Course Manager in Dunstable

Dunstable Downs Golf Club enjoys an enviable location at the top of the Chiltern Hills, within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The course is well known for its wonderful views across the surrounding landscape and benefits from the fine grasses and free-draining soils associated with calcareous grassland. Its chalk subsoil provides exceptional year-round drainage. We are undertaking an ambitious project to restore many of the site’s original downland features. Alongside this, our woodland management programme aims to manage the woodland actively, control scrub encroachment and enhance the long term value of the landscape. We recognise our environmental responsibilities and aim to achieve GEO Certified® Sustainable Golf accreditation within the next two years.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Course Manager to lead our greenkeeping operation and help us realise these ambitions. The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day management of a team of six qualified greenkeepers, 20 golf holes and the club's practice facilities. The successful applicant will have the vision, character and skills required to provide effective leadership and take responsibility for decision-making. They will demonstrate a professional, modern approach to greenkeeping, together with a genuine enthusiasm for enhancing the site’s biodiversity and ecology for the mutual benefit of the environment and the golf course.

Key Responsibilities:

• The Course Manager will be responsible for the management and maintenance of the golf course, practice facilities and other areas surrounding the clubhouse.
• The role requires effective leadership, extensive turf-management knowledge and the ability to manage a dedicated team successfully while working closely with the General Manager and Head Professional.
• Prepare and manage budgets effectively, ensuring expenditure is appropriately controlled.
• Maintain a sound understanding of health and safety requirements and environmental management.
• Demonstrate competence in turf disease identification and management.
• Take an enthusiastic and proactive approach to ecological management.
• Develop and implement an integrated pest-management plan and strategy.

Team Management:

• Build and maintain professional relationships with staff, members and suppliers.
• Provide excellent team leadership and motivation, supporting the continued development of the greenkeeping team.
• Communicate effectively with members, keeping them informed about course conditions, progress and future plans.

Attributes and Experience:

The ideal candidate will be organised, professional and reliable, with a positive and flexible approach to work. They will demonstrate excellent attention to detail, ambition to develop their career within the golf industry and a desire to remain abreast of industry developments and best practice.

Applicants Should Have:

• A minimum of five years' experience in golf-course maintenance and management.
• PA1, PA2 and PA6 pesticide application certificates.
• An NVQ Level 3 qualification or above.
• A flexible and cooperative approach.

What You Can Expect:

• A competitive salary based on experience.
• 28 days' paid annual leave.
• A contributory pension scheme.
• Full support for further career development through training and education.
• Accommodation may be provided to support relocation if required.

The company is committed to equality of opportunity and assess applicants solely on their merits.