Director of Clubhouse Operations
Top Benefits
About the role
The Royal Canadian Yacht Club (RCYC) is a year-round private club with two exceptional locations — our Island and City Clubhouses — offering premier sailing, sports, dining, and social experiences. We are seeking a strategic and service-focused Director of Clubhouse Operations to lead hospitality and member services across both sites.
Reporting to the General Manager, the Director of Clubhouse Operations is a senior leader responsible for the smooth and efficient operation of key departments including Culinary, Food & Beverage, Events, Member Services, and Quartermaster. This role plays a critical part in shaping the member experience, driving operational excellence, and supporting a high-performing team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Member Experience & Engagement: Build strong relationships with members and guests, resolve concerns with professionalism, and ensure service standards consistently exceed expectations. Support VIP and club-wide events and contribute to service standard development.
- Operational Oversight: Lead daily operations at both clubhouses, coordinate seasonal openings and closings, and maintain a “member-ready” environment. Ensure compliance with health and safety policies and AGCO regulations.
- Team Leadership: Manage and mentor department heads, foster staff development, and collaborate with HR on staffing, training, and retention strategies. Promote a culture of accountability, clarity, and excellence.
- Financial Management: Develop and manage operational and capital budgets, monitor financial performance, and implement cost-effective procedures across departments.
- Project & Vendor Coordination: Oversee clubhouse projects, manage vendor relationships, and ensure timely execution and reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
- Food & Beverage Excellence: Partner with the Executive Chef, Food & Beverage Manager, and Events Manager to ensure seamless coordination between front-of-house and culinary teams. Uphold high standards for food, beverage, and service quality.
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS:
We’re looking for a passionate and experienced hospitality leader who thrives in a dynamic, member-focused environment. The ideal candidate will bring:
- Leadership Experience : Minimum 5 years in progressive senior management roles, ideally within hospitality or private club settings.
- Education : Diploma or degree in Hospitality, Hotel Management, or a related field.
- Hospitality Expertise : Strong background in food & beverage operations, with an understanding of sports and recreational programming.
- Team Leadership : Proven ability to coach, mentor, and inspire high-performing teams.
- Member-Focused Mindset : A commitment to delivering personalized, professional service with integrity and discretion.
- Operational Agility : Skilled in managing multiple priorities, projects, and seasonal transitions.
- Financial Acumen : Solid understanding of budgeting, cost control, and revenue management.
- Collaborative Spirit : Comfortable working cross-functionally with management, committees, and external partners.
- Communication Skills : Excellent verbal and written communication, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and Jonas Club Software.
HOURS OF WORK:
- Hours will vary based on seasonal business demands, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and major club events.
- During the summer season, weekend availability is required to support operations and member engagement at the Island Clubhouse.
WHY WORK FOR US:
At the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, we believe in investing in our people. As part of our team, you’ll enjoy a supportive, collaborative environment where excellence is celebrated and professional growth is encouraged. We offer:
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: Including health, dental, vision coverage and EAP program to support your well-being.
- RRSP Matching Program: Helping you plan for your future with employer-supported retirement savings.
- Training & Development Opportunities: Access to ongoing learning, leadership development, and industry certifications.
- CMAC Membership: Stay connected with the broader club management community through a complimentary membership with the Club Management Association of Canada.
- A Unique Work Environment: Be part of a prestigious club with a rich history, beautiful waterfront locations, and a culture centered on service, tradition, and innovation.
* Please note this position will commence February 2026.
Application Process
We appreciate your interest in RCYC. While we thank all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The RCYC is committed to fair and equitable recruiting practices in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA). Persons with disabilities are encouraged to come forward at any stage of the recruitment process to request accommodation, if needed.
About Royal Canadian Yacht Club
The Royal Canadian Yacht Club was founded in Toronto in 1852 to serve both as a recreational yachting club and, in the British tradition, as an unofficial auxiliary of the Royal Navy in the defence of the waters of Lake Ontario.
The Club was established under the name the Toronto Boat Club, but in 1854 with Queen Victoria's permission, the Club was renamed the Royal Canadian Yacht Club.
Long associated with the Toronto Islands, the Royal Canadian Yacht Club did not move to the Island until 1881, first occupying various locations on the Toronto waterfront. The first Island Clubhouse was destroyed by fire in 1904. Its successor, officially opened in 1906, suffered the same fate: it too was irreparably damaged by fire in 1918. On August 25, 1919, Edward, Prince of Wales, laid the cornerstone for the gracious two-story Southern-style Clubhouse that has been the RCYC's summer home ever since. Today, we are one of Canada's premier sailing and social clubs, with an emphasis on family participation, the development of our junior sailors, and a Corinthian attitude towards excellence in sailing. The RCYC operates year round from two facilities: our summer home at the Island Clubhouse, for sailing, sports and social activities, and our City Clubhouse in downtown Toronto for sports and social activities.
Director of Clubhouse Operations
Top Benefits
About the role
The Royal Canadian Yacht Club (RCYC) is a year-round private club with two exceptional locations — our Island and City Clubhouses — offering premier sailing, sports, dining, and social experiences. We are seeking a strategic and service-focused Director of Clubhouse Operations to lead hospitality and member services across both sites.
Reporting to the General Manager, the Director of Clubhouse Operations is a senior leader responsible for the smooth and efficient operation of key departments including Culinary, Food & Beverage, Events, Member Services, and Quartermaster. This role plays a critical part in shaping the member experience, driving operational excellence, and supporting a high-performing team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Member Experience & Engagement: Build strong relationships with members and guests, resolve concerns with professionalism, and ensure service standards consistently exceed expectations. Support VIP and club-wide events and contribute to service standard development.
- Operational Oversight: Lead daily operations at both clubhouses, coordinate seasonal openings and closings, and maintain a “member-ready” environment. Ensure compliance with health and safety policies and AGCO regulations.
- Team Leadership: Manage and mentor department heads, foster staff development, and collaborate with HR on staffing, training, and retention strategies. Promote a culture of accountability, clarity, and excellence.
- Financial Management: Develop and manage operational and capital budgets, monitor financial performance, and implement cost-effective procedures across departments.
- Project & Vendor Coordination: Oversee clubhouse projects, manage vendor relationships, and ensure timely execution and reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
- Food & Beverage Excellence: Partner with the Executive Chef, Food & Beverage Manager, and Events Manager to ensure seamless coordination between front-of-house and culinary teams. Uphold high standards for food, beverage, and service quality.
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS:
We’re looking for a passionate and experienced hospitality leader who thrives in a dynamic, member-focused environment. The ideal candidate will bring:
- Leadership Experience : Minimum 5 years in progressive senior management roles, ideally within hospitality or private club settings.
- Education : Diploma or degree in Hospitality, Hotel Management, or a related field.
- Hospitality Expertise : Strong background in food & beverage operations, with an understanding of sports and recreational programming.
- Team Leadership : Proven ability to coach, mentor, and inspire high-performing teams.
- Member-Focused Mindset : A commitment to delivering personalized, professional service with integrity and discretion.
- Operational Agility : Skilled in managing multiple priorities, projects, and seasonal transitions.
- Financial Acumen : Solid understanding of budgeting, cost control, and revenue management.
- Collaborative Spirit : Comfortable working cross-functionally with management, committees, and external partners.
- Communication Skills : Excellent verbal and written communication, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and Jonas Club Software.
HOURS OF WORK:
- Hours will vary based on seasonal business demands, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and major club events.
- During the summer season, weekend availability is required to support operations and member engagement at the Island Clubhouse.
WHY WORK FOR US:
At the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, we believe in investing in our people. As part of our team, you’ll enjoy a supportive, collaborative environment where excellence is celebrated and professional growth is encouraged. We offer:
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: Including health, dental, vision coverage and EAP program to support your well-being.
- RRSP Matching Program: Helping you plan for your future with employer-supported retirement savings.
- Training & Development Opportunities: Access to ongoing learning, leadership development, and industry certifications.
- CMAC Membership: Stay connected with the broader club management community through a complimentary membership with the Club Management Association of Canada.
- A Unique Work Environment: Be part of a prestigious club with a rich history, beautiful waterfront locations, and a culture centered on service, tradition, and innovation.
* Please note this position will commence February 2026.
Application Process
We appreciate your interest in RCYC. While we thank all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The RCYC is committed to fair and equitable recruiting practices in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA). Persons with disabilities are encouraged to come forward at any stage of the recruitment process to request accommodation, if needed.
About Royal Canadian Yacht Club
The Royal Canadian Yacht Club was founded in Toronto in 1852 to serve both as a recreational yachting club and, in the British tradition, as an unofficial auxiliary of the Royal Navy in the defence of the waters of Lake Ontario.
The Club was established under the name the Toronto Boat Club, but in 1854 with Queen Victoria's permission, the Club was renamed the Royal Canadian Yacht Club.
Long associated with the Toronto Islands, the Royal Canadian Yacht Club did not move to the Island until 1881, first occupying various locations on the Toronto waterfront. The first Island Clubhouse was destroyed by fire in 1904. Its successor, officially opened in 1906, suffered the same fate: it too was irreparably damaged by fire in 1918. On August 25, 1919, Edward, Prince of Wales, laid the cornerstone for the gracious two-story Southern-style Clubhouse that has been the RCYC's summer home ever since. Today, we are one of Canada's premier sailing and social clubs, with an emphasis on family participation, the development of our junior sailors, and a Corinthian attitude towards excellence in sailing. The RCYC operates year round from two facilities: our summer home at the Island Clubhouse, for sailing, sports and social activities, and our City Clubhouse in downtown Toronto for sports and social activities.