General Manager, The Woodlands Course at Whittaker

BoardRoom magazine

New Buffalo (MI)

On-site

USD 120,000 - 200,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid Time Off

Professional development

Continuing education and industry-soc.

Job summary

The Woodlands Course at Whittaker in New Buffalo, MI seeks a General Manager to lead all course operations, including F&B, clubhouse, facilities, and golf services. You will steer strategy, staff leadership, guest experience, and financial performance to deliver a premier member and guest experience.

As COO of the property, you’ll collaborate with Ownership, guide department heads, and ensure regulatory compliance, budgeting, and capital improvements while upholding the course’s traditions and

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in private clubs, hospitality, resort, or high-end service organizations.
CCM designation preferred or willingness to pursue certification.
Strong financial management, budgeting, and operational experience.
Proven leadership, team building, and staff development skills.
Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership for all course operations including F&B, clubhouse, facilities, grounds, administration, golf, aquatics, and social programming.
Ensure exceptional guest experience and hospitality standards.
Lead department heads to ensure efficient operations and high standards.
Oversee capital projects, facilities maintenance, and safety compliance.
Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets; report to Ownership.

Skills

Leadership & team building

Financial management

Guest relations / hospitality

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business administration, or related field

Job description

About The Woodlands Course At Whittaker

New Buffalo, MI | Whether you’re a seasoned golfer, planning a wedding, dining with family, or just enjoying a cocktail on the patio, there’s something for everyone at The Woodlands Course at Whittaker. As one of southwest Michigan’s finest golfing experiences, we’ve made exciting changes to reflect the rich history of the course, while ushering in a new era of recreation and celebration. Immerse yourself in nature as you take on woods, water, and sloping fairways – the Woodlands Course is sure to stimulate your senses and your golf game. Opened in 1996 by Mary and Dan O’Brien, the Woodlands Course remains a must-visit stop for visitors to Michigan’s Harbor Country. The impressive 18-hole course is formidable enough to challenge the most competitive golfers yet features multiple tee placements allowing golfers of all skill levels to enjoy one of Southwest Michigan’s finest golfing experiences.

Position Overview

Title: General Manager

Position Description: The General Manager (“GM”) serves as the Chief Operating Officer of The Woodlands Course at Whittaker and is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and success of all course operations. The GM works closely with Ownership to implement the course’s strategic vision while delivering exceptional service, operational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and an outstanding member experience. The GM provides leadership and direction to all department heads and employees while ensuring the course operates in a financially sound, member-focused, and hospitality-driven manner. The GM is expected to foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and service excellence consistent with the traditions and values of The Woodlands Course at Whittaker.

Reporting Structure: The General Manager reports directly to Ownership and works closely with them. All department heads and Club staff report directly or indirectly to the General Manager. The GM serves as the primary liaison between course management and Ownership.

Essential Job Functions

Club Leadership & Operations

Provide leadership, direction, and oversight for all course operations, including food & beverage, clubhouse operations, facilities, grounds, administration, golf, aquatics, and social programming.
Ensure the course consistently delivers an exceptional guest experience.
Establish and maintain a culture of hospitality, professionalism, teamwork, accountability, and service excellence.
Lead and coordinate all department heads to ensure efficient and seamless course operations.
Maintain high standards for cleanliness, maintenance, presentation, and operational execution throughout the property.
Improve operational policies, procedures, and service standards and ensure consistent implementation.
Promote innovation and continuous improvement in course operations and guest services.
Ensure all operations are conducted in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, licensing requirements, and safety standards.
Monitor industry trends and recommend operational improvements, technology enhancements, and best practices.

Strategic Planning & Ownership Support

Assist Ownership with long-range strategic planning initiatives.
Provide professional guidance and recommendations regarding course operations, staffing, facilities, and industry best practices.
Support Ownership in developing and implementing short-term and long-term course objectives.
Assist in evaluating and prioritizing capital improvement projects and facility enhancements.
Prepare reports, recommendations, and operational updates for Board and committee meetings.
Attend committee and membership meetings as required.
Execute Ownership-approved policies and strategic initiatives in a timely and effective manner.
Maintain a productive and professional relationship with Board members while respecting governance boundaries and management authority.

Financial Management

Prepare and manage the course’s annual operating and capital budgets.
Monitor financial performance and ensure responsible fiscal management.
Analyze financial reports, key performance indicators, and operational metrics.
Present financial and operational reports to Ownership on a regular basis.
Maintain strong internal controls and financial oversight.
Manage purchasing, inventory controls, and vendor relationships to maximize operational efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Oversee contract negotiations and service agreements with vendors, suppliers, and contractors.
Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiencies and enhance revenues while maintaining guest satisfaction.
Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting and compliance with accounting policies and audit requirements.

Guest Experience & Guest Relations

Develop and maintain strong relationships with guests.
Foster a welcoming, engaging, and inclusive golf environment.
Address guest concerns, complaints, and suggestions promptly, professionally, and effectively.
Work collaboratively with committees to develop programs, events, and amenities that enhance guest satisfaction and engagement.
Promote and support membership growth and retention initiatives.
Maintain a visible and approachable presence throughout the golf course.
Encourage regular guest communication and feedback to improve Whittaker Woods Golf Course operations and experiences.
Support and enhance the course’s traditions, culture, and member-focused values.

Food & Beverage Operations

Oversee all dining and food & beverage operations, including the turn, grille, and beverage cart, to ensure quality, consistency, profitability, and exceptional service.
Collaborate with culinary and service leadership to improve menus, dining experiences, event programming, and operational efficiency.
Monitor member satisfaction with dining operations and implement improvements where necessary.
Ensure banquet, tournament, and social event operations are executed at a high level.
Develop strategies to increase dining participation and enhance the courses social atmosphere.

Staff Leadership & Human Resources

Recruit, hire, develop, supervise, and evaluate department heads and key personnel.
Establish performance expectations and accountability standards for all staff.
Foster a positive workplace culture built on teamwork, communication, professionalism, and respect.
Promote employee development, training, mentoring, and leadership growth opportunities.
Ensure compliance with all employment laws, HR policies, and workplace safety standards.
Lead employee recognition and retention initiatives.
Conduct regular staff meetings and maintain clear communication throughout the organization.
Address personnel matters promptly and professionally.

Facilities, Grounds, & Capital Projects

Coordinate with the golf course Superintendent and facilities personnel to maintain course assets at the highest level.
Oversee maintenance programs for buildings, grounds, equipment and infrastructure.
Manage capital improvement projects, renovations and facility enhancement initiatives.
Develop long term maintenance and replacement planning for course assets.
Ensure the club maintenance maintains a safe, clean, attractive, and properly functioning environment.
Monitor contract performance and project timelines to ensure quality and budget compliance.

Marketing & Communications

Support the courses’ marketing, branding, and communication initiatives.
Oversee guest communications related to course operations, events, improvements, and initiatives.
Collaborate with staff and committees to promote course events and guest engagement.
Support social media, website, and digital communication strategies consistent with the courses image and standards.
Assist with guest recruitment and public image initiatives as appropriate.

Experience And Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business administration, or related field preferred.
Minimum of 7 to 10 years of progressive leadership experience in private clubs, hospitality, resort, or high-end service organizations.
Certified club manager parenthesis (CCM) designation preferred or willingness to pursue certification.
Strong financial management, budgeting, and operational experience.
Proven leadership, team building, and staff development skills.
Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and organizational abilities.
Demonstrated success in guest relations and hospitality management.
Experience managing capital project projects and facility improvements preferred.
Strong understanding of governance structures within private clubs.
High level of professionalism, integrity, judgment, and discretion.

Desired Leadership Characteristics

The Successful Candidate Should Demonstrate

Strong leadership presence and professionalism
Exceptional hospitality and service mindset strategic thinking and long-range planning capabilities
Financial acumen and operational discipline
Effective communication and interpersonal skills
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Ability to build relationships with guests, staff, and leadership
High emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills
Adaptability, initiative, and accountability passion for delivering an understanding member experience

Compensation And Benefits