Director of Gold & Club Operations

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The director of Golf & Club Operations oversees and leads the daily operations of the Club, ensuring that every aspect of the member, guest, and employee experience reflects the highest standards of service excellence established by Discovery Land Company and Zapotal Golf & Beach Club. This role combines strategic leadership in Golf and Club operations.
This position ensures that all areas of the Club operate efficiently, within budget, and in full compliance with company policies and local regulations.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION:

• Oversee and manage all golf-related departments, including the golf shop, golf range, caddie services, golf car fleet, and tournament operations.
• Supervise, train, and mentor the Head Golf Professional and the golf operations team.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures and training programs to ensure world-class service and efficient operations.
• Enforce all golf course rules and policies to maintain the integrity of play and course conditions.
• Coordinate and promote golf tournaments, clinics, player development programs, and special events for members and guests.
• Maintain a profitable retail operation aligned with member demographics and the Club’s luxury brand standards.
• Ensure excellent relationships between Golf Operations, Agronomy, and other departments to deliver a seamless member experience.
• Represent the Club at relevant local, national, and Discovery Land Company golf events.
• Support the VP of Operations in the daily oversight of all Club operations.
• Ensure consistent delivery of exceptional service standards across club departments.
• Develop and enforce policies, procedures, and standard operating guidelines for all operational departments.
• Monitor operational costs, budgets, and forecasts to ensure fiscal responsibility and accuracy.
• Participate in strategic planning and capital improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate cross-departmental communication to enhance efficiency and member satisfaction.
• Maintain compliance with all local labor, safety, and environmental laws, as well as Discovery Land Company policies.
• Serve as a primary liaison between the membership and Club management, ensuring the highest level of personalized service.
• Welcome and engage with members and guests regularly, maintaining strong relationships and resolving concerns promptly.
• Support membership initiatives and collaborate with sales and marketing to promote the Club’s amenities and events.
• Organize and oversee social and member events, ensuring they reflect Discovery Land Company’s service philosophy.
• Assist in the preparation and monitoring of annual operating and capital budgets.
• Oversee the financial performance of all operational departments, ensuring alignment with Club goals.
• Prepare business plans for golf and club operations, setting measurable objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Analyze revenue streams, cost efficiencies, and operational metrics to inform management decisions.
• Lead by example, fostering a positive and professional workplace culture aligns with DLC´s values and philosophy.
• Supervise department heads, ensuring clear communication of goals and accountability for results.
• Collaborate with the professional development of staff.
• Promote internal growth and mentorship within the team to strengthen service culture.
• Conduct regular staff meetings to align priorities, review performance, and encourage collaboration.
• Any other task assigned to ensure the goal of the project and DLC.

REQUIRED ATTITUDES/ BEHAVIORS  

• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and discretion at all times.
• Committed to creating an inclusive, service-driven culture focused on excellence.
• Strong leadership presence with a hands-on management approach.
• Proactive problem-solver who remains calm under pressure.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to adapt to dynamic operational needs.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, ABILITIES, and/ or SKILLS

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in golf or hospitality operations, preferably within a luxury private club or resort environment.
• PGA membership in good standing, or an equivalent professional qualification, strongly preferred.
• Proven experience managing multi-department operations with a focus on financial accountability and service quality.
• Strong understanding of golf operations, agronomy collaboration, and member engagement.
• Proficiency in Jonas, TEI, MS Office Suite, and budgeting systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage teams effectively while maintaining a high level of motivation and performance.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS IN THE ROLE

• Leadership & Team Development – Inspires teams through clear communication and accountability.
• Financial Acumen – Strong analytical and budgeting skills.
• Operational Excellence – Ensures efficient and consistent service delivery.
• Strategic Planning – Aligns operations with long-term club goals.
• Decision-Making – Demonstrates sound judgment under pressure.
• Member Focus – Prioritizes member satisfaction and relationship building.
• Innovation & Adaptability – Identifies opportunities for improvement and adapts to evolving needs.

REQUIRED EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or related field required.
• Advanced certifications in golf management, leadership, or club operations are a plus. PGA

HEALTH AND SAFETY NEEDS

• Ability to work long hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Frequent walking, standing, and outdoor activity across varied terrain and weather conditions.
• Occasional lifting of objects up to 25 lbs.
• Regular use of computers and office equipment for administrative duties.
• Ability to safely operate golf carts and vehicles within Club property.

About Us

About the Project - Zapotal Beach Club

Zapotal Golf & Beach Club is located on the North Pacific shore of Costa Rica in the heart of the Gold Coast.  Costa Ricans are known for their Pura Vida attitude- a “pure life” with low stress, good times, and the great outdoors. Guanacaste is one of National Geographic’s five Blue Zones and retains its allure as one of the most hospitable places in the world. Members can enjoy ad-ventures on sea and land, a leisurely round on the 18-hole Tom Fazio golf course, delight in lo-cal organic meals, and indulge in a spa treatment or a workout. Take this friendliness and infuse it into a one-of-a-kind private family community, and you get pure magic. It’s the Discovery way. Our employees use their personal talent, passion, and resources to meaningfully integrate with diverse cultures and communities to provide the highest level of guest service and be a part of creating memorable experiences. For more information about our club, please visit: https://zapotalbeachclub.com/

About Discovery Land Company

Founded in 1994 by Michael S. Meldman, Discovery Land Company specializes in building luxu-ry residential private club communities and resorts worldwide. We have grown to be the prem-ier player in the high-end resort residential niche with 20 world-class projects in our portfolio. Our communities are distinct with their own architectural styles, world-class amenities, and high levels of service.

We don’t build buildings, but rather we build settings where families can create intergenera-tional memories and enrich their lives in exquisite and untouched sanctuaries. These settings offer a casual and comfortable sense of community through outstanding clubhouses, premier golf courses, welcoming staff, world-class culinary offerings, and outdoor pursuits. To ease and enrich your experiences, Discovery holds itself to the highest service standards. Every decision we make is driven by one fundamental objective: to make the time you spend with the people you care about most not merely enjoyable, but memorable.