A rare opportunity to lead one of Yorkshire’s most respected heathland clubs – where course quality, member experience and a clear strategic direction set the agenda.

Founded in 1906, Pannal Golf Club is entering an exciting new chapter. Following the retirement of our long-serving General Manager, we are seeking an exceptional leader to build on a proud legacy – someone who will champion course quality as our primary asset, drive an outstanding member and guest experience, and partner closely with the Board in delivering the Club’s Strategic Plan. This is a Board-level appointment.

What sets Pannal apart

A distinguished heathland course of genuine standing within Yorkshire golf, founded in 1906.
Awarded the Silver Flag at the 59club UK & Ireland Service Excellence Awards 2026 – in only our second year of association.
An active, multi-year Course Development Plan, supported by an advisory relationship with The R&A through their Sustainable Agronomy Service.
A clear Strategic Plan, a financially stable Club, and a supportive Board – a strong platform to build on, not a turnaround.

Full role description and application details overleaf.

General Manager – Role Description

About the Club

Pannal Golf Club combines a distinguished heathland course with a welcoming culture and a strong reputation across the Yorkshire and wider UK golfing community. The Club has a clear Strategic Plan in place and is actively executing a multi-year Course Development Plan as its primary capital investment priority, supported by an ongoing advisory relationship with The R&A through their Sustainable Agronomy Service.

Service standards are externally benchmarked: in 2026, in only our second year of association with 59club, Pannal was awarded the Silver Flag at the 59club UK & Ireland Service Excellence Awards – recognition of the quality our team delivers every day. We intend to keep building on that platform.

The Role

The General Manager is a member of the Board of Directors and works in close partnership with the Chairman and non-executive Directors in shaping the Club’s strategic direction. The role carries overall responsibility for the leadership, operational performance and member experience of the Club.

Key responsibilities

Championing course quality as the Club’s primary asset – working closely with the Head Greenkeeper to deliver the Course Development Plan to the highest agronomic standards, and ensuring the greenkeeping team has the leadership, structure and support to perform consistently at that level.
Driving an exceptional member, guest and visitor experience, building on the Club’s 59club Silver Flag accreditation and pursuing continued progression in externally benchmarked service excellence.
Leading, developing and motivating the senior management team across greens, golf operations, hospitality, finance, events and administration – setting clear standards, coaching, and holding to account.
Partnering with the Board on Strategic Plan delivery, capital investment prioritisation and the Club’s long-term financial sustainability.
Managing budgets, financial performance and operational efficiency, with a commercially astute approach to revenue, cost control and investment decisions.
Driving membership engagement, retention and recruitment, working alongside the Membership Operating Sub-Committee.
Ensuring the highest standards of governance, compliance, health & safety and policy across all areas of Club operations.
Building strong relationships with members, suppliers, governing bodies and the wider golf community.
Supporting the successful delivery of Club competitions, social events and corporate functions.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Senior leadership experience within a private members’ golf club or comparable hospitality or membership environment.
A demonstrable track record of getting the best from a greenkeeping team – recognising that course quality is the foundation on which everything else rests, and able to support and challenge a Course Manager in pursuit of consistent excellence.
Genuine commitment to customer experience, with practical experience of working to externally benchmarked service standards (such as 59club, GEO or equivalent).
A leadership style built on developing people – coaching, standard-setting and accountability – rather than directing from the office. Highly visible, hands-on and approachable.
Strong commercial and financial acumen, with the confidence to engage credibly with the Board on financial performance and investment cases.
Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, comfortable engaging with members of all backgrounds with warmth and authority.
The ability to balance the traditions of a 1906 club with progressive thinking, innovation and continuous improvement.
CMDip, CCM or equivalent qualification is desirable but not essential; track record and judgement matter most.

What We Offer

A seat on the Board of Directors, with the influence and accountability that brings.
A financially stable, well-governed Club with a clear Strategic Plan and Course Development Plan already in place – a strong platform to build on, not a turnaround.
A supportive and engaged Board and membership.
Competitive salary package commensurate with experience, plus pension and additional benefits.
A genuine career opportunity within one of Yorkshire’s most respected golfing environments.

Application Process

Applicants should submit:

A current CV
A covering letter outlining their suitability, relevant experience and motivation for the role

Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Closing date: Friday 26 June 2026

First-stage interviews: w/c 6 July 2026

Final interviews: w/c 13 July 2026

To apply or request further information, please contact:

Graeme Pryde – General Manager

[email protected] | 01423 872628