At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a greenkeeping team to maintain exceptional golf course conditions.
- Company: Stratford Oaks Golf Club, a forward-thinking club with a strong community spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contributions, club membership, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with excellent facilities and a committed team.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on a well-established golf course and shape its future.
- Qualifications: Experience in greenkeeping, strong leadership skills, and relevant qualifications preferred.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 52500 £ per year.
Stratford Oaks Golf Club is seeking an experienced and ambitious Course Manager to lead the next phase of development of our golf course and estate. Following a period of significant investment, including an ongoing bunker redevelopment programme, continued irrigation and drainage improvements, the delivery of a new fleet of course machinery, and the construction of a new maintenance facility, the club is now focused on building on these foundations. The course is known for its excellent playing conditions and established USGA-specification greens, maintained to a consistently high standard by an experienced greenkeeping team. This role is not simply about maintaining standards; it is about continuing to raise them. The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping the ongoing development of the course, delivering consistently high-quality playing conditions, and contributing to the long-term strategic direction of the club.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, manage, and motivate the course maintenance team to deliver exceptional playing conditions year-round.
- Oversee all aspects of golf course and estate maintenance, ensuring high presentation standards across the club.
- Develop and implement agronomic plans to support the long-term health and quality of the course.
- Manage budgets, purchasing, and resource allocation effectively.
- Ensure machinery, irrigation systems, and maintenance equipment are properly managed and maintained.
- Promote a strong health and safety culture across the department.
- Work closely with the Club Manager producing CAPEX plans and align course development with the club’s long-term strategic vision.
- Communicate effectively with members regarding course projects, maintenance schedules, and ongoing improvements.
- Maintain compliance with environmental and industry best practices.
About You
The successful candidate will ideally possess:
- Proven experience in a senior greenkeeping or Course Manager role.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- A passion for delivering outstanding course conditions and continual improvement.
- Excellent organisational, communication, and planning abilities.
- Sound understanding of turf management, agronomy, irrigation, drainage, and machinery maintenance.
- Relevant greenkeeping qualifications (NVQ Level 3 or equivalent preferred).
- PA 1, PA 2, and PA 6 spraying certificates (desirable).
- Experience managing budgets and operational planning.
- A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to inspire and develop a team.
Why Join Stratford Oaks Golf Club?
This role offers an outstanding opportunity to take ownership of a well-established golf course and estate within a supportive and forward-thinking club environment. You will inherit a strong and committed team, excellent facilities, including a brand new maintenance facility (opening June 2026), and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future direction of the course and wider club estate.
Salary & Benefits
- Salary range of £48,000-£52,500 per annum based on experience and qualifications.
- Pension contribution.
- Club membership and associated benefits.
- Ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment.
How To Apply
To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to: James Howard – Club Manager Email – james.howard@stratfordoaks.co.uk Application Closing Date – 6th June 2026. Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Stratford Oaks Golf Club is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Course Manager in Stratford-upon-Avon employer: British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA)
Stratford Oaks Golf Club is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for a Course Manager to lead the development of a prestigious golf course in the picturesque Stratford-upon-Avon. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a supportive work culture, and excellent facilities including a new maintenance facility, you will be empowered to make a significant impact while enjoying competitive salary and benefits, including ongoing professional development and club membership perks.
Contact Details:
British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Course Manager in Stratford-upon-Avon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the golf and greenkeeping industry. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get that interview, make sure to express your enthusiasm for maintaining and improving golf courses. Share specific examples of how you've raised standards in previous roles – it’ll show you’re the right fit for Stratford Oaks.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready for practical assessments or scenario-based questions during interviews. Brush up on your turf management knowledge and think about how you’d handle various challenges on the course.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Stratford Oaks team. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Course Manager in Stratford-upon-Avon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Course Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in greenkeeping and management, and don’t forget to showcase any specific achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about maintaining high standards in golf course management and how your skills can contribute to the ongoing development of Stratford Oaks Golf Club.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, be sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've motivated teams in the past and how you plan to inspire the greenkeeping crew at Stratford Oaks.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t hesitate!
How to prepare for a job interview at British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA)
✨Know Your Turf
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of turf management and agronomy. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in previous roles to maintain or improve course conditions. This shows you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you have hands-on experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Course Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed your team in the past. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them while keeping morale high.
✨Budget Savvy
Since managing budgets is key for this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with financial planning and resource allocation. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed budgets in previous positions, and be ready to suggest how you would approach budgeting at Stratford Oaks.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Effective communication is crucial, especially when liaising with club members about maintenance schedules and improvements. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a few points on how you would engage with members to keep them informed and involved.
