Description

Overview

About Candyroot Lodge

Candyroot Lodge is a new public golf destination opening in Fall 2026 in Jefferson, South Carolina, approximately one hour from both Charlotte and Columbia. The property features a Mike Koprwoski-designed golf course, following his highly acclaimed work at Broomsedge, and sits on truly exceptional land ideally suited for golf.

Candyroot Lodge is envisioned as a scalable golf and hospitality platform. While the initial opening centers on our first course, ownership has both the capacity and intention to expand beyond a single course, incorporating additional golf, lodging, and hospitality offerings over time. This role represents a rare opportunity to join a founder-led project at the ground level and help shape a long-term destination.
Position Summary

The General Manager will be responsible for the overall leadership, management, and performance of Candyroot Lodge, overseeing all golf, hospitality, financial, and administrative functions of the operation. This is a highly visible, hands-on role that will lead the property through its pre-opening phase, opening, and into stabilized operations.

The General Manager will work closely with ownership and development partners to establish operational standards, build the team and culture, and ensure the successful execution of both the near-term operating plan and the long-term strategic vision for growth and expansion. The General Manager should have a strong golf background.

Experience Required

• Minimum of 7-10 years of senior leadership experience in golf or hospitality operations
• Prior General Manager or Assistant GM experience at a high-quality public, daily-fee, or destination golf property
• Demonstrated success leading teams, managing financial performance, and delivering premium guest experiences
• Strong business acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
  
  Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with pre-opening, new course launches, or major expansions
• Exposure to broader hospitality components including lodging, food & beverage, or events
• Passion for golf, architecture, and place-driven experiences

Essential Responsibilities

Pre-Opening & Strategic Leadership

• Lead all pre-opening efforts including staffing, systems implementation, vendor selection, and operational readiness
• Partner with ownership during final construction and design phases to ensure operational alignment
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and service standards
• Assist ownership in long-term strategic planning, expansion evaluation, and capital deployment initiatives

Golf & Guest Experience Operations

• Oversee all golf operations including tee sheet strategy, pricing, merchandising, pace of play, and customer experience
• Collaborate closely with agronomy leadership to ensure superior course conditioning and presentation
• Establish a guest-first service culture across all touchpoints
• Act as the primary on-site representative of ownership and the brand

Team Leadership & Human Resources

• Recruit, hire, train, and retain a high-performing management and hourly staff
• Establish organizational structure, reporting lines, and performance expectations
• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and hospitality excellence
• Conduct performance evaluations and oversee employee development

Financial & Business Management

• Develop and manage annual operating budgets, forecasts, and cash flow
• Monitor and report on financial performance, KPIs, and operational metrics
• Drive revenue growth through yield management, programming, merchandising, and events
• Implement internal controls, purchasing standards, and cost management practices

Sales, Marketing & Brand Representation

• Serve as an ambassador for Candyroot Lodge within the regional and national golf community
• Support marketing initiatives, partnerships, and golf travel relationships
• Engage with local stakeholders, vendors, and community partners
• Represent the property at industry events as appropriate

Benefits

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and is expected to be competitive for a senior leadership role. A performance-based incentive structure and benefits package will be included.