General Manager

Clubworks; Portugal; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading golf club in Portugal is seeking its first General Manager (GM) to oversee club operations. The GM will report to the Co-CEO, ensuring exceptional hospitality and service excellence across amenities. This role requires a dynamic leader with high emotional intelligence, capable of building strong relationships with members and staff, and driving accountability within a diverse team. The GM will play a pivotal role in establishing the club's premier status in the region.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role in hospitality or golf club management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a team and lead a diverse group.

Responsibilities

• Manage all club operations with a focus on guest experience.
• Lead and develop club staff while fostering accountability.
• Report directly to the Co-CEO of Details.
• Build trusted relationships with members and staff through interpersonal leadership.

Skills

Hospitality and Service Excellence

Interpersonal Leadership

Relationship Building

Professional Accountability

High Emotional Intelligence

Job description

Executive Search: General Manager, Els Club Vilamoura

General Manager
The Els Club
Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal

CLUB OVERVIEW
The Els Club Vilamoura stands as a landmark achievement – Europe’s first Els Club and the Algarve’s first private golf club. Born from the rich legacy of the historic Victoria Golf Course, which proudly hosted the Portugal Masters for eight consecutive years until 2022, it represents both heritage and renewal.

Following its acquisition by Arrow Global, the property underwent an extensive transformation, culminating in its grand reopening in 2025. Reimagined under the guidance of four time major champion Ernie Els, the course has been meticulously redesigned to deliver true championship conditions throughout the year. Every element reflects Els’ design philosophy: an elegant balance of natural beauty, strategic complexity, and inviting playability. With refined water features, sculpted bunkering, and a layout harmoniously woven into the Algarve landscape, The Els Club Vilamoura offers an environment worthy of the world’s finest competitions.

In 2026, the club will reach an inspiring new milestone as Portugal welcomes the PGA Tour Champions to its shores for the very first time. The Portugal Invitational, scheduled from 31 July to 2 August, will not only stage some of the greatest players of a generation, but it will also cement The Els Club Vilamoura’s place on the global golf stage.

Available by invitation only, and having opened in Autumn 2024, the Club currently has in excess of 125 members and operates a waiting list. Membership is expected to mature at 400 members, although the priority is the protection of member access and exclusivity. Guest play is highly restricted to protect the member experience and available on a limited basis to residents of Victoria Golf Resort & Spa.

AMENITIES
Championship Golf: 18-hole Ernie Els Designed Golf Course
Clubhouse: A modern, elegant space offering stunning views of the course, fine dining, and relaxing lounges.
Practice Facilities: A driving range, putting greens, and short-game areas.
Golf Academy: Professional coaching from expert instructors.

POSITION SUMMARY
Having opened in 2025, this will be the first General Manager (GM) appointment for the Club. The GM will serve as the senior executive leader of Els Club Vilamoura reporting directly to the Co-CEO of Details while working as a member of the wider Details executive management team.

Direct reports include a Head of Golf Operations; Golf Course Superintendent, F&B Manager and Membership Administration. Shared services from the Details organisation will include Finance, HR and Communications.

This role is responsible for the holistic management of all club operations with a primary focus on delivering Hospitality and Service Excellence across all club amenities. The GM must be a visible, high-EQ leader who excels in Interpersonal Leadership, building trusted relationships with members and staff while fostering a culture of professional accountability.

Ultimately, the GM ensures that every facet of the Els Club experience is executed with the highest degree of sophistication and professional integrity.