Holiday Park General Manager

Bee Happy Recruitment are working with a luxury holiday park with supporting social and sporting facilities in West Sussex. The business consists of a holiday park with over 275+ chalets, including a swimming pool and social club and bar. In addition, a golf club with a 9-hole historic course and clubhouse and a bowling club run as operating entities. Annual turnover is approximately £2M.

The General Manager oversees operation of the site and activities, ensuring maintenance and upkeep of the holiday park, plus planning and operating the Cabana club. In partnership with the golf and bowling clubs management of the locations and staffing is required to enable smooth running. Functions and events are a key part of the country club, and the General manager is accountable for ensuring planning and execution of a successful calendar of activities.

Operational responsibility for holiday park site maintenance, bars & food, security and golf course management are delegated to managers who report directly to the General Manager. Managing budgets and controlling costs are important to ensure smooth running of the club, supported by maintaining good operating practises and periodic reviews.

The ideal candidate will be able to ensure smooth running of the site whilst also identify opportunities for additional revenues streams and entertainment opportunities. The Cabana club supports entertainment and special events throughout the holiday season – whilst golf and bowling clubs have social events throughout the year which are managed by staffing from the Country Club. The board is also open to new opportunities which look to leverage the extensive facilities and space that the site offers.

The General Manager reports to the Country Club Board – the executive group comprised of members of the chalet owning community. Aligned to the operational goals and strategic objectives of the Board the General Manager will be required to report against key measures and goals each quarter. These measures support effective daily operation, whilst also encouraging innovation and thinking outside the box to identify revenue generating opportunities.

The General Manager role requires a close eye for holiday park operation, plus a friendly and collaborative approach to work with the chalet-owning community, sporting members and staff.

Job Responsibilities

* Overseeing Country Club operations, delegating tasks to the team, whilst striving for high levels of operational effectiveness for chalet owners and guests

* Define and implement operation procedures to manage workforce, tasks and activities and timely reporting whilst keeping a close eye on operating costs.

* Working with the sporting clubs and departmental managers to plan work and forecast costs through the year. Supporting budgeting and tracking of spend for daily operations and larger projects.

* Working with the book keeper in the business and nominated accountant to ensure financial management and timely preparation and submission of annual accounts

* Prepare and present quarterly reports to the board tracking identified performance indicators, celebrating success in achievements completed and outlining existing or upcoming challenges

* Provide staffing support and guidance as a line manager. Work in a collaborative manner to ensure effective running of the organisation – whilst providing staff objectives and periodic reviews

* Be aware of, and ensure implementation of practises which support adherence to legal requirements. These include Health and Safety, bar and licensing, and catering. This includes the administrative task of ensuring all necessary licenses are maintained.

* Oversee the management of staff work rotas and timely provision of timesheets in support of wages. Managing staff salaries. Upon approval by the board planning additional costs through additional staffing for events, wage increases or bonus payments.

* Ensure timely collection of members annual fees, or arrangement for staggered payments. In accordance with the club’s rules oversee procedures to manage arrears or late payments.

* Oversee Chalet Sales. Chalet owners selling their property must do so in partnership with the country club – this activity is managed by the General Manager and the small team in the site office.

* Manage the deposit of funds at the bank and handle withdrawals for wages, cash floats, and other financial transactions

* Serve as an Official Key Holder responsible for notifying the Police Authority and Security Company

Candidate Experience & Qualities

* Strong organisational skills, an eye for detail and ability to implement good operating procedures in support of smooth operation of leisure or holiday park venue

* Previous experience in management, working across a range of leisure industry disciplines.

* Willingness of build teams and collaborate across groups to achieve shared goals. Able to delegate individual tasks and also larger projects whilst providing key guidelines on outcome and approach

* Understanding of financial management. Able to identify revenue streams and cost bases, and determine forward-looking forecasts. Once set maintaining a close eye on budgeted costs

* Able to identify opportunities to manage costs and leverage revenue streams. Propose approaches and implement plans to make vision reality. Demonstrating progress and outcomes via clear reporting

* Experience in running bars and catering facilities is useful. Qualifications in Licensing, or a willingness to obtain these qualifications is a positive.

Employment Terms

* Permanent role – salary range: 35 - 40K/year

* Revenue related performance bonuses may be considered upon agreement with the Board

* Temporary accommodation available