At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a luxury estate, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and a supportive team culture.
- Company: Dunskey Estate, a stunning family-run luxury destination in rural Scotland.
- Benefits: Generous salary, performance bonuses, accommodation options, and a balanced working environment.
- Other info: Enjoy a unique lifestyle in a picturesque location with significant career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape memorable experiences in a beautiful setting while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in luxury hospitality management with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Lead a people‑first luxury estate known for exceptional guest experiences and an outstanding team culture.
ABOUT DUNSKEY ESTATE
Dunskey Estate is a 2,000‑acre, family‑run luxury destination on Scotland’s southwest coast. With an Edwardian castle, 13 high‑end lodges, award‑winning gardens, private beaches, and miles of woodland trails, it has become one of Scotland’s most distinctive venues for weddings, retreats, and luxury self‑catering stays. Dunskey is widely recognised not only for exceptional guest experiences, but for something far less common in hospitality: a supportive, respectful, long‑standing team culture. Staff stay because they are valued, well led, and given positive opportunities to grow. Compensation is above industry standards, workloads are organised sensibly, and the resulting environment is known as a place where people enjoy coming to work.
THE ROLE
Dunskey Estate is hiring a General Manager to oversee the estate’s two core businesses:
- Events: Up to 25 bespoke weddings, retreats, and celebrations each year (May–October), primarily for international clients.
- Luxury Self‑Catering Lodges: Thirteen beautifully designed properties operating year‑round, offering privacy, independence, and a high level of comfort.
The GM will have full operational authority for day‑to‑day decisions, budgets within agreed parameters, and team leadership, working in close partnership with the owners on strategic direction. This is an on‑site role in rural southwest Scotland.
AIMS OF THE ROLE
Internal Aims: Leading a Motivated, Supported Team
The GM protects and strengthens Dunskey’s employee‑focused culture by:
- Creating a fair, respectful, and collaborative working environment
- Maintaining reasonable workloads and clear communication across departments
- Leading with calm authority and setting high, consistent standards
- Developing staff through training, encouragement, and structured progression
- Promoting teamwork between events, kitchens, housekeeping, and maintenance
- Ensuring stable staffing levels and reliable scheduling
- Using clear procedures and modern systems to reduce stress and confusion
- Maintaining strong financial control and transparency
- Ensuring all health & safety, food hygiene and compliance standards are met
The GM ensures Dunskey continues to deliver reliable and memorable stays by:
- Upholding luxury standards across events and lodges
- Being a composed, capable point of contact for couples, families, and retreat hosts
- Anticipating needs and resolving issues quickly and professionally
- Ensuring guest journeys are smooth, thoughtful, and consistent
- Building trust that leads to repeat bookings and referrals
- Maintaining the estate’s reputation for warm and attentive service
WHY THIS ROLE IS UNIQUE
A Sustainable Approach to Hospitality
- Maximum 25 events per year ensuring quality over volume
- Predictable annual calendar
- No Christmas trading
- Genuine off‑season for planning, improvements, and rest
- Typical 45–50 hours per week across the year
Employee‑Focused Culture
- A loyal, long‑standing team who stay because they are treated well and with respect
- Staff wellbeing, retention and pride in their work are treated as operational priorities, not secondary concerns
- Owners who lead by example and work collaboratively
- A kitchen run on professionalism, accuracy, and calm rather than pressure
Modern Operations
- A custom Monday.com system integrating CRM, operations, finance, and scheduling
- Clear workflows and real‑time information
- Reduced duplication, clearer communication, and fewer points of failure
Growth and Innovation
- New lodges, wellness features and upgraded infrastructure planned
- Opportunity to shape new guest experiences and strengthen operational foundations
- Room to introduce new ideas and refine current processes
- New ideas and thoughtful challenge are actively encouraged
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Team & Culture
- Lead, support and develop staff across all departments
- Promote a positive, respectful, and reliable team ethos
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training and performance reviews
- Maintain strong internal communication and departmental alignment
Operations
- Oversee daily delivery of events and lodge operations
- Ensure consistent presentation, cleanliness, and maintenance standards
- Coordinate scheduling, rotas and logistical planning
- Manage suppliers, procurement and inventory
Guest Experience
- Ensure every event and stay meets Dunskey’s standards
- Build strong rapport with clients and host families
- Respond to concerns promptly and with professionalism
- Conduct regular inspections and quality audits
Finance & Planning
- Monitor budgets, costs and P&L
- Analyse occupancy, bookings and revenue trends
- Provide monthly and quarterly performance updates
- Support pricing and commercial decision‑making
Compliance & Risk
- Oversee health & safety, food hygiene and licensing
- Maintain up‑to‑date records and risk assessments
- Ensure emergency and incident procedures are understood and followed
- Contribute to long‑term planning and new project development
- Improve workflows, systems and processes across the estate
- Support sustainability efforts and community relationships
- Champion responsible land use and sustainability in line with the long‑term stewardship of the estate
WHAT YOU WILL BRING
- A high level of discretion and professionalism when working with private clients and high‑profile events
- 5–10 years’ management experience in luxury hospitality
- A proven ability to lead, mentor and retain teams
- Calm, confident, well‑structured leadership
- Strong understanding of the highest guest expectations in a luxury setting
- Competence with systems, CRM tools and data‑informed decision making
- Solid financial capability (budgeting, reporting, forecasting)
- Strong judgement and communication skills
Highly Valued
- Experience with both events and accommodation
- Familiarity with Monday.com or similar platforms
- Background in destination weddings, retreats, or private estates
- Understanding of rural hospitality and remote‑team management
- Ability to create a stable, engaged and long‑term workforce
PACKAGE AND BENEFITS
This role is based on site in rural southwest Scotland and best suits someone, or a couple/family, comfortable with remote living and close involvement in the local community.
- Generous salary dependent on experience
- 10–20% of basic annual salary performance bonus
- Pension contribution (3–5%)
- Accommodation (two or three bed flat/house on site) or housing allowance available
- Supportive, balanced working environment
- Christmas period off
- Stunning place to live and work with significant career progression
FURTHER INFORMATION AND APPLICATION
Please send your CV and covering letter to Katharine Landale, Bold New Recruitment katharine@boldnewrecruitment.co.uk stating why you feel you should be considered for this role. In this answer we would like you to outline the following:
- Why Dunskey appeals to you and your interest in rural Scotland
- Your relevant operational and team leadership experience
- An example of how you have built or enhanced a positive team culture
- How you have used data or processes to improve performance
- One new idea you would bring to the role
Dunskey Estate is committed to inclusive, respectful employment and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
General Manager in Stranraer employer: Dunskey Estate
Dunskey Estate is an exceptional employer, offering a people-first culture that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional growth in a stunning rural setting. With competitive compensation, a supportive team environment, and opportunities for innovation, employees are valued and encouraged to thrive while delivering memorable guest experiences. The estate's commitment to quality over quantity ensures a balanced workload and a fulfilling work-life integration, making it a truly rewarding place to build a career in luxury hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Stranraer
✨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 hit up local meet-ups. 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 your personality during interviews! Dunskey Estate values a supportive team culture, so let your passion for hospitality shine through. Share stories that highlight your leadership style and how you’ve fostered positive team dynamics in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Research, research, research! Know everything about Dunskey Estate before your interview. Understand their values, guest experiences, and what makes them unique. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your answers to fit their culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Dunskey team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager in Stranraer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Dunskey:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Dunskey Estate shine through! Share why this unique luxury destination appeals to you and how it aligns with your values. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to lead our amazing team.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase your operational and team leadership experience clearly. We’re looking for someone who can lead with calm authority, so provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. This is your chance to show us what you bring to the table!
Culture Matters:Dunskey is all about a positive team culture, so don’t forget to include an example of how you’ve built or enhanced a supportive work environment in your previous roles. We want to know how you foster collaboration and respect among your team members.
Bring Your Ideas:We love fresh ideas! In your application, mention one new idea you would bring to the role. Whether it’s a new guest experience or a process improvement, we want to see your creativity and how you can contribute to our growth and innovation at Dunskey.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dunskey Estate
✨Know the Estate Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Dunskey Estate thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with its history, values, and unique offerings. Understanding the estate's commitment to exceptional guest experiences and a supportive team culture will help you align your answers with their ethos.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a General Manager, your leadership approach is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams in the past, particularly in luxury hospitality settings. Highlight your ability to create a positive work environment and how you've developed staff through training and encouragement.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since the role involves overseeing budgets and financial performance, brush up on your financial skills. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets, analysed revenue trends, and made data-informed decisions in previous roles. This will show that you can maintain strong financial control at Dunskey.
✨Bring Ideas for Innovation
Dunskey Estate values growth and innovation, so come prepared with fresh ideas. Think about how you could enhance guest experiences or improve operational processes. Sharing a new idea during your interview will demonstrate your proactive mindset and willingness to contribute to the estate's future.
