Job Title: General Manager
Employer: Kilkenny Golf Club
Reporting to: Honorary Secretary Kilkenny Golf Club
Kilkenny Golf Club:
Founded in 1896 Kilkenny Golf Club has developed into one of the finest parkland courses in the Southeast of Ireland. Located in the heart of Kilkenny City the club is noted for its exceptional greens and all year-round playability. The clubhouse has been recently refurbished to the highest standard to ensure that visitors and members have the best possible experience. Our club professional Jimmy Bolger runs a well-stocked pro shop on the premises, a Swing Studio, and extensive practice facilities are available to members. The club is now recruiting a General Manager to ensure the club develops and grows into the future and continues to offer members and visitors an enhanced golf and hospitality experience.
The Purpose of the Role:
Reporting to the Honorary Secretary, this role involves:
• The efficient management of the day to day running of Kilkenny golf club’s business in accordance with the policies determined by the Management Committee. Attendance at Management Committee meetings is required to furnish a monthly report on those areas of responsibility. The role may include some weekend work as an integral part of the service to members and visitors.
Key Responsibilities:
Revenue Generation:
• Managing the golf club in line with budget revenue and expenditure.
• Managing club membership ensuring that membership is maintained at its optimum level and that all subscriptions are collected on time and in full.
• Overseeing all golf booking systems to ensure the course usage is optimised.
• Managing all golf bookings and consulting with the Food and Beverage Manager to ensure golf, food and beverage bookings are maximised whilst maintaining member and visitor satisfaction.
• Drive revenue through all business opportunities in the club including business room rental, leisure activity room rental and Swing Studio rental.
• Manage capital projects as they arise, including full maintenance of the clubhouse and grounds through the Head Greenkeeper and his staff.
Staff:
• Manage, direct, motivate and supervise all staff employed by the Club through the following immediate direct reports:
1. Head Greenkeeper
2. Bar and Catering Manager
3. Office Administrator
• Ensure that all statutory obligations in regard to employees are adhered to including all current Health and Safety and Employment legislation.
• Oversee all necessary training for all new and current employees.
• Conduct all required staff performance reviews and pay rate reviews.
• Conduct regular staff meetings to discuss operational issues and improvement areas.
Course and Club House Management:
• Ensuring through the Head Greenkeeper and Course Committee that the course is maintained in accordance with the standard set by the Club Course Committee.
• Preparing the annual budget including Capital Expenditure for course maintenance.
• Overseeing expenditure, working in conjunction with the Head Greenkeeper and the Chairman of the Course Committee
• Ensuring that an inventory of course machinery is kept, and regular maintenance is conducted.
• Conducting a monthly audit of the golf course in conjunction with the course committee and initiating any actions arising.
• Overseeing the fabric of the clubhouse and its ancillary services and working with the House Committee to advise on any ongoing preventative maintenance requirements or capital investment programmes.
Golf:
• Working with the Competitions Secretaries to prepare an annual fixture list and diary.
• Promoting and making all arrangements with visiting societies and other golf groups.
• Overseeing the green fee system as operated by the Club Professional and staff.
• Monitoring of etiquette on and off the golf course.
Finance and Administration:
• Collaborating with the Accounts Assistant and Honorary Treasurer in the preparation of annual budgets.
• Working with the Honorary Treasurer in the preparation of monthly accounts and investigating variances from budget.
• Controlling cash flow.
• Collecting subscriptions/entry fees on time and in full.
• Controlling payment to suppliers.
• Overseeing the Clubs Pension and Life Assurance schemes.
• Holding the position of Data Controller for Kilkenny Golf Club and ensuring all GDPR legislation is adhered to.
• Operating all club software packages including Club V1 and the BRS booking system to the highest of standards.
Experience:
• Staff management
• Financial background or Budgetary control experience
• Working with sophisticated software packages
• Hospitality or customer service experience
• Event or Venue management/marketing
• Experience of club management or active participant in Club Management education.
Qualifications:
Functional Behavioural
Proven management, organisational and administrative skills. Demonstrates strong leadership qualities
Strong financial and accounting background Maintains high work and personal standards
Proven staff management background Comfortable working as part of a team
Working knowledge of employment, health and safety and data protection legislation Excellent Communication Skills at all levels
IT Management Systems knowledge Strives for improvement and generates ideas
Have an excellent working knowledge of the usage and benefits of social media in modern marketing and be proficient in the usage of same Displays the highest possible standards of integrity and diplomacy, along with gravitas and a common-sense approach to issues.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
How to Apply
Applications must be made by submitting the following:
a) A comprehensive CV clearly showing your relevant achievements and experience in your career to date.
b) A cover letter / personal statement outlining why you wish to be considered for the post and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements for the position of General Manager of Kilkenny Golf Club.
Selection Process
The Selection Process may include:
• Shortlisting of candidates, based on the information contained in their application, to reduce the list of candidates to a more manageable number for interview.
• A competitive interview.
Other important information
Kilkenny Golf Club will not be responsible for refunding any expenses incurred by applicants.
Applicants who are resident in Ireland and short-listed for interview will be expected to attend in person for interview at Kilkenny Golf Club.
Arrangements will be made to allow short-listed applicants residing outside of Ireland to attend for interview using Zoom or a comparable product.
Kilkenny Golf Club would appreciate if applicants would start considering names of people who they feel would be suitable referees that the Club might consult (2 - 3 names and contact details). The referees listed do not have to include your current employer but should be able to provide a reference. Please be assured the Club will only collect the details and contact referees should you come under consideration after the interview stage.
Confidentiality
Kilkenny Golf Club would like to assure applicants that protecting confidentiality during this recruitment process is our number one priority. Applicants can expect, and we guarantee, that all enquires, applications and all aspects of the proceedings are treated as strictly confidential and are not disclosed to anyone, outside those directly involved in that aspect of the process.
Closing Date
Your application and accompanying documentation must be submitted by 5pm on 6/11/2026.
Applications must be submitted by email only to the following address: enquiries@kilkennygolfclub.com.
Version 13.10.26