General Manager

Overview

Forest Dunes is an acclaimed, golf‑centric national destination in the Huron National Forest of northern Michigan boasting three of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses according to Golf Digest. In addition, a 10‑hole short course, two‑acre putting course, full‑service clubhouse and 159‑bed lodging operation serve both resort guests and a growing membership/residential community. The seasonal operation (May–October) employs a dozen talented year‑round employees and over 150 additional seasonal staff.

The current ownership group has made significant investments in the property over its six seasons, including new amenities, upgrades, expansions and lodging accommodations. Future plans call for an additional private course designed by Gil Hanse.

• Bachelor’s degree in Golf Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Experience in executive leadership at a reputable golf club, destination golf resort, high‑end hospitality or similar club experiences.
• Proven success managing complex multi‑department golf resort operations.
• Strong financial management and P&L oversight experience.
• Experience leading large teams in high‑service hospitality environments.
• Exceptional communication, leadership and organizational skills.

• Experience managing destination golf resorts or private golf club communities.
• Strong background in food and beverage operations and event programming.
• Experience with luxury or lifestyle hospitality brands.
• Knowledge of golf resort operations, tournament management, and member relations.
• Experience with homeowners association management and real estate sales.
• Personal or professional ties to Michigan or Northern Michigan.
• PGA certification or Certified Club Manager.

• Strategic Leadership
• Golf Resort Operations
• Luxury Hospitality Management
• Financial Acumen
• Guest Experience Excellence
• Team Engagement and Development
• Revenue Optimization
• Operational Discipline
• Brand Stewardship
• Relationship Management
• Event and Tournament Operations
• Communication and Executive Presence

• Work closely with department heads to lead all aspects of resort operations with accountability for guest satisfaction, financial performance, team culture, and brand standards.
• Develop and execute annual strategic plans, operating budgets, and capital improvement initiatives.
• Partner with ownership on long‑term business planning and growth strategies.
• Establish operational goals, performance benchmarks, and service standards across all departments.
• Ensure alignment between the resort’s brand positioning and operational execution.

• Partner with golf operations to successfully deliver exceptional service in golf operations, merchandising, special events execution, pace of play standards, guest and member experience.
• Partner with agronomy leadership to ensure championship‑level course conditions and presentation.
• Support development of destination golf packages, special events, and experiential programming.

• Oversee all operational departments including Reservations, Golf Operations, Golf Maintenance, Facilities Maintenance, Lodging and Guest Services, Food and Beverage, Real Estate, and the Resort’s Property Owners Association.
• Ensure seamless service delivery throughout the guest and member experience.
• Implement appropriate training and operational best practices to improve efficiency and service quality.
• Maintain brand standards, cleanliness, safety, and operational excellence in all areas of the resort.

• Work in partnership with the Resort Controller to maintain full P&L accountability for the resort to Ownership.
• Work in partnership with the Resort Controller to develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets.
• Drive revenue growth across golf, rooms, food and beverage, memberships, special events, retail, real estate, etc.
• Monitor labor productivity, forecasting, inventory controls, and departmental profitability.
• Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies while preserving guest experience…