Woodway Country Club | Darien, Connecticut
General Manager

About the Club
Established in 1916, Woodway Country Club is a premier member-owned private club located on 184 acres in picturesque Darien, Connecticut, just one hour from New York City. The Club stands on pillars of tradition, community, and excellence and is dedicated to providing families with a comprehensive country club experience. At the heart of Woodway is a culture built on integrity, mutual respect, and a relentless dedication to overall member satisfaction.

Anchored by one of the state’s finest and nationally ranked golf courses, Woodway Country Club’s pride lies in its course designed by the celebrated Golden Age architect Willie Park, Jr. Recently, the course has seen a multi-million-dollar, critically acclaimed restoration that has revived much of Park’s original architectural vision. The course justly deserves recognition by the National Audubon Society as the first course to be a designated bird sanctuary. Hosting approximately 23,000 rounds and multiple outings each season, the men, women, and juniors enjoy a vigorous member tournament schedule, and the golf course remains the vibrant heart of Woodway.

In addition, the Club offers services and amenities at its four primary venues: the Main Club, the Pool & Tennis complex, the Paddle Tennis facility, and the Beach Club. Spanning 50,000 square feet, the Main Club presents a diverse range of dining experiences, from formal to casual and expansive to intimate settings, including newly renovated $4 million outdoor patio and banquet facilities. In addition, the Main Club encompasses the Pro Shop, a 4-lane bowling alley, the men’s and women’s locker rooms, and the Executive offices.

The 9,500 square-foot Pool and Tennis Complex (completed in 2013) boasts ten clay tennis courts, a full-service pro shop, and a comfortable viewing pavilion. The pool area includes six 25-meter lanes, a twelve-foot diving well, a secure baby pool, and a dining pavilion next to a children’s day camp facility that hosts a bustling summer camp program that sells out quickly.

The modern five-court Paddle Tennis facility, completed in 2016, is strategically located at the edge of the golf course near the Pool and Tennis complex. It features its own street entrance and a cozy paddle hut where members can warm up by the stone fireplace and enjoy refreshments between matches. Woodway offers a comprehensive paddle program, including robust interclub league play, innovative clinics, tournaments, and intraclub competition for all membership ages and levels.

The Club’s racquets program offers various programs throughout the spring, summer, and fall, including private and group lessons, interclub league play, USTA league competitions, and social and competitive tournaments and events for both adults and children.

The Beach Club is the fourth major facility at Woodway, situated 8 miles from the Main Club at Shippan Point along Long Island Sound in Stamford, Connecticut. Set across a 5-acre beachfront property, this scenic location boasts a charming 20,000 square foot clubhouse with a full kitchen, picnic patios, a private beach, two Deco Turf hard tennis courts, a range of aquatic activities, and a vibrant calendar of events throughout the summer season.

Woodway benefits from an engaged, welcoming, family-fun-oriented, diverse, , and passionate membership that draws from Darien, New Canaan, and other neighboring Fairfield County towns. The Club operates as a not-for-profit entity directed by an elected 15 Member Board of Governors and is financially sound with a robust waitlist for new members.

Woodway’s Board of Governors and membership is committed to providing a best-in-class environment in order to provide a superior member and guest experience. The Board of Governors is currently working on a long-term master plan to continue the commitment to excellence. Future capital projects under consideration include (but are not limited to): Main Club renovation, Beach Club renovations / enhancements, further racquet sport infrastructure, a new or renovated Greens & Grounds maintenance facility, updated golf range, and an improved driveway / entrance and parking lot at the Main Club. Woodway’s next General Manager will be a key partner in the development and execution of the long-term master plan.

The Club’s total revenue is $19.1 million, with $8.8 million from dues and $4.4 million from overall F&B. There are just under 650 total members with a waitlist.

About the Position
In addition to being responsible for overseeing all club operations and ensuring both operational efficiency and member satisfaction, this role demands a strong focus on three core attributes: fostering positive member relations, achieving operational success through effective and efficient management of all club functions, and providing organizational leadership and innovation, inspiring staff and implementing forward-thinking practices to enhance the Club’s offerings and reputation continually.

About the Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field, with professional certifications like CCM or CCE being highly preferred. With at least ten years of progressively responsible experience in high-end club management, including a General Manager role at a similar or smaller private club, the successful candidate will have a stable career history and notable achievements.

The next General Manager of Woodway Country Club will excel in member relations by creating a positive and engaging environment and ensuring operational success through efficient management of all club functions. They will demonstrate visionary organizational leadership, inspiring staff and implementing innovative practices to enhance the Club and ensure a best-in-class environment.

The ideal candidate will have strong financial management skills, strong food and beverage knowledge, experience in overseeing capital projects and proficiency in club-related technologies. The candidate will be an outstanding leader, communicator, and motivator with excellent organizational skills and superior written and verbal communication abilities.

Apply for This Position
The Club will assemble a compelling compensation plan for the right individual including the use of a wonderful home on the property. Interested candidates should complete the online candidate profile form and submit a compelling cover letter and resume for consideration to DENEHY Club Thinking Partners at http://denehyctp.com/apply-for-a-position/. If you have any questions or to recommend a candidate, please contact Karen Alexander via email at: karen@denehyctp.com.