Director of Agronomy, Biodiversity & Sustainability

The DoABS will work directly with the MD of the Maintenance Division to chart the agronomic strategy and coordinate oversight of each club’s golf course maintenance operations. The DoABS will work collaboratively with the Head of Plant and Head of Procurement to ensure the smooth operations, budgetary controls and contractual deliverables are achieved. The DoABS will communicate with representatives at all our client courses to maintain good relations, monitor satisfaction, reporting and regarding any corrective action required in relation to agronomy, machinery or personnel matters. The DoABS will champion biodiversity policies and strategies at client courses, while ensuring the Company adopts measures where possible to mitigate its environmental impact.

This role is based at our HQ in Parkwest, Dublin 12 but will involve considerable travel.

Responsibilities

Lead the development of annual agronomic plans, budgets, operational plans and strategic improvement plans and capital budgets for client Golf Clubs
Ensure client Clubs operate in compliance with legislative requirements including sustainable use directives
Maintain current knowledge of industry practices, trends, innovations and developments.
Provide consultation to sites in the resolution of agronomic issues and challenges
Visit client courses to review standards and the application of the Company’s policies and procedures
Manage and direct the Company’s Regional Superintendents and Assistant Regional Superintendents in the delivery of their roles, ensuring that reporting and other client commitments are executed
Evaluate, approve and negotiate materials, services and supplies for use in the agronomic plan and on client courses. Act as main point of contact for preferred suppliers for all equipment, materials and inputs. Regularly review products and supplies for quality assurance purposes, while working with suppliers to ensure the Company has access to independent trial data
Liaise with the Head of Procurement to review budgets and monthly spending against budgets
Work with Regional Superintendents and clients to provide the highest level of safety oversight for the clubs, recommending solutions and remedies where observed. Support safety initiatives and provide necessary coaching on safety issues to ensure safe working environments.
Together with Regional Superintendents, evaluate the efficiency and quality of course maintenance operations; and in the recruiting and evaluation of HGK’s
Work with HR et al. in the continuing training and development of our Regional Superintendents, HGK’s and maintenance personnel
Consult with and support Regional Superintendents in selection and qualification of their key personnel as needed
Work closely with the Head of Plant & Machinery maintenance on the management of the Company’s fleet, circulation of resources, availability of plant to coincide with agronomic tasks and the servicing and repair of client equipment to ensure standards and operational plans can be delivered in line with expectations
Provide project consultation to client golf courses on construction and environmental projects.
Direct the certification efforts of the properties with Audubon International/GEO Foundation/R&A, developing and utilising other similar opportunities to evidence environmental responsibility and leadership.
Help to develop and instil in the company and client courses environmental awareness, learning, programmes and practices. Direct company “R&D” and new programme development in environmental management.
Lead the Company in the development and implementation of industry leading, experimental, innovative, as well as mainstream, environmental programmes and practices.
Perform due diligence and evaluation of acquisition target properties.
Assist in the drafting of proposals in response to requests for qualifications/proposals and participate in presentations / interviews with potential clients.
Participate with transition teams in the onboarding of new courses and clients
Maintain awareness of practices and strategies of competitor firms in the industry.
Help represent the Company and engage / network with the maintenance, design and golf course construction industries, including groups such as the GCSAI, ATPI, BIGGA, FTM, GCSAA and other golf related associations
Participate with senior corporate colleagues in development of strategy and tactics for the company.

Primary attributes of the DoABS:

Mature leadership ability to significantly influence organisation performance internally and externally.
Ability to produce quality outcomes at a high level working with colleagues, company leadership, clients, contractors, suppliers and other stakeholders
Experienced golf course superintendent and registered Professional Advisor with significant knowledge and experience of golf course maintenance, construction and environmental practices.
Analytical and practical with respect to identifying and recommending and/or executing sound courses of action in business and agronomy that serve our clients and the company.
Ability to promptly identify and apply resources to problems in agronomy, construction, plant, organisation and biodiversity management
Ability to produce clear, concise and accurate written communication. Effective public speaker.
Prepared to travel to oversee the Company’s international operations

Job requirements/qualifications:

Higher level qualification in agronomy /horticulture / plant / soil science from an accredited college / university or equivalent
Experience in all phases of golf course management and turf culture
Participatory knowledge of the game of golf and its rules
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with the staff, golfing public and various outside agencies

Knowledge of:

The construction, establishment and maintenance practices employed on golf course greens, tees, fairways, roughs and bunkers
The planting and culture of turf grasses used on golf courses
The planting, cultivating and pruning of ornamental plants, shrubs and trees
The characteristics and proper use of various fertilizers and soil conditioners
pest control methods and materials
Drainage methods
Watering practices and irrigation systems, including wells, pumps and automatic controls
The construction and maintenance needs of the maintenance facility, shelters, fences, bridges, golf cart paths, service roads, parking lots, ponds and streams
Best practice in biodiversity management and environmental sustainability
Microsoft Windows applications

Benefits

Competitive salary
My Future Fund pension
Twenty-five days annual leave
Additional annual leave based on length of service
VHI health insurance
Golf membership at company operated golf clubs
Discounted membership rates for friends and family
Ongoing professional development support

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Director of Agronomy, Biodiversity & Sustainability