General Manager - Didsbury, Manchester

The Waterside Hotel & Leisure Club; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-known hotel and leisure team in Manchester is looking for an exceptional General Manager to oversee operations and enhance guest experiences. The role requires strong leadership and operational excellence in a fast-paced environment, along with a focus on commercial success and compliance. This opportunity comes with a competitive salary and benefits within a supportive leadership culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunity to shape business performance

Qualifications

• Proven experience in hotel, leisure or hospitality management.
• Strong commercial and operational expertise.
• Excellent people management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Drive commercial success and continuous improvement.
• Ensure exceptional customer experiences.
• Manage budgets, rotas and departmental costs.
• Recruit and develop leadership and operational teams.

Skills

Hotel management experience

Operational expertise

People management skills

Customer service focus

Commercial acumen

Job description

Waterside Hotel & Leisure Club is seeking an exceptional General Manager to lead our hotel and leisure operations, drive commercial performance and deliver outstanding experiences for our guests and members. This is a pivotal senior leadership role for an experienced or upcoming, people-focused manager who can inspire teams, champion our values and ensure operational excellence across all areas of the business. The Role As General Manager, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day operation and strategic leadership of the hotel and leisure club, ensuring the highest standards of service, safety and profitability. You will:

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop high-performing teams
• Drive commercial success and continuous improvement
• Ensure exceptional customer experiences
• Maintain compliance with all health & safety and statutory requirements
• Act as an ambassador for Waterside's values and brand

Leadership & Culture

• Inspire and support teams to exceed performance expectations
• Champion a customer-first culture and service excellence
• Embed Waterside's values: Clean, Friendly & Well-Maintained

Operations & Safety

• Oversee daily business operations and facilities management
• Ensure full compliance with HSG179 and all health & safety legislation
• Maintain safe, secure and well-presented premises

Customer Experience

• Drive outstanding guest satisfaction and Net Promoter Scores
• Proactively enhance customer journeys and service delivery
• Handle feedback professionally and prevent complaints wherever possible

Financial & Commercial Performance

• Manage budgets, rotas and departmental costs
• Monitor forecasts and identify cost-saving opportunities
• Maintain strong financial awareness

People & HR Management

• Recruit, train and develop your leadership and operational teams
• Conduct performance reviews, 1-2-1s and development planning
• Ensure fair, professional handling of employee relations issues

Contract & Asset Management

• Manage third-party contractors and service agreements
• Oversee maintenance schedules and property improvement projects
• Ensure value for money and compliance from all suppliers

We’re looking for a confident, proactive and inspirational leader with:

• Proven experience in hotel, leisure or hospitality management
• Strong commercial and operational expertise
• Excellent people management and communication skills
• Ability to lead under pressure and adapt to change
• Commitment to delivering exceptional customer service
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset

You will demonstrate:

• Integrity and professionalism
• Strategic thinking and decision-making capability
• High levels of organisation and self-management
• A passion for continuous improvement

Benefits & Opportunities

A senior leadership role within a respected hotel and leisure club

• Opportunity to shape and drive business performance
• Supportive leadership environment
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• A chance to create "Raving Fans" of Waterside Hotel & Leisure Club