General Manager: The Willows Club

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The Willows Club, located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan is a semi-private golf club that currently features three different 9-hole layouts (for a total of 27 holes), and a classic clubhouse setting. Owned by Dream, one of Canada's largest asset managers, who are driving a significant renovation and revitalization of the Club.
In conjunction with the continued buildout of the community surrounding the Willows, exciting developments have been planned to continue to elevate the offering of the Willows, with a path towards a more private and amenitized operating model.
In collaboration with renowned golf course architect Doug Carrick, over the next few years the Willows golf course will be transformed into a spectacularly reimagined 18-hole layout. The proposed redesign will feature new and modified holes throughout the existing three 9-hole courses. The new configuration aims to focus on quality of play while celebrating and elevating the environment's prairie aesthetic for a truly one-of-a-kind golf experience. The course will continue to operate as a 27-hole facility in 2026, with a reduction to an 18-hole configuration as construction commences.
Concurrent with the redevelopment of the golf course, planned renovations for the clubhouse will modernize the space and facilities. The plans also include the introduction of a private amenity park with tennis and pickleball courts, a pool and splash pad, and a full-service pool house.
Location The Willows Club Posted 2025-12-03 Deadline 2026-01-07 Job Summary This position is a unique opportunity to help build a new Club vision and experience, while serving as the operational leader through the transition and into the new age for the Club. The General Manager of The Willows Club is responsible for all day-to-day operations and will be a key stakeholder in the revitalization of the Club and realization of Dream's strategic objectives. Reporting directly to Dream, the GM will lead a diverse team to currently deliver an outstanding golf and hospitality experience, while being a key part of the exciting re-imagining of the Club. The GM is expected to be a highly visible, approachable, and engaged leader who is present throughout the Club, fostering open communication, and building strong relationships with members, staff, and serving as the key communicator between Dream and the Club. Direct reports include the Director of Member Experience & Corporate Services, Controller, Golf Course Superintendent, Director of Culinary Experience & Events, Director of Golf, and Facilities Manager. Responsibilities
Role
To be successful in this role, the General Manager must demonstrate the following competencies. These core capabilities are essential for success and will serve as key benchmarks for performance evaluation, ensuring clear expectations and ongoing support:
Leadership

• Serve as a visible, engaged leader who embodies the Club's values and sets high standards for operational, cultural, and financial performance, while holding employees accountable for results.
• Build, inspire, and hold accountable a high-performing leadership team, fostering a collaborative work environment and empowering others through effective delegation.
• Maintain a strong presence in all areas of the Club and throughout the community, engaging with community members, club members, guests, and staff, building positive relationships that strengthen trust and teamwork.
• Communicate effectively in a variety of situations, articulate ideas persuasively and influencing others to achieve shared goals.
• Collaborate closely with Dream, serving as a key stakeholder throughout the renovation and re-imaging of the Club, providing clear and candid updates, and actionable recommendations, ensuring alignment with long-term strategic priorities.
• Address performance issues constructively, ensuring alignment with the Club's standards and culture.
  

Metrics: Engagement/Satisfaction scores from members, guests, staff, and ownership.
Member Experience

• Be a key part of building the standards and service expectations for the re-imagined club at the Willows through the transition period, while upholding the Club culture, traditions, and the Willows brand.
• Oversee the re-imaging of the F&B offering, event schedule, and social programming, ensuring they serve as high-quality offerings and deliver value for money to members, guests, and community members.
• Build strong relationships to promote a vibrant and welcoming Club environment, fostering trust and confidence through transparent communication and exceptional service.
  

Metrics: Satisfaction/Net Promoter Scores; participation in social events; positive feedback on F&B and community atmosphere.
Communication

• Ensure clear, proactive, and transparent communication with members, staff, and ownership regarding Club plans, changes, and progress, while demonstrating empathy and understanding of stakeholder needs.
• Utilize multiple channels to keep all stakeholders informed and engaged, reinforcing member and guest confidence and engagement.
• Respond promptly and constructively to concerns and feedback, managing emotions and maintaining professionalism under pressure.
• Represent The Willows as an important organization within the immediate community and broader Saskatoon community, fostering goodwill and reinforcing the Club's reputation as a premier destination.
  

Metrics: Stakeholder feedback on communication effectiveness; frequency and quality of updates; resolution time for member concerns.
Strategy and Project Management

• Develop and implement a comprehensive transition strategy, from 27 to 18-holes, that positions the Club for success as a private membership club.
• Oversee operational restructuring (as necessary) to align staffing, services, and amenities with private club standards while maintaining continuity for users during the transition.
• Manage financial planning and forecasting to ensure sustainable operations throughout the transition period.
• Support construction and renovation projects to enhance facilities and deliver premium experiences, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with strategic priorities.
• Lead membership growth initiatives, including marketing campaigns, referral programs, and onboarding processes that foster engagement and retention.
• Establish frameworks and reporting systems to maintain transparency, accountability, and alignment with strategic objectives across all stakeholders.
• Coordinate with real estate and partners to ensure seamless integration of club amenities with community development plans and member expectations.
  

Metrics: Membership sales, growth and retention rates; budget adherence and capital project completion timelines; member satisfaction scores related to amenities and services; ROI on marketing and acquisition efforts for memberships; operational efficiencies achieved in organizational restructuring.
Financial Management

• Manage and oversee financial planning, forecasting, and capital operations to ensure sustainable growth and alignment with strategic goals. This includes developing membership pricing models, dues structures, and long-term funding strategies for improvements, while maintaining strict budget adherence, cost optimization, and financial transparency.
• Direct the maintenance, enhancement, and utilization of Club facilities, ensuring safety, functionality, and aesthetics while meeting member usage demands and optimizing capacity.
• Plan and deliver capital projects on time and within budget, aligning with strategic priorities and enhancing member satisfaction through targeted improvements.
  

Metrics: Budget adherence; timeliness and accuracy of financial reporting; completion of capital projects on time/budget; member satisfaction scores related to facilities and amenities; capacity utilization aligned with operational goals.
Club Culture & Values

• Foster an inclusive, welcoming environment that builds the Club's culture while embracing diversity of thought, background, and experience.
• Promote a sense of belonging among members and staff by appreciating and leveraging individual capabilities, insights, and ideas.
• Model integrity, fairness, and ethical decision-making in all interactions, ensuring a workplace free from discrimination and bias.
• Build positive relationships across all levels including members, staff and ownership through empathy, respect, and emotional intelligence.
• Define and champion the Club's core values in daily operations, communications, and strategic initiatives, reinforcing a culture of excellence and community.
  

Metrics: Member and staff engagement scores; feedback on inclusiveness and workplace culture; adherence to Club values in decision-making and operations.
Qualifications
The General Manager is responsible for leading the team to achieve The Willows Club's strategic objectives while advancing its culture of excellence, innovation, and community. Success in this role requires the right fit for The Willows's unique characteristics. To ensure alignment with this distinctive environment, the following qualifications and competencies have been identified:

• Models Hospitality and Service Excellence:
• Creates a welcoming and exceptional experience for members and guests by setting high standards for service.
• Ensures staff are well-trained and empowered to deliver consistently outstanding hospitality.
• Project Management:
• Manages multiple internal and external stakeholders to achieve project goals and timelines.
• Displays financial prowess to evaluate key decisions from a return on investment perspective.
• Interpersonal Leadership:
• Builds strong relationships with members, staff, and ownership through empathy, active listening, and effective communication. Fosters collaboration and addresses concerns with professionalism and care.
• Displays Emotional Intelligence:
• Maintains self-awareness and manages emotions effectively while understanding and responding to the emotions of others. Navigates complex situations with tact and builds trust across all interactions.
• Values & Promotes Diversity:
• Champions an inclusive environment that respects and celebrates the diversity of the membership and team.
• Promotes equity and belonging in all aspects of club operations.
• Strategic Management:
• Develops and executes long-range plans aligned with the club's vision and mission.
• Sets measurable goals, allocates resources effectively, and monitors progress to ensure sustainable success.
• Culture Champion:
• Demonstrates a deep commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive culture for both members and staff.
• Creates an environment where traditions are honoured, service excellence is modelled, and engagement, trust, and belonging are prioritized across all interactions.
  

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor's degree in business, hospitality, or a related field required.
• Golf course management and operations experience required.
  

Residence: Each candidate must be committed to living/residing in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Compensation The Club will offer an attractive year-round compensation package, targeting a compensation range of $100k to $140k commensurate with experience. This will include a competitive base salary, bonus, full benefits, health spending account, RRSP matching, and allowances for education, clothing, and food in the form of an account credit that is applied monthly. Consideration will be made for candidates with exceptional relevant experience to go above this targeted compensation range. PGA of Canada Specialization Management & Leadership Employment Duration Full time Contact Information
Interested candidates should submit their resume along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by January 7, 2026.
Those documents must be saved and submitted in Word or PDF format (save as ‘Last Name, First Name, The Willows Club, Resume' and ‘Last Name, First Name, The Willows Club, Cover Letter') respectively to: https://shorturl.at/aeJuW
The Willows Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
LEAD SEARCH EXECUTIVES
Michael Gregory, Managing Director & Partner
Evan Van Eerd, Director
For more information on The Willows Club, including plans for the community, please visit https://willowsgolf.com/