At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hotel operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and seamless department management.
- Company: Crafted at Powdermills, a life-friendly hotel brand focused on nature and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and a fun work culture.
- Other info: Join us as we open new hotels and create memorable guest experiences.
- Why this job: Shape the future of hospitality while making a real impact in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in hotel operations and strong business acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re hiring people to craft our culture, ethos and success. This role defines how you spend your days, who you spend them with, and what your future looks like. It requires thoughtfulness, empathy and respect, as the challenges, opportunities, quirks, and impact are clearly outlined below. Crafted is a series of life‑friendly hotels and spaces that offer guests nature, food, wellbeing, craft, people and play. We are set to open several hotels, with the first arriving in summer 2025 at Crafted at Powdermills, East Sussex.
As Head of Hotel Operations you will work closely with the Managing Director, ensuring the seamless running of all departments, delivering exceptional guest experiences at every touchpoint and upholding brand standards across the entire estate.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as Deputy to the Managing Director in their absence.
- Oversee operational departments: Food & Beverage, Kitchen, Events, Front of House, Property/Maintenance.
- Lead and support departmental managers, championing technology to improve guest experience.
- Manage staffing processes for event staff: onboarding, training, development.
- Oversee Health & Safety, Compliance and IT functions.
- Foster a positive work culture that supports engagement, retention and professional growth.
- Oversee maintenance and property management of the 78‑acre estate, including kitchen garden and animals.
- Coordinate weekly and monthly operational team meetings with clear communication and follow‑up.
- Provide reporting to the MD: performance metrics, guest feedback, financial tracking, operational KPIs.
- Support strategic initiatives and guest experience improvements with the MD.
- Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures across all operational departments.
- Collaborate with finance on budgeting, forecasting and cost control.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance guest experience, team efficiency and profitability.
- Work closely with Sales & Marketing on site visits, VIP guests, trade representatives and new business conversion.
- Drive guest satisfaction: monitor service quality, respond to feedback, manage service recovery.
- Ensure flawless delivery of confirmed events with the Events team.
- Maintain up‑to‑date licensing, insurance and regulatory documents.
- Provide hands‑on operational support during peak periods or where coverage is required.
- Maintain Crafted brand presentation standards across all hotel and grounds areas.
Qualifications
- Proven leadership experience in hotel operations and revenue management.
- Calm and focused under pressure.
- Available to work evenings and weekends.
- Strong business acumen.
- Proactive, practical and highly organised.
- Strong leadership skills to develop and guide a team.
- Strong budget management skills to control costs and optimise resources.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
Values
- Enjoy it: work should be fun; humming, moving with music is welcome.
- Own it: take responsibility for outcomes and improve continuously.
- Improve it: seek feedback, be curious, and grow.
Note: positive Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles are integrated across these three values.
Seniority level: Executive
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing; Industries: Hospitality
Head of Hotel Operations in Battle employer: Crafted
At Crafted, we believe in hiring individuals who are passionate about shaping our culture and success. Located in the beautiful East Sussex, our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance while fostering an inclusive and agile environment where creativity thrives. As Head of Marketing, you'll have the unique opportunity to lead innovative campaigns and grow alongside our expanding portfolio, all while contributing to a workplace that values teamwork, personal growth, and a genuine connection with our guests.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Hotel Operations in Battle
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Crafted. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Crafted
Don't be shy about reaching out to Crafted directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Hotel Operations in Battle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Crafted and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crafted
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
