General Manager: Bigwin Island Golf Club

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Text Bigwin Island, first known as Bigwin Inn, opened in 1920 as a 9-hole Stanley Thompson course and become an 18-hole golf course by 1930. Bigwin Island was once billed as North America’s largest and most luxurious summer destinations, hosting numerous extravagant galas and events. More than 100 years later, Bigwin Island’s glory days have returned, blending its timeless heritage with a modern, upscale Muskoka summer experience.Nestled on a private island paradise on Lake of Bays, Bigwin Island Golf Club (“Bigwin” or the “Club”) offers an exceptional golf experience in a spectacular setting. The Club combines world-class golf with a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. Members and guests can enjoy a round on a sensational course, savor fine dining in the historic Bigwin Inn dining room, or embrace the unique dockside setting at the newly renovated lakeside restaurant. For those seeking a true Muskoka summer lifestyle, Bigwin Island also offers opportunities to make the island their seasonal home.Today, Bigwin Island is an exclusive equity membership club, with a limited number of 260 equity members (490 total members) with an estimated 6-to-8-year waitlist. On this 520-acre island retreat, members experience stunning lake vistas, utmost privacy, and a welcoming community, complemented by upscale amenities and the casual charm that sets Bigwin apart from other Muskoka clubs.Bigwin Island is currently seeking a General Manager (“GM”) to support the Club’s standard of excellence and drive forward the Club’s visionLocation Bigwin Island Golf Club Posted 2025-11-19 Deadline 2025-12-01 Job Summary The General Manager of Bigwin Island Golf Club is responsible for all day-to-day operations and the realization of the Club’s strategic objectives. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the GM leads a diverse team to deliver an outstanding golf, social, and hospitality experience for members and their guests. 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 the Board. Direct reports include the Controller, Golf Course Superintendent, Executive Chef, F&B Manager, Head Golf Professional, Transportation Manager and the Club’s administration. ResponsibilitiesTo be successful in this role, the General Manager must demonstrate the following competencies, identified through extensive job analysis. These core capabilities are essential for success and will serve as key benchmarks for performance evaluation, ensuring clear expectations and ongoing support.LeadershipServe 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, engaging with members, guests, and staff daily, and 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 the Board, providing clear, engaging presentations, candid updates, and actionable recommendations, ensuring alignment with long-term strategic priorities and major projects.Address performance issues constructively, ensuring alignment with the Club’s standards and culture.Metrics: Engagement/Satisfaction scores from members, staff, and Board.Member ExperienceChampion a culture of personalized service, community, and social connection, while upholding Club traditions and the Bigwin brand.Oversee improvements in F&B offerings and social programming, ensuring they serve as high-quality member amenities and deliver value for money from the member’s perspective.Build strong relationships to promote a vibrant and welcoming Club environment, fostering trust and confidence through transparent communication and exceptional service.Metrics: Member satisfaction/Net Promoter Scores; participation in social events; positive feedback on F&B and community atmosphere.CommunicationEnsure clear, proactive, and transparent communication with members, staff, and the Board 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 confidence and engagement.Respond promptly and constructively to concerns and feedback, managing emotions and maintaining professionalism under pressure.Represent Bigwin as an important organization within the Lake of Bays 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.Governance & Strategic ManagementDevelop and execute strategic plans that position the Club for long-term success, staying informed about industry best practices, innovations, and emerging trends.Oversee financial operations and capital planning, ensuring budget adherence, cost optimization, and funding for long-term improvements aligned with member expectations and strategic goals.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.Maintain strong, transparent relationships with BIWA (shared services) and Eagle Landing (real estate), including HOA coordination.Oversee marine fleet operations and transportation logistics to ensure safe, reliable access to the island for members, guests, and staff.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 & ValuesFoster an inclusive, welcoming environment that reflects the Club’s traditions 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 the Board through empathy, respect, and emotional intelligence.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.QualificationsThe General Manager is responsible for leading the team to achieve Bigwin Island Golf Club’s strategic objectives while advancing its culture of excellence, innovation, and community. Success in this role requires the right fit for Bigwin’s unique characteristics. To ensure alignment with this distinctive environment, the following qualifications and competencies have been identified through extensive job analysis.Models Hospitality And Service ExcellenceCreates 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.Interpersonal LeadershipBuilds strong relationships with members, staff, and board members through empathy, active listening, and effective communication. Fosters collaboration and addresses concerns with professionalism and care.Displays Emotional IntelligenceMaintains 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 DiversityChampions 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 ManagementDevelops 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.Club GovernanceUnderstands and upholds the legal and ethical frameworks guiding private club operations, including member rights, board structures, and regulatory compliance. Ensures governance practices reflect integrity and transparency and works closely with the Board on strategic and financial planning, major projects, and committee engagement.Culture ChampionDemonstrates a deep commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive culture for both members and staff. Creates an environment where traditions are honoured, service excellence is modeled, and engagement, trust, and belonging are prioritized across all interactions.Education & CredentialsBachelor’s degree in business, hospitality, or a related field required.Extensive private club management experience required.Residence: Each candidate must be committed to living/residing in the Muskoka region.CompensationApproximately $200-275K.The Club will offer an attractive year-round compensation package, commensurate with experience, which will include a competitive base salary, bonus, full benefits, and allowances for education, clothing, and food.PGA of Canada Specialization Management & Leadership Course Website https://bigwinisland.com/ Social Media Page(s) https://www.instagram.com/bigwinisland/?hl=en Employment Duration Full-time, Year round Contact InformationInterested 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 December 1, 2025. Those documents must be saved and submitted in Word or PDF format (save as ‘Last Name, First Name, Bigwin Island Golf Club, Resume’ and ‘Last Name, First Name, Bigwin Island Golf Club, Cover Letter’) respectively to: https://shorturl.at/WvVJS.Bigwin Island Golf Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer.LEAD SEARCH EXECUTIVESMichael Gregory, Managing Director & PartnerPeter Holt, Director