Estate Manager

Ashford Castle; Cong; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted accommodation rates

Annual Staff Appreciation Party

Free meals on duty

Holiday allowance increasing with service

Job summary

The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cong, County Mayo is seeking an Estate Manager. This full-time position requires proven leadership in luxury hospitality, a focus on guest service, and excellent communication skills. You will oversee estate operations, manage a dedicated team, and ensure exceptional guest experiences. The role includes competitive pay and benefits like subsidised accommodation and professional training opportunities.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in luxury hospitality or estate operations.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Proactive leader with a passion for exceptional service.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Estate team, ensuring warm welcomes to guests.
• Oversee guest arrivals and departures, ensuring smooth operational flow.
• Create memorable experiences through personalised service.

Skills

Leadership in luxury hospitality

Guest service focus

Communication skills

Organizational skills

People management

Attention to detail

Job description

Estate Manager – Luxury Hotel

We are recruiting for a full-time Estate Manager to deliver exceptional guest experiences in line with Forbes Five-Star standards and The Red Carnation Hotels service philosophy.

Location: Cong, County Mayo, Ireland

Employment type: Full-time

Working pattern: 5 days over 7 days, with 2 days off

Salary: Competitive / DOE

Who are we?

Join Ashford Castle and become part of a legendary story. As Ireland’s only double Forbes Five-Star Hotel & Spa, Ashford Castle is a true icon of Irish heritage and a proud member of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection.

Once home to the Guinness family, this 800‑year‑old castle offers world‑class luxury, exceptional dining, award‑winning spa experiences, and an extraordinary estate setting. Voted No. 1 Resort Hotel in the UK & Ireland by Travel+Leisure and proud to have retained the Forbes Five‑Star award in 2025, Ashford Castle is where excellence lives.

Key Responsibilities of the Estate Manager will include:

• Leading and managing the Estate team, including weekly rostering and payroll sign‑off.
• Ensuring all guests are welcomed warmly and professionally, delivering outstanding first impressions.
• Overseeing the smooth operation of guest arrivals, departures, and estate flow.
• Creating memorable “WOW” moments through personalised service and attention to detail.
• Supporting the development and delivery of estate programmes in line with Ashford Castle and Red Carnation standards.
• Promoting estate offerings and driving sales across retail, food & beverage, leisure, and hotel services.
• Maintaining strong relationships with external partners and internal hotel departments.
• Ensuring estate security, vehicle presentation, uniform standards, and operational safety.
• Supporting and delivering special events, team‑building experiences, and promotional occasions.
• Upholding all Health & Safety, Fire, Security, and environmental standards.

What we are looking for:

• Proven leadership experience in luxury hospitality, estate operations, or guest services.
• A guest‑focused professional with excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Strong people management, rostering, and operational planning abilities.
• A proactive leader with a passion for delivering exceptional, personalised service.
• Excellent product knowledge and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• High standards of professionalism, presentation, and attention to detail.
• Flexibility to work across a 7‑day operation, including weekends and peak periods.

What’s in it for you?

• Professional, award‑winning training and development opportunities.
• Discounted accommodation rates across the Red Carnation Hotel Collection.
• Annual Staff Appreciation Party and employee recognition events.
• Discounted rates with local businesses and estate services.
• Heavily subsidised accommodation (subject to availability).
• Free meals on duty.
• Complimentary dry cleaning of business attire.
• Recommend a friend & family bonus scheme.
• Two paid volunteering days each year.
• Holiday allowance increasing with service, up to 25 days.
• Hotel‑based recognition incentives.
• Free access to the Employee Assistance Programme.

Red Carnation Hotels is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

As part of the recruitment process, we may electronically scan and securely store a copy of your passport, visa and/or ID card for the purpose of verifying your Right to Work in the Republic of Ireland, in line with statutory requirements.