Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Bill Donald

Melbourne,VIC

Summary

Highly motivated General Manager with a passion for the people/hospitality industry and a central focus on sports. Known for respecting individuals, making decisive decisions, and excelling in communication. Adept at managing golf clubs to achieve success.

A General Manager focused on enhancing and adding value to golf clubs' culture and ethos

Experienced golf professional awarded Honorary Membership at Loch Lomond Golf Club. Committed to achieving greatness for Clubs through inclusive leadership and extensive expertise.

Succession planning expert with a strong reputation for implementing consistent management practices.

Overview

36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

General Manager

Cathedral Lodge
Thornton, VIC
01.2024 - Current
  • Created a positive work environment by developing team building activities that encouraged collaboration among departments.
  • Assisted in the recruitment process by interviewing potential candidates for open positions.
  • Coordinated training activities for employees to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
  • Performed routine audits of internal controls in order to maintain accuracy of financial records.
  • Provided guidance and support to subordinate managers in order to foster an atmosphere of cooperation throughout the organization.
  • Established and maintained effective communication with staff members to ensure efficient operations.
  • Maintained relationships with vendors to obtain the best pricing on supplies and materials.
  • Conducted regular meetings with senior management team to review progress against established objectives.
  • Identified areas of improvement in current business practices and collaborated with other departments to develop action plans for implementation.
  • Prepared detailed reports for senior leadership outlining key performance metrics related to operational success.

General Manager

Loch Lomond Golf Club
Glasgow, Argyll And Bute
03.2011 - 12.2023
  • Managed New Loch Lomond Golf Club members owned, from financial uncertainty to profitability of $3m per annum. Previously $8m loss per annum.
  • Created, through New Members Joining a sinking fund of $20m
  • With Board introduced Governance Policy that has been recognised as a template for excellent working practices
  • Oversaw building/construction of new 8 bed Colquhoun Lodge to budget of $6m
  • Grew Membership from 320 to 600 plus waitlist. Joining Fee initially $80,000 now $160,000
  • Developed Senior Management Team from within through training and promotion. My Assistant Manager started as a 16 year old Housekeeper, for example
  • Achieved financial and membership targets 13 years consecutively
  • Oversaw 1 Scottish Open and 3 Ladies Scottish Opens at our sister course Dundonald Links
  • Oversaw largest sandcapping project in Europe, $14m spend on returfing all of LLGC golf course. 7 inches of sand laid all turf stripped.
  • Regularly achieved 90% satisfaction survey from Members..Good/Excellent
  • Annual Staff Survey also scored 4.4 out of 5 (national average 3.5)
  • Awarded Honorary Membership of Loch Lomond Golf Club with Picture on the Clubhouse Wall as recognition of services to the Club.

Director of Golf, Sales and Marketing

The K Club
Straffan, Kildare, Southern Ireland
03.2007 - 03.2011
  • Coordinated special events such as charity tournaments or corporate outings.
  • Evaluated and improved existing processes and procedures related to golf operations.
  • Monitored competitor activities and maintained awareness of industry trends and best practices in order to stay competitive.
  • Developed relationships with vendors in order to secure discounted prices on supplies needed for golf course maintenance.
  • Oversaw the operation of pro shop including inventory control, purchasing decisions and budgeting.
  • Organized and directed golf staff including hiring, scheduling, training, coaching, and performance management.
  • Conducted weekly meetings with staff to ensure proper communication of policies and procedures.
  • Advised senior management on strategic planning initiatives related to growth opportunities within the business.
  • Created marketing campaigns to promote golf course offerings to attract new members.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by responding promptly to inquiries or complaints from customers regarding golf operations.
  • Managed team of professionals responsible for delivering high-quality instruction services at the facility.
  • Worked closely with Mens and Lady Captains and associated committees to deliver Club programmes

Golf Consultant

Lough Erne Golf Resort
Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh
02.2004 - 03.2007
  • Worked with Proprietor to develop the concept of Lough Erne
  • Developed the business plan and represented the Club to secure $16m pounds worth of funding
  • Presented to Government bodies representing Lough Erne to secure funding and/or assistance
  • Operated two sales offices, Belfast and Enniskillen upselling Resort Memberships, Properties and Corporate Business
  • Recruited Rory McIlroy as Club Ambassador (winning two major's with Lough Erne on the bag)
  • Worked and supported Faldo Organisation with the project by managing all press and media enquiries
  • Advised and assisted Hotel Partners (whom ran Hotel when opened) on behalf of the owner until move to The K Club

Director of Golf & Leisure

Hilton Hotel Group
Belfast & Templepatrick, Northern Ireland
04.1999 - 03.2005
  • Senior Management Team Member whom Opened Hilton Belfast and Templepatrick
  • Main Responsibility to manage Golf Course/Team/Membership plus Two Livingwell Health Clubs
  • Created Family Membership Package which closed at 300. There were close to 2,000 Livingwell Members
  • Involved with planning of President Clinton & Family visit to Hilton Hotel in Northern Ireland
  • Analysed financial data to identify trends in sales volumes and profitability, of which Templepatrick flourished under both sporting codes of Golf and Leisure
  • Recruited team, trained and developed for both Golf and Livingwell
  • Contributed to Budget, Accounts and P&L of both Hotels
  • Golf Club set up with written constitution, golf club committees and Golf Union of Ireland induction.

General Manager

Clandeboye Golf Club
Newtownards, Northern Ireland
05.1997 - 06.1999
  • Employed as first General Manager of Clandeboye Golf Club by PWC
  • Oversaw build of $3.5m New Clubhouse on budget
  • Moved the Club from loss into profit by managing the catering (3 franchises had previously gone bankrupt) which directly contributed to increasing bar revenue by 18%
  • Recruited new staff to boost service and interaction with members
  • Developed close working relationships between both committees (Mens/Females)
  • Received Honorary Membership of one of Clandeboye's oldest Societies. A lovely gesture

Lecturer Business and Marketing

Uxbridge College
London, United Kingdom
09.1993 - 06.1997
  • Provided guidance to students on course selection, career planning, and other educational matters.
  • Developed syllabi, lesson plans and lecture materials for courses taught.
  • Organised study groups and provided additional instruction outside of the classroom as needed.
  • Facilitated discussion forums among students on topics related to course material.
  • Evaluated student performance through tests, quizzes, presentations, projects, or other assessments.
  • Facilitating pupils with self learning, development and progression advice

Graduate Management Trainee to Centre Manager

First Leisure PLC
UK Wide , England UK
09.1988 - 08.1991
  • Selected as a Graduate Management Trainee for First Leisure PLC. Lord Delfonts Company (Queens Confidant) I was fortunate to be awarded one of 8 places out of 220 candidates
  • Promoted from Graduate to Centre Manager within 3 years.
  • Aspects of Leisure Industry, Theatres, Bars, Restaurants, Clubs, Sports Bars.
  • Provided an excellent training and platform to progress within the industry
  • All Management principles taught. Finance, Human Resources and Marketing.
  • The Importance of Excellent Customer Service was a mantra, much time employed with numerous case studies and practical implementation

Education

Master of Arts - Marketing Management And Research

University of Westminster
London UK
06-1997

Business And Finance - Business

Huddersfield University
England, UK
06-1988

3 A Levels & 5 O Levels - Economics, English Lit And History

Campbell College
Belfast, Northern Ireland
06-1984

Skills

  • Business Improvement
  • Advertising and marketing
  • Operations Oversight
  • Quality Management
  • Program Administration
  • Business Administration
  • Service Standards
  • Communication
  • Staff Training
  • Facilitating & Developing People
  • Motivation and Service Delivery
  • Member Engagement
  • Financial Administration
  • Schedule Management
  • Contract Negotiations
  • Service Quality Improvement
  • Workflow Planning

Affiliations

  • Arts is a passion
  • Sports has been my life
  • Autobiographies are a must

Certification

  • Awarded Advanced Certificate of Chartered Institute of Marketing
  • Member of Chartered Institute of Marketing

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

General Manager

Cathedral Lodge
01.2024 - Current

General Manager

Loch Lomond Golf Club
03.2011 - 12.2023

Director of Golf, Sales and Marketing

The K Club
03.2007 - 03.2011

Golf Consultant

Lough Erne Golf Resort
02.2004 - 03.2007

Director of Golf & Leisure

Hilton Hotel Group
04.1999 - 03.2005

General Manager

Clandeboye Golf Club
05.1997 - 06.1999

Lecturer Business and Marketing

Uxbridge College
09.1993 - 06.1997

Graduate Management Trainee to Centre Manager

First Leisure PLC
09.1988 - 08.1991

Master of Arts - Marketing Management And Research

University of Westminster

Business And Finance - Business

Huddersfield University

3 A Levels & 5 O Levels - Economics, English Lit And History

Campbell College

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Bill Donald