Hands-On Hotel Ops Leader - Growth & Guest Experience

The Hickstead Hotel; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hickstead Hotel is seeking an experienced, energetic, hands-on Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our 52-bedroom property in West Sussex. This role requires a strong focus on guest experience, service quality and operational profitability.

You will oversee F&B, weddings and events, drive revenue growth while managing labour, purchasing and margins, and develop a motivated hotel team in a flat management environment.

Qualifications

• Must have hands-on hotel operations experience.
• Strong F&B, weddings and events experience.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop hotel teams.
• Understanding of labour, purchasing, margins and cost control.
• Commercial mindset with focus on growing revenue while controlling costs.
• Set high standards for guest experience, cleanliness and service.
• Experience in flat management structures and leading by example.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day hotel operations across floor and back-office.
• Drive revenue growth and cost containment.
• Set and enforce operating standards and guest service levels.
• Mentor and develop hotel team members.
• Collaborate with F&B and events teams for weddings and conferences.

Skills

Hands-on leadership

F&B & events

Team development

Cost control

Revenue growth

Job description

The Hickstead Hotel is seeking an experienced, energetic, hands-on Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our 52-bedroom property in West Sussex. This role requires a strong focus on guest experience, service quality and operational profitability.

You will oversee F&B, weddings and events, drive revenue growth while managing labour, purchasing and margins, and develop a motivated hotel team in a flat management environment.