At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the hostel's daily operations and ensure exceptional guest experiences.
- Company: Award-winning independent hostel in the stunning Lake District.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit share, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Live and work in a beautiful location with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of the hostel while enjoying outdoor adventures.
- Qualifications: Management experience in hospitality and a passion for customer service.
Elterwater Hostel is an award-winning independent hostel in the heart of the Lake District, offering high-quality accommodation and warm, personal hospitality to walkers, families, schools and groups. We are looking for an enthusiastic, hands-on Hostel Manager or Management Couple to lead the day-to-day operation of the hostel while helping drive its continued growth and success. This is a varied, hands-on leadership role combining operations, customer service, team management and business development.
Benefits for the General Manager include:
- Permanent full-time position (+/- 42.5 hours per week).
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience) and profit share opportunities.
- Opportunity to shape and grow the business alongside the Directors.
- A varied role with significant autonomy and responsibility.
- Supportive, friendly working environment.
- Recently rebuilt staff accommodation, offering the opportunity to live and work in the heart of the Lake District National Park with access to outstanding walking, cycling and outdoor activities.
Key Responsibilities of the General Manager:
- Oversee the day-to-day operation of the hostel, ensuring consistently high standards of guest service, cleanliness and hospitality.
- Lead, motivate and develop the hostel team, including recruitment, training, scheduling, performance management and regular team communication.
- Take a hands-on approach to hostel operations, supporting housekeeping, catering and front-of-house duties whenever required.
- Drive business growth by identifying new opportunities, developing group bookings, supporting marketing activities and helping implement business improvement initiatives.
- Manage bookings, guest communications, financial administration, supplier relationships and operational reporting.
- Oversee catering operations, including menu planning, food preparation, stock control, cost management and quality standards.
- Maintain the buildings, grounds and facilities, planning ongoing maintenance and continuous improvements.
- Ensure compliance with all legal, health and safety, safeguarding, fire safety and licensing requirements.
- Build positive relationships with guests, local organisations, tourism partners and the wider community while supporting the hostel's environmental and sustainability commitments.
Requirements of the General Manager:
- Has previous management experience in hospitality, tourism or a customer-focused environment.
- Is an approachable, organised and inspiring leader who enjoys developing high-performing teams.
- Delivers exceptional customer service and builds lasting guest relationships.
- Is commercially aware and able to contribute to business growth and financial performance.
- Is comfortable managing multiple priorities and solving problems proactively.
- Has strong administrative and IT skills, with experience using booking systems and Microsoft Office.
- Understands health and safety, compliance and food hygiene requirements (or is willing to undertake training).
- Is flexible and willing to work weekends and varied hours to meet the needs of the business.
- Shares our commitment to sustainability, community engagement and creating memorable guest experiences.
General Manager - Independent Hostel employer: Elterwater Independent Hostel Ltd
Elterwater Hostel is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a vibrant team in the stunning Lake District. With a supportive and friendly work culture, competitive salary, and profit share opportunities, you will have the autonomy to shape the business while enjoying access to breathtaking outdoor activities. Join us to grow your career in a role that values sustainability and community engagement, all within a recently rebuilt staff accommodation that feels like home.
Contact Details:
Elterwater Independent Hostel Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager - Independent Hostel
✨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 Elterwater Independent Hostel Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Elterwater Independent Hostel Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Elterwater Independent Hostel Ltd 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 General Manager - Independent Hostel
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 Elterwater Independent Hostel Ltd 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 Elterwater Independent Hostel Ltd
✨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!
