At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Reception Team to deliver exceptional guest service and improve operational efficiency.
- Company: Join Hand Picked Hotels, a collection of luxury country houses known for their unique charm and stunning locations.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and perks like discounted stays and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that values individuality, community, and creating memorable experiences for guests.
- Qualifications: Previous management experience in a luxury hotel front office is essential; coaching skills are a plus.
- Other info: This role offers career progression and a supportive environment focused on diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
About the Company
Hand Picked Hotels is a beautiful collection of 21 privately owned, luxury country houses and coastal retreats, each hand picked for their individuality. Architecturally distinctive and quintessentially British, every hotel boasts an extraordinary location, from Scotland to the Channel Islands, offering breathtaking views, from vast countryside to expansive beaches, to lush woodlands. With every need taken care of, the team at each hotel ensures every guest has a magical experience, encouraging them to return time and time again.
Hand Picked Hotels was founded in 2001 by owner and Chairman, Julia Hands MBE. Whilst each hotel is individual, every property fulfils the company values of family and community, Individuality, Care, Aiming Higher and Delighting our guests ensuring a hand picked experience for every guest and employees.
We are currently recruiting for a Front Office Manager at Bailbrook House Hotel, part of Hand Picked Hotels. Bailbrook House Hotel is a prestigious luxury country house hotel, steeped in history and located within the beautiful city of Bath. Bailbrook House Hotel has 88 bedrooms spread across the Mansion house and court and has been awarded 4 Silver stars by the AA. It is a popular venue for relaxing weekends away or for weddings and events.
About the Role
The role of a Front Office Manager is to be responsible for ensuring that the Reception Team consistently delivers exceptional service, putting the guest at the heart of all activities. You will be leading the team in the effective delivery of department goals, planning and organising work activities, seeking to continuously improve ways of working and engaging the team to do the same. Maintaining a safe, healthy and secure workplace environment, following all work protocols and engaging the team with training and upsell initiatives. Building effective relationships to create a positive learning environment will be a key requirement to ensure the success of the department and team. Making clear, confident decisions will be second nature to you, consulting with others where needed ensuring you all reach the same goals. Being able to demonstrate a good understanding of business financials including labour costs, forecasting and budgets. Most of all we will want you to be inspired, have fun and enjoy being part of our Passionate Hand Picked Team.
About you:
- Previous experience working at Management level within Reception or Front Office is a requirement for this role, ideally with a 4/5-star luxury hotel.
- Having a good working knowledge of Opera is desirable but not essential.
- Proven experience of managing, coaching and developing teams, and you will enjoy motivating others to be their best, achieve their goals and full potential.
- Being driven to deliver outstanding and memorable customer service, ensuring our guests feel at home will be your passion and motivation.
- You will be excellent at building a rapport with colleagues and guests.
- Most of all, you will have a professional, organised and friendly approach and be able to anticipate our guests' needs and create memories.
Company Benefits
- A competitive salary package of £35,000 - £37,000 per year, plus a share of service charge.
- This is a Full-Time role working 5 days out of 7 including weekends on a rota basis, 40 hours per week, which may vary depending on business needs.
- Company pension scheme with a generous employer contribution.
- Life assurance scheme.
- Employee Assistance Program to support you with whatever life throws at you.
- Company Sickness Scheme Benefit.
- 28 days holiday per year including bank holidays, increasing to 33 days including bank holidays with length of service.
- Forward career progression, with access to our In House and external training programs, including apprenticeships up to level 7, which are all supported by our learning and development team.
- Discounted staff stays in our hotels and on food & drink.
- Annual loyalty awards (like afternoon teas and overnight stays).
- Online retail discount platform offering thousands of savings with high street retailers and restaurants as well as a health and well-being platform.
- Opportunity to make lifelong friendships and be part of a team that celebrates Diversity and Inclusion.
Hand Picked Hotels is an Equal Opportunities employer. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Front Office Manager employer: HandPicked Hotels
Contact Detail:
HandPicked Hotels Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Front Office Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Hand Picked Hotels' values and culture. Understanding their commitment to individuality, care, and guest delight will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions, showcasing that you're a perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed and motivated teams in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you improved service delivery or team performance, as this will resonate well with the hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the local area around Bailbrook House Hotel and be prepared to discuss how you can enhance the guest experience based on local attractions and events. This shows your initiative and genuine interest in creating memorable stays for guests.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Hand Picked Hotels if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your enthusiasm for joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Front Office Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your previous management experience in reception or front office roles, especially in 4/5-star luxury hotels. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and deliver exceptional customer service.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for hospitality and your understanding of Hand Picked Hotels' values. Mention how your skills align with the role of Front Office Manager and provide examples of how you've motivated teams in the past.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your knowledge of business financials, such as labour costs and budgeting, as well as any experience with Opera or similar systems. Highlight your ability to make confident decisions and build rapport with both guests and colleagues.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail, which are crucial in the hospitality industry.
How to prepare for a job interview at HandPicked Hotels
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Front Office Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous management experiences, focusing on how you've motivated and developed your team members. Share specific examples of how you’ve successfully handled challenges in a leadership role.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Passion
Hand Picked Hotels values outstanding customer service. During the interview, highlight your commitment to creating memorable guest experiences. Share anecdotes that illustrate your ability to anticipate guests' needs and resolve issues effectively.
✨Understand Financials
The role requires a good understanding of business financials. Brush up on key concepts like labour costs, forecasting, and budgeting. Be ready to discuss how you've managed these aspects in previous roles and how you can apply this knowledge at Bailbrook House Hotel.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Company Culture
Research Hand Picked Hotels and their values. Understand their focus on individuality, care, and community. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to maintaining a positive and engaging workplace environment.