Finding experienced Duty Managers, Floor Managers and Team Leaders have become one of the biggest workforce challenges facing clubs across NSW. While many clubs continue to recruit externally, the strongest leadership candidate could already be working your floor, behind the bar or supervising your next shift.
The question isn’t always where to find new leaders. It’s how to develop the ones you already have.
A quick look at current job advertisements shows that clubs are looking for much more than operational experience. Today’s leaders are expected to:
These skills aren’t developed overnight, and they’re rarely learned through compliance training alone. They come from ongoing development, mentoring and practical leadership experience.
Developing future leaders doesn’t have to mean sending staff away for days of training. In fact, some of the most successful clubs are embedding leadership development into everyday work.
Leadership potential isn’t always found in the loudest voice or the longest-serving employee. Look for team members who take initiative, support their colleagues, solve problems and consistently demonstrate a positive attitude.
Many clubs wait until a leadership position becomes available before thinking about development. By giving emerging leaders access to structured learning before they’re promoted, they can step into new roles with greater confidence and capability.
With shift work and busy rosters, flexibility matters. Online and nationally recognised training allows staff to continue working while building practical skills they can apply immediately in the workplace.
Developing existing employees offers benefits that go well beyond filling leadership vacancies. Clubs that invest in their people often see stronger staff engagement, improved retention, greater consistency in customer service and a more confident leadership team.
Employees also value organisations that invest in their professional development, making it easier to retain talented people in an increasingly competitive labour market.
For more than 40 years, UNE Partnerships has been helping organisations develop capable, confident leaders through flexible, nationally recognised training.
Programs can be tailored to suit the needs of clubs and hospitality venues, with options ranging from short professional development courses through to nationally recognised qualifications and Fee-Free Traineeships for eligible NSW employees.
As the demands on club leaders continue to grow, investing in leadership development is no longer just a nice-to-have, it’s a practical strategy for building capability, strengthening teams and preparing for the future.
The next great leader in your club may already be there. They may simply need the opportunity to develop.
Whether you’re developing emerging leaders or planning for future growth, Matthew Beal can help you explore the right training pathway for your club.
Call: 02 6773 2804 or 1800 762 625
Email: matthew.beal@unep.edu.au
Enquiry: Complete the form below