General Manager

Organisation: Royal Ocean Racing Club
Salary: Competitive (depending on experience)
Location: London-based, with time spent in Cowes as required
Contract type: (Full time)
Closing date: 29 March 2026
Job Description: Hours: Full-time Monday to Friday with some weekend working reﬂecting the requirements of the business, with appropriate time of in lieu
Reporting to: the Commodore

About the Role
To lead the non-sailing aspects of the Club’s operations through the management team, developing strategies that deliver the Club’s objectives within a framework of sound ﬁnancial management. Along with the Sporting Director to set the management culture of the Club balancing the needs of members with the development of the business, prioritising resources in the long-term interests of the Club and building speciﬁc competencies where required.

Principal Areas of Responsibility

General
• Develop a cohesive, aligned and outcome-focused management team
• Provide leadership and structure to all non-sailing operations, ensuring alignment with the strategy set by the Flag Officers and Committee.
• Translate strategic priorities into operational plans, ensuring effective execution and measurable outcomes
• Ensure operational excellence across all non sailing functions, delivering high standards of service to members and guests
• Act as an ambassador and role model for the Club, engaging members and external stakeholders in the sport while consistently reflecting the Club’s values
• Manage and protect the intellectual property of the Club
• With the Sporting Director and Head of Finance, review and develop a comprehensive and dynamic risk register for the business
Membership
• Develop strategies for the Membership function in order to maximise engagement with the existing membership, add value to the membership offering and to attract and retain new members
• Manage the membership function in order to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the Clubs membership records, including the review and selection of a suitable membership systems to what we have presently and the appropriate processes.
Clubhouses - hospitality
• Oversee the management of the Cowes and London Clubhouses (in London, in partnership with our supplier Leeming Pilkington) to deliver an overall high-quality experience, including the food and beverage offering and a competitive accommodation offering in both locations
• Attract external events to use the Clubhouse facilities

Clubhouses – asset management
• Lead on asset management of the physical infrastructure of the Club’s two clubhouses and Rating Office
• Working with the Club’s surveyors, ensure that cyclical maintenance and capital works are adequately budgeted for, planned, and that proper processes and safety regulations are adhered too.
Marketing, Media and Communication
• Lead and develop the Club’s marketing and communications strategy in partnership with the Sporting Director, with the support of the Membership Committee.
• Oversee and support the Communications Lead in delivering the Club’s communication priorities both to our members, our stakeholders and the wider sailing community, in collaboration with the Sporting Director.
• Working with the Communications Lead to develop and implement a new way of working for the Club’s social media output and engagement.
Major Events
• Working with a 3rd party and/or contractor, oversee the delivery of major events such as the Rolex Fastnet Race Village in Cherbourg, the shoreside aspects of the Admiral’s Cup and Club’s Annual Dinner & Prizegiving.
• Working closely with the Race Team to ensure a seamless event delivery for competitors and members, through our clubhouses and major RORC events.
IT
• Develop and implement a strategic approach to IT systems, computer hardware, software, cybersecurity and network architecture to ensure resilience and efficiency. This includes working with external providers to ensure best service and value,
• Oversee the Club’s IT strategy including the use of AI and other tools to drive process automation the increase efficiency and accuracy in all aspects of the Club’s operations
Finance
• Work with the Head of Finance to develop and monitor compliance with annual budgets (including cost targets) and other KPIs.
• Work with the Head of Finance in the development of the RORC annual budget and oversight of the process and timings so the draft annual budget in presented to the Finance committee in good time
• Take an active role in financial processes, controls and delegated authorities, particularly in respect of bank payment approvals and signing off company card payments.
• Oversee financial performance across non sailing operations, ensuring responsible budgeting, cost control and value for money
Human Resources
• Ensure that suitable processes are in place across the organisation to recruit, retain, reward, motivate and manage the Clubs’ employees.
• Develop and implement the organisation’s strategy for people.
• Lead in the process of recruitment and work with the respective head of department in supporting them with their recruitment needs
Quality
• Ensure the corporate and legal obligations of the Club (e.g.: HR management, CSR, Health & Safety, regulatory, including GDPR, safeguarding) are understood, documented and fulﬁlled including to the Committees and Club as outlined in the Club Rules.
• Build productive relationships with Flag Officers, Committee members and key stakeholders to support effective governance and decision making.

Personal qualities:
▪ A knowledgeable executive: has a good understanding of the theory and practice of general management as well as business acumen. Understands value drivers and is able to present and evaluate business cases.
▪ An entrepreneurial personality: displays a strong commercial insight and external focus, high ambitions for the Club, and a pragmatic bias for action and continuous improvement.
▪ An expansive and strategic thinker: thinks beyond existing solutions and assumptions and comes up with new ideas. Has high conceptual ability. Is able to translate thinking into actionable strategies.
▪ A strong manager of people, projects and budgets: sets clear objectives, roles and responsibilities. Identiﬁes and develops talent. Sets and delivers high expectations.
▪ A natural collaborator: builds effective relationships and works collaboratively to achieve objectives. Encourages respect and cross-functional working. A team player.
▪ A curious life-long learner: keeps up to date with developments in our sport and with hospitality and membership best practice. Continually builds own knowledge and skills.
▪ Aligned experience: has and can apply deep knowledge of premium hospitality, corporate entertainment and membership organisations.

Desirable Skills & Experience
• Relevant Experience: A minimum of 5 years’ experience in hospitality, general management, members’ clubs or a related ﬁeld.
• Technical Proﬁciency: Familiarity with ﬁnance, hospitality best practices, and IT relevant to an SME
• Certiﬁcations: Professional certiﬁcations in hospitality, ﬁnance, or related disciplines are a plus.
• Personal Qualities: A proactive, adaptable, and resilient personality with a passion for customer service and the ethos of a prestigious members’ club.
• Interest in, and knowledge of yacht racing at the highest level is desirable, but not essential
How to apply: Please submit your CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, along with a completed application form, which can be found at https://www.rorc.org/workforus, along with the full role details.