General Manager

General Manager – Ideally you will have at least 5 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, with at least 3 years in a General Manager role or equivalent level role with a proven background in either hotel or hospitality. You will need to have the right to work in the UK to be considered in the first instance.

Ensure that visions and strategies are translated into specific deliverables to get results.

Demonstrate service attributes in accordance with hospitality industry expectations and company standards to include:

• Being attentive to guests and visitors and anticipating needs
• Accurately and promptly fulfilling guest requests and resolving complaints
• Maintain a high level of knowledge which will enhance the guest experience
• Demonstrate a quality and service attitude that exceeds expectations
• Be able to promote the college (and SNU generally) products and services.

Support the College tutors in delivering the college courses.

The Arthur Findlay College offers facilities unequalled anywhere in the world in the Spiritualist movement as a residential centre where students can study Spiritualist philosophy and religious practice, Spiritualist healing and awareness, spiritual and psychic unfolding and kindred disciplines. Courses, lectures and demonstrations are all offered by leading exponents, together with the additional features of a library, museum, lake, magnificent grounds, recreational facilities and full board accommodation.

We are seeking an experienced, forward-thinking, and customer-focused General Manager. The college has a long and rich history in spiritualism and offers weekly residential courses including accommodation and catering where we aim to provide an excellent hospitality and catering experience, including a private bar. With the capacity to host 100 guests and a team of up to 60 staff, The Arthur Findlay College is dedicated to providing exceptional service and unforgettable experiences.

As the General Manager you will oversee all aspects of hotel services, event management, and venue operations, while maintaining financial accountability for the business's performance. This role requires a passionate leader who excels in delivering exceptional hospitality experiences, ensuring operational excellence, and maintaining the highest standards of service. The key responsibilities will include:

• Operational Leadership
• Ensuring the Customer Experience
• Hotel Services
• Corporate Sales and Events
• Staff Management
• Financial Management
• Compliance and high Standards
• Marketing and Public Relations
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement

Qualifications: A minimum of 5 years’ experience in hospitality and/or catering, ideally with at least 3 years in a senior management role in hospitality or event management. Proven track record of leading successful teams and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management and financial planning. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide variety of guests from all over the world. Fluent in English; proficiency in additional languages is an advantage.

Compensation and Benefits: Competitive salary. Opportunities for professional development and developing our current offer to guests to move the college forwards and increase revenue.

For a more detailed job profile please submit your CV as notice of interest and a candidate pack will be issued to you. You must be currently in a General Manager or equivalent level role with a proven background in either 4* or 5* Event Management, hotel or hospitality to be considered in the first instance and possess the right to work in the UK. If you do not possess these abilities or relevant background, please do not apply.

Within SNU and AFC policies and procedures, to lead, direct and manage the operational and financial performance of the college. To maximise all aspects of profitability through revenue generation and productivity whilst maintaining standards. To plan for and manage approved spend, budgeted spend, and capital investment in the property and grounds as appropriate.

Develop and implement the annual college operating budget in line with the SNU/AFC strategies, plan; monitor and action performance improvement to ensure optimum financial results. Responsible for annual operating budget, college programmes, events management, revenue generation, annual cost centre budget, accurate forecasting, cost control/conversion. Keep abreast of global and industry trends to support key decision making.

Maximise total revenue performance versus the annual operating budget ensuring co-ordination across all management, sales and marketing activity to improve Revenue Generation. Maximise the benefits of AFC/marketing via social media and website initiatives, tactical sales & marketing programmes, website development and maintenance, revenue management and leveraging IT systems. Drive revenue focus through rooms revenue. Manage sales and marketing, and drive PR through every opportunity to promote the College.

Develop, implement and direct the organisational structure within the college in line with the annual operating budget and within AFC policies and procedures to achieve results. Develop, review and monitor annual activity plan, proactively manage HR, recruitment, communication and performance reviews. Proactively develop a pipeline of talent through recruitment, succession planning, supporting training and development, and actively developing and coaching key individuals within the college. Recruitment and appointment of key individuals within the college. Develop the talent, process and capability for our current and future needs.

Establish and maintain open communication between employees and management, provide competitive salary packages liaising with Collegiate Committee. Administer the company’s policies in an equitable manner. Monitor staff turnover to promote optimum levels in departments. Work within company diversity guidelines & equal opportunities.

Work with the Finance Team and SNU Property Manager to ensure the annual and individual sign off of capital expenditure (capex) and development plans. Participate in the evaluation of development projects including annual capex plans, leading major refurbishments and developments ensuring delivery in line with financial targets. Ensure assets are maintained to required physical and legal standards (i.e. Health & safety & listed building regulations). Ensure college is always compliant to the required Health & Safety standards.

To support, develop and encourage via discussion, initiatives and the spreading of best practice with particular emphasis on being a “Team Player” with ownership and passion for their own area of responsibility. Supporting individual wellbeing of the team.

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years experience in the hotel, hospitality industry, three of which should be at management/leadership level.
• Experience of leading and managing staff.
• Experience of setting and managing budgets.
• Experience of balancing customer care and business priorities.
• Experience of using appropriate IT.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Positive attitude.
• Conflict management skills.
• Self-motivated.
• Professional manner, smart and well presented.
• Good organisational skills.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £50,000.00-£55,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Stansted: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• GCSE or equivalent (preferred)

Experience:

• General Manager: 3 years (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 10/08/2024