At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hotel operations, drive team development, and enhance guest experiences.
- Company: Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA, part of a global hospitality leader.
- Benefits: Career growth, exclusive perks, flexible pay, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Shape the future of hospitality in a booming destination with real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven hospitality leadership experience and strong food & beverage background.
- Other info: Dynamic role with progression potential to General Manager.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Take the Lead. Shape the Future. Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA is looking for an Operations Manager to drive success at the Mercure Bedford Centre Hotel—a property at the heart of a destination on the rise. This is your chance to step up, make an impact, and lead a hotel through an exciting transformation.
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.
Who We Are
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.
What’s In It For You
This is more than a role—it’s a launchpad for your career. You’ll join a global leader in hospitality with the resources and support to help you take the next big step. From industry-leading training and leadership development to opportunities for progression across some of the world’s most iconic brands, we’ll give you the tools to thrive. You’ll enjoy exclusive perks like discounted stays, generous food and beverage savings, and flexible pay options that put you in control and wellbeing support whenever you need it. At Aimbridge, we don’t just offer jobs—we create careers and experiences that matter.
Your Role: Make Every Day Count
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. This is a role with real progression potential, including stepping into General Manager responsibilities and influencing the future of the hotel.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a proven hospitality leader with experience at Head of Department level or above, ideally within a branded hotel or large venue. You’ll combine commercial acumen with operational expertise, confident in driving revenue, managing budgets, and improving efficiency without compromising quality. A strong background in food and beverage is a real advantage, as you’ll be unlocking its full potential in a market set for growth. Just as important are your leadership skills—you’ll inspire and motivate teams, coach talent, and create a culture of accountability and service excellence. If you’re ambitious, adaptable, and passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences while shaping the future of a hotel in a booming destination, we want to hear from you.
At Aimbridge, people are the heart of our business. We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has A Place to Grow.
Ready to take the next step and lead the future of hospitality in Bedford? Apply today.
Operations Manager employer: Aimbridge
Contact Detail:
Aimbridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the hospitality industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to former colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get that interview, let your passion for hospitality shine through. Share stories about your experiences and how you've made an impact in previous roles. Remember, they want to see the real you and how you can fit into their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Do your homework! Research Aimbridge Hospitality and the Mercure Bedford Centre Hotel before your interview. Understand their values, recent news, and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying—send a quick email to express your enthusiasm and keep your name fresh in their minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality: When writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to guest satisfaction and how you've made a difference in previous roles. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but a chance to make an impact.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Operations Manager role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with our needs, especially in food & beverage management and team leadership. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in this opportunity.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and potential contributions to the hotel.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Aimbridge and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aimbridge
✨Know Your Hotel and Its Vision
Before the interview, dive deep into the Mercure Bedford Centre Hotel's current operations and future plans. Understand the upcoming refurbishment and how it aligns with Aimbridge's vision. This will show your genuine interest and help you articulate how you can contribute to the hotel's transformation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully motivated teams in the past. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to inspire excellence and foster a culture of accountability. This is crucial for a role that demands strong team development and guest satisfaction.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Since the role involves driving revenue and managing budgets, come prepared with specific examples of how you've improved efficiency and maximised profitability in previous positions. Highlight any experience you have in food and beverage management, as this is a key focus for the hotel’s growth.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so think of insightful questions to ask about the hotel's future and the challenges it faces. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career aspirations. Ask about the support for leadership development and opportunities for progression within Aimbridge.