General Manager, Lews Castle.
The General Manager role is vital in making the Together Travel vision come to life through offering fantastic service and standards to our guests and running the site efficiently and profitably.
The General Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of the site and its staff including the high-end accommodation, and all food and beverage activities including events and the Storehouse. The role is accountable for the overall performance of the site and ensuring positive relations with partner businesses on site eg. British Museum.
The General Manager has commercial accountability for budgeting and financial management, planning, organising and directing all services including front-of-house, retail, food and beverage operations and housekeeping. They will also get involved with the local community and business organisations on the island to promote the site, its facilities and Together Travel as a company.
The General Manager will take a strategic overview and plan ahead to maximise profits and will also set the example to deliver a standard of service and presentation that meets a variety of different guests’ needs and expectations from an iconic visitor attraction and venue.
Combining outstanding interpersonal skills the General Manager will have the considerable organisational ability, commercial acumen and close attention to detail. Their understanding of seasonal business will be vital to recognise commercial trends and react to the changing environments appropriately.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Service and Standards
- To be at the forefront and contribute to the success of the site through good commerciality and a proactive approach.
- To oversee the operational and financial performance of all outlets including Front office/reception, Banqueting, Housekeeping and Storehouse.
- To ensure all guests receive a meet and greet in line with brand standards.
- To ensure all employees are able to provide detailed knowledge of the local area passing this on to the Reservations/Concierge team and guests/visitors alike.
- To adopt PPM (Planned, Preventative Maintenance) techniques to preserve the historic castle alongside ensuring the longevity of the Together Travel product quality and associated guest experience.
- To gain full knowledge and maintain all operational systems and services including Health & Safety practices as well as gas, water, supply etc.
- To control and monitor payroll costs and cost of sales in line with revenue.
- To monitor and be accountable for the site ledger/finances, including outstanding debt and if issued, the responsible use of the company credit card.
- In partnership with the Senior General Manager set sales targets for the retail, Banqueting and Storehouse and drive the local teams to hit and exceed the targets set.
- To successfully manage the retail area, ensuring commercial success and ongoing profitability.
- To ensure the retail space remains clean, appropriately stocked and attractively merchandised.
- To drive the business forward through off-season periods through new revenue-generating initiatives.
- Ensure that all Guests and Visitors receive amazing service at all key points in their visitor journey.
- To ensure all accommodation is maintained to an excellent condition and that housekeeping standards are always exemplary.
Brand
- To be a brand ambassador, promoting all Together Travel locations and services to guests and colleagues alike.
- To create and carry out local marketing initiatives, effectively maintaining any assigned budgets while increasing the Together Travel profile.
- To maintain good and clear communication between the site and Head Office.
- To assist Senior Management to increase the efficiency and profitability of the business.
- To fulfil any reasonable request from Senior Management
Team
- To be key in driving an effective business relationship with key personnel.
- To interview and recruit a core team of staff and ensure they are being deployed in a productive manner.
- To interview, recruit and train seasonal staff according to requirements and commercial feasibility.
- Ensure the team understand high-end service expectations and constantly drive world-class service
- Lead, inspire and champion your team and their talents to all in the business, encouraging ongoing development and progression.
- Ensure all employees follow the company guidelines.
- To carry out internal investigations and disciplinaries when appropriate following processes outlined in the team policies.
About You
Are you a strong operator with a minimum of 4 years’ experience in a high-end establishment as a General Manager? Are you a motivational, strong leader who can develop high-performing teams? Do you have excellent experience in the operational management of events and banqueting and a guest-focused approach with a strong financial and commercial understanding? Do you take pride in ensuring fantastic guest satisfaction? Do you love to work in a team to build strong working relationships with your colleagues, guests and external businesses? Can you find solutions and have the ability to think on your feet?
If so, this role could be perfect for you and we’d love to hear from you. Let’s get together! To apply please send your CV to careers@togethertravel.co.uk