Equipment/Shop Manager

Medinah Country Club, located in Medinah, Illinois, about 25 miles west of downtown Chicago, is seeking an Equipment and Shop Manager to oversee one of the country’s most prestigious clubs and equipment fleets. The position is suited for a highly organized, detail-oriented, and passionate team builder who sees themselves as an industry leader.

Medinah has a strong history of championship golf, innovation, and is recognized as a distinguished club in America.

Founded in 1924 by a group of Shriners, the club has grown into a world-renowned golf destination, famous for its rich history, iconic architecture, and top-tier golf courses. The club boasts three 18-hole championship courses, including Course #1, redesigned by Tom Doak in 2013, and Course #2, thoughtfully restored by Tom Bendelow. Course No. 3 was redesigned by OCM Golf in 2023 and is recognized for hosting multiple major championships and international events.

Medinah is best known for hosting some of golf’s most prominent tournaments, including the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, and the 2012 Ryder Cup, where the "Miracle at Medinah" occurred—one of the most dramatic comebacks in Ryder Cup history. The club will host the 2026 Presidents Cup and will be the only club in the world to have hosted a U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, and Presidents Cup.

Position Overview: The selected candidate will be a passionate and accomplished leader who brings energy to join an ambitious team.

The Equipment & Shop Manager will work closely with the Director of Golf Course and Grounds, the Golf Course Superintendents, and the respective team. The Equipment & Shop Manager oversees a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for the golf course assets, including a new fleet of over $9M in equipment, service areas, maintenance facility complex, tools, technology, and parts.

The focus of this job is on producing high-quality, detailed work based on established standards, guidelines, and procedures. The individual must exercise precise, consistent output but also be able to think creatively to provide solutions. The individual will be expected to create a supportive, professional environment reflective of the finest facilities in the United States.

Club Highlights:

• Operating Budget: $6.7 million
• Annual Capital Budget: $2-3 million
• Grass Types: Bentgrass greens, tees, and fairways; Bluegrass, Ryegrass, and Fescue roughs
• Irrigation System: Toro and Rain Bird
• Equipment: Toro, John Deere, and Club Car (purchased)
• Staff: 20 full-time employees and 75 full-time seasonal staff
• Rounds of Golf Annually: 75,000 rounds
• The facility features 54 holes, plus a 5-hole short course
• Reports to the Director of Golf Course Operations
• Collaborates with the Director of Golf Course Operations, Course Superintendents, and Administrative Assistant

Success Traits of the Individual:

• Positive, outgoing attitude
• Strong leadership abilities with a focus on training and mentoring entry-level technicians
• Organized with a high standard of cleanliness
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills
• Proficient with industry-related software and technology
• Eager to continue education and pursue self-improvement
• Seeks opportunities for organizational improvement
• Tournament experience preferred

Initial Priorities of the Position:

• Develop a pro forma for implementing robotic mowing technology, starting with practice facilities
• Potential for both personal and professional growth within the organization
• Future Projects: Range and short game area reconstruction, various smaller projects associated with hosting the 2026 Presidents Cup and 2031 PGA TOUR event
• Establishes quality control in field spot checks on equipment performance on the course and makes in-field repairs or adjustments as needed
• Develops a preventative maintenance program for all equipment, including inventory, digital record keeping, work orders, and R&M budgets, ensuring proper record keeping and inventory control
• Builds relationships with staff, senior leaders, local suppliers, and technicians
• Knowledge and ability to properly maintain cutting units to a very high standard
• Keeps the state-of-the-art Golf Course Maintenance Facility in working order, clean, and organized

Work Schedule:

• In-season: 8-10 hours per day, Monday through Friday, with weekend work as required
• Off-season: Snow-related duties when necessary

Key Responsibilities, Aptitude, Knowledge, and Skills:

Equipment Maintenance:

• Inspect, diagnose, service, and repair mechanical or electrical issues on all golf course maintenance equipment
• Alongside the Director of Grounds and Golf Course Superintendent, demonstrate preventive maintenance, proper cleaning, and safe operation of equipment to all golf course staff
• Strong knowledge of internal combustion engines and mower grinding, sharpening, and adjustments
• Excellent grinding capabilities; ensures technicians maintain a consistent, preventive maintenance program
• Strong knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations related to equipment, petroleum, and all other products used at the maintenance facility
• Proficient in interpreting repair manuals, instruction sheets, and hydraulic and electrical schematics
• Welding/Torching repairs to equipment
• Communicates with the management team daily to optimize operations and conditioning standards
• Ensures optimal quality of cut for all playing surfaces daily

Administrative/Budget Management:

• Develops, tracks, and implements the annual budget
• Orders, maintains, and tracks fuel usage for Golf Course Maintenance
• Establishes and maintains purchase orders and budgets for equipment fleet and maintenance complex
• Maintains exceptional records of all equipment, preventive maintenance schedules, and other items
• Proficient in basic computer skills for computerized vehicle maintenance programs
• Manages onboarding for all new employees, including new hire orientation, safety standards, equipment service standards, and equipment training
• Builds relationships with industry suppliers, technicians, and trade schools for continuous development of Medinah Country Club employees
• Effective communication skills with team members and management
• Knowledge of the latest trends in grounds equipment industry technology

Professional Development:

• Proactive approach to equipment maintenance for optimum performance and longevity
• Core member of the management team and ambassador for equipment technicians
• Self-motivating and continuously enhancing abilities
• Passion for the turf industry and striving for excellence
• Works with a diverse group of employees, vendors, and sales representatives

Preferred Qualifications:

• 8+ years as an Equipment Manager with a progressive career pathway, preferred
• Certification in automotive repair, diesel engine repair, or similar fields, preferred
• GCSAA certifications, preferred
• Strong knowledge of turf equipment and ability to perform high-level repairs
• Candidates with substantial experience may be considered in lieu of formal education

Compensation & Benefits:

• $140,000-$160,000
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k retirement plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO) / Vacation
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Continuing education opportunities
• Local & national professional dues
• Uniforms provided
• Free meals during work hours
• Golfing privileges
• Cell phone allowance

Application Instructions: Apply through the URL provided by submitting your resume and cover letter as one PDF. Please name the file (Last Name, First Name, Medinah). Address your cover letter to Mr. Ben McGargill, Director of Golf Course Operations.

Please apply no later than October 4, 2024. Interviews will be conducted as soon as possible, with in-person interviews expected to take place in mid-to-late October.

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