Director of Agronomy

THE OPPORTUNITY Bloomfield Hills Country Club is seeking an accomplished, collaborative, and forward-thinking professional to serve as its next Director of Agronomy. Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Director of Agronomy will serve as a key member of the Club's Senior Leadership Team and will have responsibility and accountability for all golf course maintenance, agronomy, grounds, and related operations. This is a unique opportunity to become the next steward of one of Michigan's most historically significant golf courses. The successful candidate will inherit an experienced team, a membership deeply invested in the golf course, and a Club committed to providing the resources necessary to protect and enhance one of its most important assets. OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW The Director of Agronomy will lead all aspects of golf course maintenance and agronomic operations, including turfgrass management, daily course presentation, irrigation and water management, equipment, staffing, budgeting, capital planning, and long-range agronomic planning. The Director will be responsible for the hiring, training, development, management, and evaluation of all golf course personnel, subject to the managerial oversight of the General Manager. The position requires close collaboration with the General Manager, Head Golf Professional, Senior Leadership Team, Green's Committee, and Golf Committees. The successful candidate will continually evaluate existing programs, identify opportunities for improvement, establish clear priorities, and lead the department with professionalism, consistency, accountability, and attention to detail. The Director of Agronomy is expected to be a visible and engaged leader throughout the Club and to develop strong relationships with employees, members, Club leadership, and industry peers. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Agronomy & Course Conditioning - Develop and execute comprehensive agronomic programs that consistently provide exceptional playing conditions while protecting the long-term health of the golf course. - Direct the maintenance and presentation of greens, tees, fairways, rough, bunkers, practice facilities, landscaping, and Club grounds. - Develop and manage programs related to fertility, plant health, pest management, cultivation, drainage, irrigation, moisture management, and turfgrass health. - Monitor course conditions daily and adjust maintenance practices based upon weather, turf conditions, member play, and the Club's golf calendar. - Maintain exceptional standards of detail, consistency, and playability throughout the property. - Continually evaluate agronomic practices, technology, and equipment that may benefit the Club. - Ensure compliance with applicable environmental, pesticide, safety, and governmental regulations. Architectural Stewardship & Long-Range Planning - Serve as a thoughtful steward of Bloomfield's historic Harry Colt golf course. - Protect the strategic features, architectural principles, and character of the property. - Develop plans for the preservation and continued improvement of the golf course. - Work collaboratively with the General Manager, Green's Committee, architects, consultants, and other professionals on future golf course improvements and capital projects Leadership & Team Development - Recruit, hire, train, mentor, schedule, supervise, and develop the golf course maintenance team. - Build a department culture centered on teamwork, accountability, communication, professionalism, safety, and pride. - Establish clear expectations and operating standards throughout the department. - Develop assistants, interns, and other emerging professionals through mentorship, education, and increasing responsibility. - Maintain appropriate year-round and seasonal staffing levels. - Serve as an active and collaborative member of the Club's Senior Leadership Team. Financial & Operational Management - Prepare and manage the annual golf course operating budget in collaboration with the General Manager. - Develop long-range capital plans for equipment, infrastructure, irrigation, drainage, and golf course improvements. - Maintain an effective equipment replacement strategy. - Effectively manage departmental expenses while maintaining the standards expected by the membership. - Oversee vendors, contractors, consultants, supplies, inventory, and outside professionals associated with golf course operations. - Manage golf course projects from planning and budgeting through execution and completion. LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS Bloomfield Hills Country Club believes exceptional golf course conditions are the result of sound agronomy, strong leadership, clear communication, disciplined execution, and consistent attention to detail. The Director of Agronomy should be a visible, engaged, and approachable leader who builds trust with the golf course team, Club leadership, committees, and the membership. The successful candidate should be comfortable leading from the front, establishing clear expectations, holding the team accountable, and creating an environment in which employees are proud of their work and invested in the success of the Club. Just as importantly, the Director must be a collaborative partner. Open communication and alignment with the General Manager, Head Golf Professional, and Senior Leadership Team are essential to providing an exceptional golf experience. The ideal candidate will possess: - Significant progressive experience in golf course maintenance and agronomic leadership at a highly regarded private club or comparable golf facility. - A demonstrated ability to consistently provide exceptional playing conditions and course presentation. - Outstanding agronomic knowledge, including turfgrass management, fertility, plant health, pest management, cultural practices, irrigation, drainage, and moisture management. - Demonstrated leadership ability with a commitment to recruiting, mentoring, developing, and retaining a high-performing team. - Excellent communication, organizational, financial, and problem-solving skills. - Experience developing and managing annual operating budgets and contributing to long-range capital and infrastructure planning. - Strong attention to detail and pride in daily course presentation. - The ability to communicate effectively with Club leadership, committees, members, employees, vendors, consultants, and industry partners. - A commitment to environmental stewardship, workplace safety, continuing education, and industry best practices. - A Michigan pesticide applicator license, or the ability to obtain one. - A degree or certificate in turfgrass management, agronomy, or a related field is preferred. - Membership in the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and appropriate state and regional associations is preferred. GCSAA certification is desirable but not required. Previous experience as a Director of Agronomy, Golf Course Superintendent, or Golf Course Manager at a highly regarded operation is preferred. Bloomfield Hills Country Club will also consider an exceptional senior Assistant Superintendent who has demonstrated the agronomic expertise, leadership ability, communication skills, and professional development necessary to successfully transition into a department-head position. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, and resume to: Paul Spencer, CCM General Manager Bloomfield Hills Country Club pspencer@bloomfieldhillscc.org The cover letter should address the candidate's interest in Bloomfield Hills Country Club, leadership and agronomic philosophy, and why this opportunity represents an appropriate next step in their professional career. Applications will be reviewed as received, and candidates are encouraged to submit their materials promptly.