Course Manager in Ipswich

Description:

Fynn Valley Golf Club, founded in 1991, is a family‑friendly golf club that caters to all abilities of the game, located on the outskirts of the town of Ipswich, Suffolk. We offer an 18‑hole golf course, 9‑hole par 3 course, driving range, practice grounds and a swing studio. The club also offers luxury holiday accommodation, a caravan site and is a licensed venue for holding weddings and corporate events within our modern clubhouse facilities.

About the Role

The Course Manager will be responsible for the day‑to‑day management, maintenance and presentation of the golf course, practice facilities and associated outdoor areas. Reporting to the Managing Director and as part of the Senior Management Team, the successful candidate will lead the greenkeeping team, plan and deliver seasonal maintenance programmes, manage resources effectively and ensure the course provides a consistently high‑quality, safe and enjoyable experience for members, guests and visitors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the greenkeeping team to deliver excellent course standards.
• Plan, implement and monitor annual, seasonal and daily maintenance programmes.
• Maintain high‑quality playing surfaces across greens, tees, fairways, bunkers, practice areas and wider estate areas.
• Manage budgets, materials, machinery, irrigation, drainage, suppliers and contractors effectively.
• Oversee the safe use, maintenance and replacement planning of machinery and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, environmental, pesticide and relevant industry regulations.
• Work with the Managing Director to support course improvement plans and long‑term course strategy.
• Communicate clearly with staff, members, visitors and other departments regarding course activity, priorities and progress.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Proven experience in a senior greenkeeping or golf course management role.
• A recognised greenkeeping, sports turf or golf course management qualification, ideally Level 3 or above; Level 5 Golf Course Manager qualification or equivalent would be advantageous.
• Strong technical knowledge of turf management, agronomy, machinery, irrigation, drainage and course presentation.
• Relevant pesticide application certification, such as PA1 with PA2 and/or PA6, or equivalent.
• Excellent leadership, people management and communication skills.
• Experience preparing and managing budgets, work programmes and supplier relationships.
• Good understanding of health and safety, risk assessment and environmental responsibilities.
• A proactive, organised and hands‑on approach, with the ability to maintain high standards throughout the year.
• BIGGA membership, continuing professional development or equivalent industry engagement would be desirable.

What we offer:

• Salary is based upon qualifications and experience.
• The opportunity to lead and develop the course teams.
• Support for continued professional development and industry training.
• A key leadership role with the ability to influence and future presentation and development of the course.
• A supportive working environment with regular communication with the Managing Director.

Applications close: 31st August 2026.