At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Trainee Manager Programme and gain hands-on experience in hospitality across various departments.
- Company: Hastings Hotels, a family-owned luxury hotel group in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 29 days holiday, free meals, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in hospitality with tailored mentorship and a University Diploma.
- Qualifications: Passion for hospitality, GCSEs in English and Maths, and a collaborative attitude.
The predicted salary is between 25160 - 25160 £ per year.
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 in early May 2026, followed by an assessment centre (date to be confirmed). Please note the recruitment process for the Trainee Manager Programme will be conducted in person at the Europa Hotel, Belfast City Centre.
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. In year two, 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 restaurant 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.
To 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:
Our guests remember the small details. 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
Trainee Manager Programme 2026 in Newtownabbey employer: Hastings Hotels Group Limited
Hastings Hotels is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees through a comprehensive Trainee Manager Programme, offering tailored mentorship and industry-leading training. With a strong commitment to fostering a collaborative and respectful work culture, employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and unique benefits such as free meals and employee discounts, all while working in the beautiful surroundings of Northern Ireland's luxury hospitality sector.
Contact Details:
Hastings Hotels Group Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Manager Programme 2026 in Newtownabbey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Hastings Hotels! Research their values and culture so you can show how you fit in. When you apply through our website, make sure to highlight your passion for hospitality and how you embody our commitment to excellence.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the Trainee Manager Programme. This insider info can give you an edge during interviews!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the assessment centre by practising common interview questions and role-play scenarios. Think about how you would handle guest complaints or support your team. Show us your problem-solving skills and teamwork spirit!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in the interviewers' minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for Hastings Hotels!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Manager Programme 2026 in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for hospitality and what makes you tick.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect how your skills and experiences align with our values at Hastings Hotels. Highlight your teamwork, integrity, and passion for delivering exceptional service!
Showcase Your Experience:Even if you’re new to the industry, share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your customer service skills or teamwork. We love seeing how you’ve contributed in past roles, no matter how big or small!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all the amazing talent we’re excited to meet.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hastings Hotels Group Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you research Hastings Hotels thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and what makes them stand out in the hospitality industry. This will help you align your answers with their expectations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for hospitality shine through. Share personal experiences that highlight your passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences. Whether it's a memorable interaction or a lesson learned, these stories can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Hastings Hotels values teamwork, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively in teams before. Think of examples where you supported colleagues or contributed to a group goal. This will show that you can thrive in a collaborative environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the Trainee Manager Programme or the company culture. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if Hastings Hotels is the right fit for you. Questions about mentorship opportunities or career progression can be particularly impactful.
