General Manager – Premier Destination Golf Resort
Seeking an accomplished, team-oriented golf and hospitality executive to lead the premier destination golf resort in north-central Michigan with responsibility for highly-acclaimed golf courses, high-end lodging accommodations, financial performance, team leadership and strategic growth. Ideal candidates possess golf club, hospitality or destination golf resort leadership experience, strong operational and financial expertise, and a passion for hospitality excellence. The ideal start date for the position is January 2027. Candidates with immediate availability could start sooner.
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General Manager
Position Description
Forest Dunes is an acclaimed, golf-centric national destination in the Huron National Forest of northern Michigan boasting three of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses according to Golf Digest. In addition, a 10-hole short course, two-acre putting course, full-service clubhouse and 159-bed lodging operation serve both resort guests and a growing membership/residential community. The seasonal operation (May-October) employs a dozen talented year-round employees and over 150 additional seasonal staff. The current ownership group has made significant investments in the property across all categories over its six seasons, including new amenities, upgrades, expansions and lodging accommodations. Future plans call for an additional private course designed by Gil Hanse.
The General Manager position is a newly created role and will serve as the executive leader of a premier destination golf resort, responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence, financial performance, and long-term strategic growth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Executive Leadership and Strategy
- Work closely with department heads to lead all aspects of resort operations with accountability for guest satisfaction, financial performance, team culture, and brand standards.
- Develop and execute annual strategic plans, operating budgets, and capital improvement initiatives.
- Partner with ownership on long-term business planning and growth strategies.
- Establish operational goals, performance benchmarks, and service standards across all departments.
- Ensure alignment between the resort’s brand positioning and operational execution.
Golf Operations and Maintenance
- Partner with golf operations to successfully deliver exceptional service in golf operations, merchandising, special events execution, pace of play standards, guest and member experience.
- Partner with agronomy leadership to ensure championship-level course conditions and presentation.
- Support development of destination golf packages, special events, and experiential programming.
Resort and Hospitality Operations
- Oversee all operational departments including Reservations, Golf Operations, Golf Maintenance, Facilities Maintenance, Lodging and Guest Services, Food and Beverage, Real Estate, and the Resort’s Property Owners Association.
- Ensure seamless service delivery throughout the guest and member experience.
- Implement appropriate training and operational best practices to improve efficiency and service quality.
- Maintain brand standards, cleanliness, safety, and operational excellence in all areas of the resort.
Financial Leadership
- Work in partnership with the Resort Controller to maintain full P&L accountability for the resort to Ownership.
- Work in partnership with the Resort Controller to develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets.
- Drive revenue growth across golf, rooms, food and beverage, memberships, special events, retail, real estate, etc.
- Monitor labor productivity, forecasting, inventory controls, and departmental profitability.
- Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies while preserving guest experience quality.
Guest and Member Experience
- Champion a culture of hospitality, personalization and service excellence
- Build strong relationships with guests, members, VIPs, golf raters, tournament organizers, real estate lot and homeowners, and community stakeholders.
- Continuously improve the guest journey through programming, amenities and service innovation.
- Resolve guest and member concerns professionally and proactively.
- Ensure consistent delivery of elevated resort experiences aligned with the resort’s brand identity.
Team Leadership and Culture
- Recruit, mentor, develop and retain high-performing department leaders and resort teams.
- Foster a collaborative, accountable, and service-oriented culture.
- Lead employee engagement, recognition, and professional development initiatives.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and succession planning.
- Promote a workplace culture focused on golf and hospitality excellence and operational discipline.
Reservations, Marketing and Community Engagement
- Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to drive occupancy, golf rounds, group business and event revenue.
- Develop and encourage destination packages, special events, retreats and programming to optimize financial results.
- Represent the resort within tourism, hospitality, golf, and local business communities.
- Establish partnerships that enhance the Resort’s visibility, reputation and profitability.
- Participate in community outreach and industry events that benefit the Resort.
Facilities and Asset Management
- Oversee maintenance and preservation of all resort assets and facilities.
- Support planning and execution of renovations and capital improvement projects.
- Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and operational regulations.
- Maintain the physical integrity and presentation of the property to the standards established by Ownership.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Golf Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field.
- Experience in executive leadership at a reputable golf club, destination golf resort, high end hospitality or similar club experiences.
- Proven success managing complex multi-department golf resort operations.
- Strong financial management and P&L oversight experience.
- Experience leading large teams in high-service hospitality environments.
- Exceptional communication, leadership and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing destination golf resorts or private golf club communities.
- Strong background in food and beverage operations and event programming.
- Experience with luxury or lifestyle hospitality brands.
- Knowledge of golf resort operations, tournament management, and member relations.
- Experience with homeowners association management and real estate sales.
- Personal or professional ties to Michigan or Northern Michigan
- PGA certification or Certified Club Manager.
Core Competencies
- Strategic Leadership
- Golf Resort Operations
- Luxury Hospitality Management
- Financial Acumen
- Guest Experience Excellence
- Team Engagement and Development
- Revenue Optimization
- Operational Discipline
- Brand Stewardship
- Relationship Management
- Event and Tournament Operations
- Communication and Executive Presence
COMPENSATION and BENEFITS
- Competitive compensation package including annual performance bonus opportunity
- Health, dental, and vision insurance option
- Flexible off-season schedule (within reason)
- Golf and resort privileges
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
