Hospitality Manager

Balfour Hospitality; Staplehurst; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality group in Kent seeks an experienced Hospitality Manager to launch a new dining destination. You will lead operations, ensuring flawless service across food, beverages, and accommodation. Ideal candidates will have a passion for guest experiences and proven management skills in premium settings. This role offers competitive salary and career progression opportunities.

Benefits

Career progression opportunities

Wine and hospitality training

Staff discounts on wine, food, and accommodation

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing hospitality operations, preferably in a premium food, beverage, or boutique accommodation setting.
• Strong leadership skills to motivate and develop a team.
• Passion for delivering memorable guest experiences.

Responsibilities

• Launch and manage the new dining venue ensuring standout guest experiences.
• Lead front-of-house operations and inspire the team.
• Coordinate food and wine service showcasing Balfour wines.
• Take ownership of boutique room operations.
• Support marketing initiatives to grow the pub’s profile.

Skills

Leadership skills

Organizational skills

Customer service

Wine knowledge

Education

WSET Level 1 or higher

Job description

Hospitality Manager - The Winemakers Pub & Balfour Winery

Location: Kent (Goudhurst & Staplehurst)

Reports to: Operations Director

Salary: Up to £40k + Bonus + Benefits

Contract Type: Full-Time

Start Date: ASAP / Negotiable

About Us

Balfour Hospitality is all about creating extraordinary experiences through food, drink, and storytelling. Our newest venture, The Winemakers Pub, is a premium dining destination in nearby Goudhurst, blending locally sourced British fare with our celebrated Balfour wines. With four boutique rooms and a guest journey designed to delight, this is the newest chapter in the Balfour story: a place for both locals and visitors to enjoy exceptional hospitality.

Alongside the pub, Balfour Winery in Staplehurst continues to host tastings, tours, and events, offering guests a chance to explore our award-winning wines. The two sites work in harmony, and this role will connect them through leadership, service excellence, and unforgettable experiences.

The Role

We are looking for a hands-on, experienced Hospitality Manager to lead and grow our newest dining operation, working closely with the winery team to deliver seamless service, memorable events, and a warm, professional guest experience.

Responsibilities

• Launch, manage, and develop our newest dining venue, ensuring a standout guest experience from food and drink to boutique room stays.
• Lead front-of-house operations, working closely with your deputy to inspire the team and maintain high service standards.
• Coordinate food and wine service to showcase Balfour wines alongside modern British pub cuisine. Including wine tastings.
• Take ownership of boutique room operations, including housekeeping, check-in/check-out, and guest service.
• Support marketing and events initiatives to grow the pub’s profile and community presence.

At Balfour Winery:

• Support the delivery of hospitality across The Winemakers’ Kitchen, Cellar Door, tastings, tours, and other hospitality experiences that connect guests to our wine and story.
• Support the planning and delivery of private and corporate events.
• Act as a visible, knowledgeable ambassador of the Balfour brand, linking the pub and winery experiences seamlessly.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience managing hospitality operations, preferably in a premium food, beverage, or boutique accommodation setting.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and develop a team.
• Excellent organisational skills
• A passion for delivering memorable guest experiences and an interest in wine and food.
• Hands-on, solutions-focused, and able to work independently to grow a new operation.
• Wine knowledge (WSET Level 1 or higher) is a plus, or strong willingness to learn.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to launch and lead a brand-new dining destination within an award-winning hospitality group.
• Exposure to both pub and winery operations, with scope to shape and grow the guest experience.
• Career progression opportunities within a growing and ambitious business.
• Wine and hospitality training, plus staff discounts on wine, food, and accommodation.
• A supportive team and a beautiful working environment in the Kent countryside.

How To Apply

Please send your CV and a short covering letter explaining your interest in the role to Lee Hart, Operations Director, [e-mail]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Balfour Hospitality is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of individuals and will consider any reasonable adjustments to enable candidates to perform as well as possible during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail] with any requests.