General Manager £80,000 plus benefits
Golf & Country Club in the East of England
We are seeking an exceptional General Manager to lead the overall operation, commercial performance and continued development of this 3,000 member club.
Set within stunning surroundings, our exclusive country club offers an award-winning championship golf course, a state-of-the-art health club, luxury spa facilities, swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms, a 60 seat restaurant, bar, terrace that seats 120 and exceptional event spaces for weddings, conferences, and private function room that seats 250.
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious, commercially astute and highly visible leader to take ownership of a premium leisure & hospitality destination, delivering outstanding experiences for members and guests. .
The successful candidate will combine strong business acumen with a genuine passion for hospitality, leisure and service excellence. They will be responsible for creating a positive club culture, developing a high-performing team and ensuring that every aspect of the operation reflects the quality and standards expected of the Country Club.
We are looking for a leader who can balance the member experience with commercial success, driving revenue, controlling costs, identifying new opportunities and building long-term loyalty.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Business Performance
- Take full accountability for the overall management, performance and strategic direction of the Club
- Develop and implement business plans that drive sustainable revenue growth, profitability and long-term success
- Lead the development and execution of commercial strategies across membership, golf, health and fitness, Spa and F & B
- Monitor KPIs, financial results and operational performance, taking proactive action to maximise opportunities and address challenges
- Identify new revenue streams, develop commercial partnerships and enhance the club's market position.
- Work closely with ownership and senior stakeholders to establish objectives, report on performance and deliver agreed business plans.
Member Experience & Service Excellence
- Champion a member-first culture, ensuring consistently high standards of service across every department.
- Build strong relationships with members, guests and key stakeholders, understanding their needs and responding effectively to feedback.
- Develop initiatives that improve member engagement, satisfaction, retention and referrals.
- Ensure the club delivers a welcoming, professional and premium experience that differentiates it within the local market.
- Proactively manage member feedback and resolve issues professionally, protecting the club's reputation and strengthening loyalty.
Operational Management
- Oversee the day-to-day operation of the club, ensuring all departments work collaboratively and efficiently.
- Maintain exceptional standards across facilities, presentation, cleanliness, customer service and operational delivery.
- Ensure the effective management of golf, leisure, hospitality, food and beverage, events and other relevant operational areas.
- Establish clear operating procedures, service standards and performance expectations across the business.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety requirements, licensing obligations, employment legislation and industry regulations.
- Oversee maintenance programmes, facility standards and operational investments to protect and enhance the club's assets.
Financial & Commercial Management
- Take ownership of the club's budget, profit and loss performance, cash flow and financial controls.
- Deliver agreed revenue, profitability and cost-management targets.
- Develop and monitor departmental budgets, ensuring accountability and financial discipline at every level.
- Maximise income through effective pricing, yield management, membership development, events and ancillary sales.
- Identify opportunities to improve margins, increase spend per visit and optimise the use of club facilities.
- Produce accurate management reports, forecasts and performance updates for ownership and senior stakeholders.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing management team capable of delivering the club's strategic objectives.
- Establish a positive, accountable and collaborative culture built around service excellence and commercial awareness.
- Recruit, retain and develop talented colleagues across all departments.
- Set clear objectives, conduct regular performance reviews and ensure managers take ownership of their results.
- Identify succession opportunities and invest in training and professional development.
- Ensure appropriate staffing structures, workforce planning and labour controls are in place to support operational and financial performance.
Sales, Marketing & Membership Growth
- Work collaboratively with sales and marketing teams to attract new members, retain existing members and strengthen the club's profile.
- Develop strategies to increase membership enquiries, conversion rates, renewals and overall member value.
- Build relationships with local businesses, corporate clients, community organisations and other relevant partners.
- Support the development of events, promotions and experiences that generate incremental revenue and increase engagement.
- Monitor competitor activity and market trends to identify opportunities for differentiation and growth.
Food, Beverage & Events
- Ensure food and beverage operations deliver excellent quality, service and commercial results.
- Work with departmental leaders to improve menu performance, purchasing, stock control, labour productivity and gross profit.
- Maximise the commercial potential of functions, celebrations, corporate events and other hospitality opportunities.
- Ensure events are delivered professionally, profitably and in line with the club's service standards.
- Maintain strong communication between operational teams to deliver a consistent experience throughout the member and guest journey.
Facilities, Golf & Leisure Operations
- Ensure all facilities are maintained to a high standard and provide a safe, attractive and enjoyable environment for members and guests.
- Work with relevant department heads to optimise the performance and presentation of the golf course, clubhouse, leisure facilities and associated amenities.
- Support investment planning and improvement projects that enhance the member experience and strengthen the club's long-term commercial position.
- Promote collaboration between golf, leisure, hospitality and membership teams to maximise engagement and revenue opportunities.
- Ensure facilities and services remain aligned with the club's positioning, member expectations and business objectives.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a confident, commercially minded and people-focused leader who understands how to operate a premium leisure or hospitality business.
You will be able to demonstrate:
- Proven experience in a General Manager, Club Manager, Operations Director or equivalent senior leadership position.
- A strong track record of delivering financial performance, revenue growth and operational improvements.
- Experience managing complex, multi-department operations within a country club, golf club, private members' club, hotel, premium leisure or hospitality environment.
- Strong financial literacy, including budgeting, forecasting, profit and loss management and cost control.
- A genuine commitment to outstanding customer service and member engagement.
- The ability to lead, inspire and develop managers and frontline teams.
- Commercial confidence, with the ability to identify opportunities and turn strategy into measurable results.
- Excellent communication, relationship-building and stakeholder-management skills.
- A proactive, hands‑on approach and the ability to remain visible and engaged across the operation.
- Strong organisational skills, sound judgement and the ability to make effective decisions in a fast‑paced environment.
Experience within a golf club, country club or premium membership-led business would be highly advantageous.
Relevant professional qualifications in hospitality, business management, leisure or a related discipline would be welcomed, although demonstrable leadership experience and commercial results will be equally important.
What Success Looks Like
The successful General Manager will be expected to deliver measurable improvements across the following areas:
- Financial performance: Achievement of agreed budgets, revenue targets and profitability objectives.
- Membership: Improved acquisition, retention, engagement and overall member satisfaction.
- Operational excellence: Consistent standards, efficient processes and effective departmental performance.
- People: A motivated, capable and accountable management team with strong colleague engagement.
- Commercial growth: Successful development of new revenue streams, partnerships and business opportunities.
- Brand reputation: A strong local profile and a reputation for quality, service and professionalism.
- Long-term development: A clear and deliverable strategy for the continued success of Cambridge Country Club.
What We Offer
- Basic salary of £80,000
- Performance-related bonus opportunities.
- Complimentary use of the club's health, fitness, and leisure facilities.
- Staff discounts across food, beverage, golf, and spa services.
- Company pension scheme.
- The opportunity to work in one of Cambridgeshire's most prestigious private country clubs.
Interviews available immediately
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General Manager Cambridgeshire £80,000 employer: Leisure People
Leisure People offers a vibrant and dynamic work environment at our scenic farm and visitor attraction near Leatherhead, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about food and beverage management. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and encourage creativity in menu design while fostering a supportive team culture. Enjoy the unique advantage of working in a picturesque setting that attracts visitors year-round, ensuring your role is both meaningful and rewarding.