NOW HIRING! General Manager

Looking for an extremely well organised professional with financial acumen and a common sense approach, who enjoys meeting and interacting with people. Must be able to demonstrate the skills and experience to ensure the new multi-sports Clubhouse sporting facilities, social spaces, restaurant and bar will operate smoothly seven days a week. Will be responsible for managing and controlling commercial operations day to day reporting to and supported by the Haywards Heath RFC Board.

This is a great opportunity for someone who is invested in community sport, particularly rugby, and excited at the thought of playing a significant role in launching and running a new high profile, state-of-the art community facility and vibrant sports and social club.

New Clubhouse currently under construction and due to open Autumn 2024. Role to commence mid September/early October.

Any questions from potential applicants email careers@hhrfc.co.uk [no recruitment agencies please].

More information available www.whitemansgreensports.club

About Whitemans Green Sports Club

Whitemans Green Sports Club (WGSC) is the brainchild of Haywards Heath RFC that has brought together multiple sports clubs - athletics, football, American Football, cricket and rugby - plus many local community organisations including the local Scouts Group as beneficiaries of a new multi-sports pavilion.

After successfully raising the £2.4m funds needed to build a new multi-sports Clubhouse and community facility at Whitemans Green, HHRFC is now focused on recruiting the right people to be the public face of the organisation when the Clubhouse opens in October 2024 and make sure that the Clubhouse is commercially and socially sustainable over the short, medium and long term.

There are a number of different areas within the Clubhouse that need to be managed:
• A large bar area open 7 days a week offering various comfortable seating arrangements which must be kept neat and tidy at all times - live sports will be shown on the screens.
• A dividable social space that will be available for hire for corporate events such as training, team meetings and private events such as weddings and funerals
• A meeting room with seating for 10 people.
• A commercial kitchen providing food throughout the day plus small plates as per a bespoke menu that will change by day e.g. roast lunches will be served on Sundays.
• Physio suite will be contracted out to a reputable provider of services.
• On site gym and padel courts will also operate independently but will need oversight from the Clubhouse Manager at certain times of the day/evening.

The bar area will offer a premium WiFi connection and provide an ideal wfh space for the local community. We want people to feel welcome and comfortable in the Clubhouse, whether alone or with friends and colleagues. The bar and social space will both open out onto a balcony featuring covered seating and tables whilst at the south end of the building double doors from the bar will lead onto a 170sqm first floor sun terrace.

To broaden the range of sports and activities available at Whitemans Green all year round and keep the sports offerings current and in line with the requirements of the local population, a single storey gym and three canopied padel courts are being built alongside the new Clubhouse.

This will mean that the Clubhouse will need to be fully operational and resourced seven days a week from early until late and we are seeking committed individuals who are motivated to develop a reputation for excellence at the new HHRFC Clubhouse that will encourage members to visit time and again as a result of high quality and friendly service from staff, great food, surroundings/resources and unrivalled hospitality making the venue a renowned destination for social interaction.

The Role

The General Manager – Clubhouse will oversee the Club’s daily operations and manage its business aspects. The primary duties of the post holder will include reviewing and implementing operational procedures, HR, staffing, finance, stock control, facility and event hire, assisting volunteers and ensuring the day-to-day smooth running of the Clubhouse reporting to the HHRFC Board.

A well organised person with financial acumen, who enjoys meeting and interacting with people, who will ensure the Clubhouse sporting facilities, restaurant and bar operates smoothly and can manage and control commercial operations day to day. Must demonstrate ability to give a high level of customer service and commitment to the rugby’s inclusive values TREDS – teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship.

Responsibilities / Duties

• To manage the day to day operation of the clubhouse, event and meeting space, restaurant, bar and its associated operations.
• Program and administer the clubs EPOS and membership system.
• Recruit, train and manage bar team members.
• Deal with any staff issues in line with club policies.
• Ensure that there is a team of bar staff so that all bookings can be fulfilled.
• Ensure that bar team members carry out their duties in line with their job description.
• Ensure relevant licences are obtained, maintained and the clubhouse operates within the terms of these.
• Manage sales, floats, stock inventory, banking and timesheets via the EPOS system in liaison with Treasurer/Board.
• Negotiate hire rates for both sporting and social use of the premises and pitches.
• Ensure health and safety standards are maintained.
• Work closely with Commercial team to promote the venue.
• Maintain welcoming appearance of the Clubhouse.
• Ensure security of premises is maintained at all times.
• Deal with any facility issues that arise on a day to day basis.

Skills Required

• Minimum 5 years previous experience of working with a mixed team of volunteers & paid employees in a hospitality environment or equivalent.
• Understanding of financial management.
• Proficiency with point-of-sale software and management account reporting.
• Knowledge of regulations related to alcohol service and health code compliance.
• Competency in resource management and inventory control.
• Customer service orientation.
• Commercial acumen in negotiating hire arrangements and other relevant opportunities to improve and enhance the operation of the Clubhouse.
• Previous experience of personnel management.
• Flexibility required since no two working days or weeks will be the same.

Personal qualities

• First class communication, leadership, motivation, and diplomacy skills.
• An appreciation of rugby and its traditions within a commercially focused environment.
• A hands-on work ethic and a flexible approach to working hours and working weekends and evenings.
• Love of sport and desire to deliver quality service to everyone who enters the Clubhouse at any time on any day.
• Trustworthy and responsible, capable of making independent decisions and identifying when to involve input of others.
• Desire to establish the clubhouse as a best in class community facility.
• Enjoys an ambassadorial quality and brings fun and drive to a team environment.

This is a great opportunity for someone who is invested in community sport and excited at the thought of playing a significant role in launching and running a new high profile, state-of-the art community facility and vibrant sports and social club. It is the ideal role for someone who is looking to take on responsibility within the framework of a Community Amateur Sports Club alongside a committed team of directors and volunteers. The prospect of recruiting and managing the team behind the bar will be motivating – this is a role for a person that enjoys being busy and is always on the lookout for new ways to improve service standards delivered. The HHRFC Board is committed to providing an environment, and training where required, to develop an existing broad range of business and financial management skills including an ability to review and manage spreadsheets and provide management information in a timely manner.

Personality, common sense and a positive attitude to problem solving will be vital along with a desire to make the HHRFC Clubhouse the go to destination in Mid-Sussex and beyond for the local community, businesses, sports users as well as the clubs own membership.

Remuneration package

Subject to experience salary in region of £45,000-£50,000pa plus benefits including a bonus scheme.

Applications

In the first instance please send your CV and a covering letter outlining why you believe you are the right person for this role to careers@hhrfc.co.uk

Closing date for applications 30 June 2024