Hands-On Hotel Operations Lead | Guest & Standards

Vanrath; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday

Pension scheme

Free parking

Employee discounts on stays and dining

Training and progression opportunities

Long service recognition

Job summary

VANRATH, on behalf of a well-established 4-star hotel in Belfast, is recruiting a Hotel Operations Manager. The successful candidate will lead from the floor, oversee day-to-day operations and ensure standards are consistently met across guest areas and back-of-house.

You will work closely with Reception, Housekeeping and other departments, handle guest queries, manage downtime and busy periods, and coach teams to maintain service levels, with a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Experience in hotel operations, duty management or a similar hands-on hospitality management role.
• Strong understanding of reception, housekeeping and guest service, and how departments work together day to day.
• Confident being on the floor, taking ownership of problems and seeing them through.
• Ability to prioritise, juggle competing demands and stay calm under pressure.
• Capable of coaching supervisors and colleagues while respecting reporting lines.
• Knowledge of hotel health, safety and security standards.
• Flexible to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day hotel operations with a visible presence in guest areas and back-of-house.
• Handle escalated guest queries and complaints, including VIP arrangements and room moves.
• Review occupancy, arrivals, departures, groups and events to prevent operational gaps.
• Coordinate with Reception and Housekeeping to ensure rooms are cleaned and ready on time.
• Support department managers during busy periods and ensure procedures and standards are followed.
• Manage shift cover, address last-minute staffing gaps and coach staff on the floor.
• Log maintenance issues, carry out health, safety and security checks and escalate incidents.
• Coordinate with the F&B and events teams on guest numbers and timings.
• Identify service issues and drive improvements, keeping the GM and DGM updated.
• Balance with hotel strategy; provide hands-on coordination and support across the hotel.

Job description

VANRATH, on behalf of a well-established 4-star hotel in Belfast, is recruiting a Hotel Operations Manager. The successful candidate will lead from the floor, oversee day-to-day operations and ensure standards are consistently met across guest areas and back-of-house.

You will work closely with Reception, Housekeeping and other departments, handle guest queries, manage downtime and busy periods, and coach teams to maintain service levels, with a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.