Trainee Manager Programme 2026 JBLE1_NI in Belfast

Hastings Hotels is a family-owned luxury hotel group based in Northern Ireland, recognised as a leading name in the hospitality industry. We are known for delivering exceptional guest experiences and upholding a legacy of excellence across generations. At Hastings Hotels, we believe great hospitality starts with great people. We love welcoming new talent to our teams and are committed to supporting our employees through ongoing training, mentoring, and development that aligns with their career ambitions and helps them to achieve their goals.

Our Trainee Manager Programme is a two-year development journey designed for ambitious individuals eager to embrace our vision and values while gaining hands-on experience in a dynamic, guest-focused industry. Applications are now open for September 2026!

What we are looking for:

• Excellence: Motivated individuals who are driven and passionate about delivering an outstanding service to our guests.
• Integrity: Professionals who act with honesty and professionalism, serving as role models to their peers.
• Innovation: Creative thinkers who embrace new ideas and improvements.
• Teamwork: Enthusiastic team players who support and empower others.
• Passion: People who bring energy, drive, and pride to their work.

What You’ll Gain:

• Multi-departmental experience across our hotels, providing a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry.
• Tailored mentorship and industry-leading training to support your personal and professional growth.
• A customised career path designed to align with your long-term goals.
• A University Diploma (Level 4) through our bespoke programme delivered in partnership with Ulster University.

Employment Details:

• Fixed-term for 2 years, with the possibility of permanency.
• Start date of 1st September 2026.
• Full-time, 35 hours per week excluding breaks.
• Flexibility is essential. You will work on a rota basis and be available for evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required.
• Willingness to travel.
• A rotational programme, involving placements across our portfolio of properties.

Here is what you can expect in return:

• A competitive salary
• 29 days holiday plus an additional day’s leave for your birthday
• Cash and credit card tips
• Employee discounts
• Free staff meals

The company reserves the right to apply enhanced short-listing criteria. Hastings Hotels is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Recruitment Process:

A two-stage process beginning with a screener interview, followed by an assessment centre. Please note the recruitment process for the Trainee Manager Programme will be conducted in-person at the Stormont Hotel, Belfast.

About The Role:

The Trainee Manager Programme is an opportunity to work across many aspects of our hospitality business, by completing rotations in Food, Beverage, Housekeeping, Front Office, and Duty Management across our properties. From month 9, you will also benefit from additional placements with our Head Office Teams in Central Reservations, IT, and People & Culture.

Job Description:

• To complete your assigned series of rotations, starting with the core aspects of each role and department.
• To perform the operational tasks undertaken by our teams, before progressing.
• To support departmental managers in the delivery of exceptional experiences for our guests.
• To take responsibility for developing your knowledge and skills in each programme placement.
• To ensure that you are knowledgeable about the facilities and services within our hotels and are proactive in the sale of these to guests.
• To promote and contribute to a harmonious working environment where all employees are treated with respect and dignity.
• To ensure Hastings quality standards and procedures are fully understood and implemented.
• To ensure you assist guests with any reasonable request for hotel services.
• To ensure the service areas, fixtures, and equipment are properly maintained and presented to Hastings standards.
• To ensure a safe environment is maintained in compliance with health, safety, fire, hygiene, and security legislation and company policies and procedures.
• To ensure compliance with all matters relating to licensing laws, Customs and Excise Regulations, and all other relevant legislation.
• Any other duties as required by the management team.

In year two of the programme, it is expected you will be able to support with the management and motivation of employees through effective communication, training, and development, in accordance with company policies and relevant employment legislation, ensuring HR procedures are followed.

You will carry out the role of Duty Manager at your assigned property. To support the team with responding to queries and complaints, and finding the appropriate solution. To maintain effective communication and relationships with other hotel departments, to maintain an effective operation and ensure guest satisfaction.

Learning & Development:

You will engage fully in each rotation, building skills in our hospitality operations from entry level, through to supervisory and managerial roles. In year two of the programme, you will commit to completing our accredited qualification in partnership with Ulster University, covering leadership, KPIs, service excellence, change management, and team building. You will actively take responsibility for your personal learning, development, and reflection throughout the programme.

Required Criteria:

• The right to work in the UK
• A professional appearance
• A passion for hospitality and delivering memorable experiences
• Educated to Level 2 (GCSE) or the equivalent with grades A-C in English and Mathematics
• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring our standards of service and presentation are met
• A collaborative and positive attitude, with the ability to work well within a team to achieve success

Please Note: Whilst a driving licence is not a requirement of this role, you will need to ensure you have the ability to commute to our various locations across Northern Ireland.

Desired Criteria:

• Educated to Level 6 (Undergraduate Degree) or the equivalent in a relevant field e.g. Tourism and Hospitality Management
• Previous experience in hospitality

Skills Needed:

• Bar Service
• Food Service Skills
• Exceptional Customer Service Skills
• Developing Self
• Teamwork

About The Company:

Hastings Hotels owns and operates six hotels in Northern Ireland, with over 1,000 bedrooms, a stand-alone gastro-pub, and a luxury spa. For over 50 years this family-owned business has successfully established its identity in the market because we place quality and service at the heart of everything we do.

Company Culture:

It is more important that you have the correct behaviours and attitude than every last qualification. We place great attention on recruitment, induction, and integrating you into your department, your hotel, and the Group.

Company Benefits:

• Free staff meals
• Cash and credit card tips
• Employee discounts
• 29 days holiday plus your birthday
• Opportunities for career progression and development

Salary: Up to £25,160.00 per year