Company Overview:
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has long been committed to the local community in developing and promoting sports in Hong Kong. The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course (“KSC”), the first and only public golf course in Hong Kong, was built during 1994-95 with funds donated by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.
The facilities, which are managed on a not-for-profit and self-financing basis, are aimed at providing quality, accessible and affordable golfing to the people of Hong Kong. Since 1995 over 3 million golfers have enjoyed playing the courses, thousands of new golf students have been taught the game and golf programmes have been delivered to schools across Hong Kong.
From the very beginning, a high priority has been placed on managing the golf courses in an environmentally sustainable manner with the implementation of best management practices that have been internationally recognized. KSC was the first golf course in China to be certified as an Audubon Co-operative Sanctuary for Wildlife and the first golf course in Asia Pacific to be certified by the Golf Environment Organization.
Position Summary:
The Head of Agronomy is a senior management position of the Company who is responsible to maintain and develop the three 18-hole golf courses and associated practice facilities in order to provide safe and excellent playing conditions for golfing at all times.
Job responsibilities:
- To ensure the golf courses and related facilities are efficiently maintained in good and safe conditions at all times in order to promote the game of golf to the public and to generate revenue
- To maintain the golf courses, the Maintenance Workshop and related facilities in an environmentally friendly and ecologically acceptable manner
- To carry out on-going renovation work programmes in keeping with an established Golf Course 20-year asset health plan in a cost-effective and efficient manner
- To formulate and propose annual Golf Course Maintenance budgets including operations and capital expenditures, and manpower forecasts
- To implement training programmes to develop all staff including turfgrass management knowledge, safety standards and environmental protection
- To manage a golf course maintenance team of around 80 members and multiple contractors undertaking outsourced works projects
- To stay current with the latest agronomic research and technology, integrating innovative practices into operations
- To liaise internally with counterparts of the Golf Course senior management team and to coordinate with other departments for the daily operations, tournament and event hosting
- To externally coordinate where needed with local golf associations, local government and golf industry groups
- To assist the General Manager to conduct studies and development works for further expansion of the Golf Course facilities in order to sustain growth and financial stability
Job requirements:
- University Degree in Agronomy, Turf Management, Horticulture or similar qualification
- At least 10 years’ experience in relevant experience, including 7 years in a senior supervisory level
- Solid understanding of latest equipment, chemical, fertilizer, soil science, irrigation systems, technical knowledge, practical implementation methods and an acute environmental awareness
- Self-motivated, high degree of initiative, effective communication, strong problem-solving abilities, willing to develop teamwork, ability to do long-term planning and strategic thinking
