Location: Crowborough, East Sussex
Position Type: Full-time (Flexible hours including select weekends/holidays)
Reports To: Chairman & Board of Directors
About Crowborough Beacon Golf Club
Established in 1895 and set upon the highest point of the Sussex Weald, Crowborough Beacon Golf Club is a premier, private members, historic heathland club renowned for its spectacular panoramic views, rich heritage, and outstanding golfing experience. Boasting a thriving, active membership and a strong reputation for welcoming visitors and societies, the Club is dedicated to preserving its fine traditions while executing a forward-thinking vision for the future.
We are now seeking an ambitious, motivated, and highly organised Club Secretary to lead our day-to-day operations, safeguard our governance, and drive the commercial resilience required to invest in our course, facilities, and people.
Purpose of the Role
The Club Secretary serves as the operational anchor and strategic facilitator of the Club. Working in close partnership with the Board of Directors, Captains, and Committees, you will be responsible for the overall leadership, administrative excellence, financial oversight, and commercial performance of the club.
Your mandate is dual-focused: providing an exceptional, welcoming experience for members and guests alike, while maintaining robust governance, modernising digital workflows, and maximising revenue streams across membership, golf operations, and hospitality.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & Governance
- Act as the primary advisor to the Board, ensuring the Club operates in strict accordance with its constitution, governance framework, and current legislation.
- Manage all core member communications, including newsletters, AGM documentation, Board reports, and formal correspondence.
- Support the Captains and the Committee Directors in aligning operational tasks with the Club’s long-term business plan.
- Oversee regulatory compliance across employment law, licensing, data protection (GDPR), and safeguarding policies.
2. Financial Management & Commercial Performance
- Collaborate with the Director of Business and Finance to set, manage, and be accountable for annual operating and capital expenditure budgets.
- Monitor and optimise key revenue streams, including membership subscriptions, visitor green fees, societies, open competitions, and food & beverage operations.
- Oversee supplier relationships, service agreements, and commercial contracts to ensure maximum value and cost efficiency.
3. Membership Engagement & Growth
- Lead member recruitment, onboarding, and retention initiatives to meet annual targets.
- Conduct regular member surveys to measure satisfaction and implement proactive service improvements.
- Foster a warm, inclusive, and vibrant club culture for golfers of all ages and backgrounds.
4. Golf & Clubhouse Operations
- Coordinate with the Course Manager to ensure the course and practice facilities are consistently maintained to a premium standard.
- Oversee the management of modern golf administration software for tee-time bookings, handicap tracking (WHS), and competition administration.
- Liaise with the hospitality team to maintain high standards of food, beverage, and event delivery for day-to-day services and private functions.
5. Marketing & Digital Presence
- Develop and implement marketing initiatives to enhance the Club’s profile, driving society bookings and visitor traffic.
- Manage and elevate the Club’s digital footprint, including the website and social media channels, to convert enquiries into revenue.
Person Specification
6. Experience & Knowledge
- Proven senior administrative or management experience within a golf club, premium hospitality venue, leisure facility, or membership-based organisation.
- Strong background in financial management, budgeting, and commercial reporting.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively alongside volunteer committees and traditional governance structures.
- Familiarity with golf club management systems and a sound understanding of the World Handicap System (WHS).
- A solid grasp of legal compliance frameworks, including Health & Safety, Employment Law, and Licensing.
7. Skills & Competencies
- Exceptional Communication: Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with the diplomacy and integrity required to manage diverse stakeholder relationships.
- Commercial Acumen: A head for business with the ability to identify new revenue opportunities without compromising club traditions.
- Digital Proficiency: Competent with modern office software, club databases, and social media platforms.
- Organisational Excellence: Ability to multitask, prioritise complex workloads, and work independently under high-pressure seasonal demands.
8. Personal Attributes
- Professional, approachable, and distinctly member-focused.
- A passion for delivering first-class service standards.
- Flexibility to work varied hours, including weekends and bank holidays, to align with major club events and peak operational periods.
Remuneration & Benefits
- Attractive, competitive salary commensurate with experience and CMAE guidelines.
- Performance-related bonus scheme linked to agreed KPIs.
- Company pension scheme.
- Complimentary golf privileges.
- Professional development support
To Apply
Please submit your up-to-date CV alongside a covering letter detailing your motivation for the role and highlighting your relevant experience.
Applications should be sent via email to [email protected] with the subject line “Club Secretary Application – Crowborough Beacon”.
Closing date for applications – 15th August 2026
