David Harries Email and Phone Number

An experienced General Manager with a record of managing businesses undergoing change in highly competitive environments.Strengths in communication, negotiation, leadership and team development are complimented by high-level marketing, fiscal management and strategic planning skills. These skills have been developed working in multi-disciplinary environments ranging from Not for Profit sporting clubs, corporations and small business. Extensive experience working with committees and volunteers in clubs with a regular change-over of chairmen and committee members is another skill set I have acquired.Overall, a strong leader and “change manager” with a broad-ranging ability to engage key internal and external stakeholders and members while working to achieve mutually satisfactory outcomes in high profile, evolving and demanding organisations without losing sight of the service and engagement ethic of professional member-based organisations.

My role was to ensure the financial viability and continued growth of the Squadron through the daily delivery of membership services and facilities to internal and external stakeholders while preserving and enhancing the strategic direction of the club.At that time, the key function was eradicate debt over three years, with the target being achieved in two years. Professionalising the staff and the management structure was a primary objective also. This was achieved through leadership of remunerated staff delivering membership, boating services and food and beverage to 1200 members, supported by 35 elected and many other active volunteers. During the acquisition of the freehold of the site, I co-ordinated the negotiations with the port authority and Crown. The General Manager is Company Secretary of RSAYS Ltd, the land-owning entity for the members of the club.