Operations Manager

Cairn Group; Newton Aycliffe; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK hospitality company is seeking an Operations Manager to drive service excellence and profitability. This hands-on leadership role requires inspiring a team, creating unforgettable guest experiences, and upholding brand standards. Ideal candidates will be passionate, organized, and commercially aware, with a focus on team collaboration and guest satisfaction. Enjoy benefits like bonuses, discounts, and support for career growth.

Benefits

Service Excellence Bonus

Real-time Pay with Wagestream

Discounted stays

50% off food and drinks

Spa Discounts

Retail, Cinema & Fun Discounts

Career development programs

Superstar Awards

Long-Service Awards

Recommend a Friend Bonus

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Pension Scheme

Year-Round Incentives

Bereavement Leave

Qualifications

• Inspire team to deliver excellence at every opportunity.
• Put guest experience at the heart of decision making.
• Foster a motivated team culture.
• Stay calm and solution-focused under pressure.
• Set communication standards across the hotel.
• Manage time effectively and oversee operations.
• Understand revenue streams and cost controls.

Responsibilities

• Drive service excellence and commercial performance.
• Maximise profitability through smart revenue generation.
• Create unforgettable guest experiences.
• Develop and support team while upholding brand standards.
• Act as brand ambassador in the local community.

Skills

Passion and energy

Guest experience focus

Team collaboration

Confidence under pressure

Professional communication

Organizational skills

Commercial awareness

Job description

Hospitality Starts Here – Build Your Future with Cairn Group

Are you ready to grow your career in hospitality? At Cairn Group, we believe work should be rewarding, exciting, and full of opportunities to learn and develop. Whether you're creating unforgettable guest experiences or supporting your team, you'll be part of a friendly, supportive environment where your contributions are valued. With the opportunity to learn, develop, and be recognised, Cairn a place where you can build a career, you’re proud of.

About the Role:

As Operations Manager at Cairn Group, you’ll lead from the front—driving service excellence, commercial performance, and a people‑first culture across every part of the hotel.

You’ll be responsible for maximising profitability through smart revenue generation and productivity planning, while also creating unforgettable guest experiences that keep people coming back.

This is a hands‑on leadership role, blending operational oversight with strategic thinking. You’ll develop and support your team, uphold brand and service standards, and ensure a safe, welcoming environment that runs like clockwork.

You’ll represent the hotel in the local community, acting as an ambassador for the brand while staying focused on service, sustainability, and success.

About You:

• A Hospitality Hero – You bring passion and energy to the role, inspiring others to deliver excellence at every opportunity.
• A Service Superstar – You put the guest experience at the heart of your decision making, ensuring every detail counts.
• A Team Player – You foster a collaborative, motivated team culture where everyone works together to succeed.
• Cool Under Pressure – You lead with confidence, staying calm and solution‑focused no matter the challenge.
• A Polished Professional – You set the standard in behaviour and communication across the hotel.
• Proactive & Organised – You manage time effectively, set priorities, and oversee day‑to‑day operations seamlessly.
• Commercially Aware – You understand revenue streams, cost controls, and use insight to drive success.

About Us:

Cairn Group is a leading UK hospitality company with over 60 years of expertise in hotel acquisition, ownership, management, investment, and development. Our journey has been shaped by successful partnerships with global brands and a commitment to creating thriving, guest‑focused properties.

At Cairn Group, our values - Respect, Integrity, Sustainability, and Excellence (RISE) - are at the heart of everything we do. We respect our team and guests, act with integrity, and invest in our people to build a sustainable future – for our business, our communities, and the planet. Every day, we work to deliver excellence, going the extra mile to create outstanding experiences for our guests.

Benefits:

• Service Excellence Bonus: Your hard work pays off. Service charge tips and gratuities add a well‑earned boost to your pay check,
• Get Paid in Real‑Time with Wagestream: Take control of your earnings. Track your pay live, access funds when needed, and get expert financial tips—all in real‑time,

• Stay, Relax and Recharge: Enjoy discounted stays across our all our venues. Treat yourself or bring your friends and family along for a well‑earned break,
• Delicious Discounts: Indulge a little with 50% off food and drinks across our hotels, bars and restaurants,
• Spa Discounts: Self‑care matters! Treat yourself with exclusive wellness offers at our spas and leisure clubs,
• Retail, Cinema & Fun Discounts: Enjoy exclusive access to savings on shopping, cinemas trips and fun days out,
• Rise with Us: From apprenticeships to leadership programs, our development team is here to help you grow and reach your career goals,
• Superstar Awards: Your hard work deserves the spotlight! Each month we celebrate and reward our team members who showcase our values and bring hospitality to life,
• Long‑Service Awards: Celebrate key milestones with us, starting from just one year of service—plus enjoy extra annual leave as a thank‑you for your commitment.
• Recommend a Friend: Bring great people into the team and earn a bonus when they join!
• 24/7 Support: We’re committed to your wellbeing. Access our confidential Employee Assistance Programme anytime, anywhere.

• Pension Scheme: Plan for your future with our pension plan, designed to help you build long‑term security.

• Year‑Round Incentives: Enjoy fun incentives, exciting challenges, and surprise perks throughout the year!
• Bereavement Leave – When life gets tough, we ensure you have the time and support you need to be with your loved ones.