General Manager

BallenIsles Country Club•Madison, WI

About The Position

Maple Bluff Country Club is seeking a strategic, hospitality-driven General Manager to serve as the Club’s chief operating executive and lead its overall operations, performance, and future direction. The General Manager will be a visible, accessible, and trusted leader for members, guests, associates, and the Board of Directors, championing genuine hospitality and an engaging member experience. Working collaboratively with the Board of Directors and Troon leadership, the General Manager will help define and strengthen the Club’s identity, guide strategic planning, enhance membership satisfaction and engagement, and strengthen the Club’s marketing and communications. A major priority is providing executive leadership and coordination for a significant golf course construction project, from planning through construction and reopening, while maintaining member engagement and minimizing disruption. The role oversees all Club operations, including golf, agronomy, food and beverage, recreation, membership, and clubhouse services. It also includes leadership of the management team; financial, budgetary, and asset stewardship; governance support; and implementation of Troon’s operational standards and human resources policies. The position offers an opportunity to lead a distinguished private club through a period of investment and transformation.

Requirements

Minimum five years of progressive leadership experience in private club or resort management.
Demonstrated success leading a multifaceted private club operation with a strong focus on member satisfaction.
Proven ability to develop and execute membership marketing, communication, and engagement strategies.
Experience collaborating effectively with a private club Board of Directors and volunteer committees.
Strong financial acumen, including operating budgets, capital planning, and financial reporting.
Exceptional communication, interpersonal, organizational, and team-building skills.
Collaborative, visible, and approachable leadership style characterized by integrity, professionalism, sound judgment, and genuine hospitality.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
Active CMAA membership, Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation, or PGA/LPGA professional credentials.
Experience supporting major capital improvement projects, particularly golf course renovations or construction.
Proficiency in Jonas and Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

Partner with the Board, membership, and Troon leadership to establish and strengthen the Club’s vision, mission, values, and distinctive identity.
Translate the Club’s identity into consistent hospitality, programming, service standards, and strategic decisions while balancing tradition with innovation.
Build trusted relationships with members and maintain a visible leadership presence.
Use member feedback, surveys, and engagement initiatives to identify improvements and establish measurable service standards and accountability.
Lead the planning, construction, and reopening phases of the golf course project in collaboration with the Board, project committees, architect, contractors, Golf Course Superintendent, and Troon resources.
Support project oversight through communication, financial accountability, milestone tracking, and proactive problem-solving; develop plans to limit disruption and maintain member engagement.
Develop a reopening strategy that celebrates the investment and reinforces the value of membership.
Develop and execute membership marketing and communications strategies, including prospective member outreach, recruitment, onboarding, and retention.
Communicate transparently with members about Club operations, strategic initiatives, and construction progress; leverage Troon’s marketing expertise and platforms.
Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain a high-performing management team; establish expectations and promote professional development.
Provide financial leadership through budgeting, forecasting, analysis, expense management, capital planning, financial reporting, internal controls, and accountability for operating results.
Ensure the care, maintenance, and stewardship of Club facilities and assets.
Serve as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the Board; translate priorities into actionable plans with measurable goals and maintain effective communication with the Board and committees.
Support effective governance by distinguishing Board oversight from management responsibilities and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
Provide executive oversight of golf, agronomy, food and beverage, recreation, membership, and clubhouse services.
Ensure exceptional hospitality and service standards, use technology and performance metrics for continuous improvement, and uphold Troon’s operational standards and human resources policies.
Maintain active professional affiliations and engagement within the private club industry.