed Forces and MOD civil servants. The Club operates a 180-berth marina, a busy clubhouse with a 7-day a week bar and restaurant, a varied programme of formal and social events, leased and listed buildings (including Grade 2* listed), and boat storage facilities.

With 500 members, 180 berth holders and an annual turnover of circa £1.1m, the new Club General Manager will be the most senior paid staff member and hold full responsibility for the Club’s performance, financial sustainability and day-to-day delivery. Working closely with the Commodore, Flag Officers and Committee, and supported by a management team, you will shape the overall member experience while ensuring the Club operates safely, efficiently and in line with its values and traditions.

This is a broad, hands-on leadership role where no two days are the same. You will oversee marina operations, hospitality services, estate and facilities management, governance and compliance, staff leadership and member engagement. You will have genuine scope to influence standards, develop people, improve systems and processes and ensure the long-term sustainability of a much-loved organisation.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• Relevant professional experience, including the management of a multi-functional organisation and strategic business planning and delivery
• Facilities management, including overseeing infrastructure and maintenance projects
• Strong financial management capability, including ownership of budgets of circa £1million
• A working knowledge of employment law, HR best practice, GDPR and staff development.
• Comprehensive understanding of bar and catering principles
• Experience of sailing, marina or waterside operations (highly beneficial, but not essential)

If you are a capable, people-centered leader who enjoys variety, responsibility and the opportunity to make a visible impact, this role offers a rare chance to combine operational leadership with community, heritage and purpose.

Applications should include your CV and a supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or any other category protected by law.

Contract & Hours

Permanent, full-time. Weekdays with some Saturdays and evenings as required

Closing date

3rd February 2026

Charisma vetting interviews

must be completed by 12th February, prior to shortlisting on the 13th.

Interviews with Hornet Services Sailing Club

w/c 23th February onwards