Operations Manager

Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Inc.; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hotel management company in Bedford is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee daily operations and lead the team towards exceptional guest satisfaction. The ideal candidate is a proven hospitality leader with strong commercial acumen and a passion for enhancing guest experiences. This role offers significant career progression potential and the chance to influence the future of the hotel amidst planned refurbishments.

Benefits

Industry-leading training and leadership development

Opportunities for progression

Exclusive discounts and flexible pay options

Well-being support

Qualifications

• Proven hospitality leader with experience at Head of Department level or above.
• Confident in driving revenue and managing budgets.
• Ambitious and adaptable with a passion for exceptional guest experiences.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and lead recruitment.
• Work closely with the General Manager on strategy.
• Prepare the property for refurbishment.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Operational expertise

Leadership

Strong food and beverage background

Guest experience focus

Job description

Overview

As Operations Manager, you'll be the driving force behind the hotel's success. You'll oversee daily operations, lead recruitment and team development, and work closely with the General Manager to shape strategy and performance. You'll champion guest satisfaction, using insights and feedback to create experiences that stand out. And you'll play a key role in preparing the property for its refurbishment – setting the stage for a new era of hospitality in Bedford.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations.
• Lead recruitment and team development.
• Work closely with the General Manager to shape strategy and performance.
• Champion guest satisfaction using insights and feedback.
• Prepare the property for refurbishment setting the stage for a new era of hospitality.

Qualifications

• Proven hospitality leader with experience at Head of Department level or above, ideally within a branded hotel or large venue.
• Combines commercial acumen with operational expertise, confident in driving revenue, managing budgets, and improving efficiency without compromising quality.
• Strong background in food and beverage is a real advantage.
• Leadership skills – inspire and motivate teams, coach talent, create culture of accountability and service excellence.
• Ambitious, adaptable, passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences and shaping the future of a hotel in a booming destination.

Career Progression

This is a role with real progression potential, including stepping into General Manager responsibilities and influencing the future of the hotel.

Location & Future Opportunities

Bedford is changing fast. With a major refurbishment planned for 2026 and the arrival of the Universal Studios theme park in the coming years, the opportunities for growth are huge. We need a leader who thrives on challenge, sees potential everywhere, and knows how to turn vision into reality—especially when it comes to maximizing food & beverage opportunities and building a culture where teams deliver excellence every day. The Mercure Bedford Centre is ideally situated in the heart of Bedford, with excellent transport links and close to attractions such as the Higgins Museum, Silverstone Circuit, John Bunyan Museum, Bedford Park and Woburn Safari Park. It offers seven air‑conditioned meeting rooms, local restaurants and bar, and proximity to London Luton, Stansted, Heathrow and international connections.

Organizational Context

Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA is part of the global Aimbridge family, connecting great people to great experiences across brands like Hilton, IHG, Accor, and Marriott. We’re passionate about hospitality and committed to helping our people grow while creating unforgettable guest experiences.

Benefits

• Industry‑leading training and leadership development.
• Opportunities for progression across some of the world's most iconic brands.
• Exclusive perks like discounted stays, generous food and beverage savings, and flexible pay options.
• Well‑being support whenever you need it.