At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Trainee Manager Programme and gain hands-on experience in hospitality.
- Company: Hastings Hotels is a family-owned hotel group known for exceptional guest experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days holiday, employee discounts, free meals, and a tailored career path.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture that values your growth and creativity.
- Qualifications: Must have a professional appearance and GCSEs in English and Maths.
- Other info: Flexible shifts include evenings and weekends; travel across hotels may be required.
The predicted salary is between 19750 - 27000 £ per year.
Location: 1066 House, 587 Upper Newtownards Road
Hastings Hotels is a family-owned hotel group based in Northern Ireland, recognised as a leading name in the hospitality industry. We are celebrated 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 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.
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, enthusiasm 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.
- University diploma (Level 4 credit) through our bespoke Manager Ambassador Programme, delivered in partnership with Ulster University.
Contract Details
- £23,750 per annum
- 35hr contract per week (excluding breaks)
- Flexibility is essential - shifts will include evenings, weekends, and public holidays
- Willingness to travel – candidates must be open to working across different hotels within the Hastings group
Here Is What You Can Expect In Return
- 29 days holiday and your birthday off
- Cash and credit card tips
- Service charge shared across the team
- Employee discounts
- Free staff meals
The company reserves the right to apply enhanced short-listing criteria.
To find out more about Hastings Hotels and what our company offers please visit our careers page.
Hastings Hotels is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Recruitment Process
The recruitment process will have two stages - an initial screener interview and an assessment centre.
About The Role
What You’ll be Doing:
- Taking a hands-on, professional approach to your training, with a strong focus on delivering outstanding customer service in each department.
- Taking responsibility for your own development, continually building your knowledge and skills throughout each programme placement.
- Ensuring Hastings standards of service are understood and delivered consistently across all areas of the business.
- Supporting and motivating team members to foster a culture of excellence and exceptional customer service.
- Assisting operational managers in meeting departmental objectives and improving operational efficiency.
- Becoming fully conversant with our culture, working practices, and product knowledge to help create seamless experiences for guests.
Skills Needed
- Managerial / Operational, Servicing, Hospitality
About The Company
Hastings Hotels owns and operates six hotels in Northern Ireland, with over 1,000 bedrooms, one stand-alone grill bar/restaurant and a luxury spa. From city centre buzz to seaside resort, each outlet has a distinctive personality and market positioning. Over 50 years this family owned business has successfully earned its identity and in a crowded market place because we place quality at the heart of what we do. Quality in the design of our properties and their upkeep. Quality in the local sourcing of the food and drink we offer our guests. And quality in our people, people with personality, attention to detail, and a desire to develop their careers with us.
Company Culture
Our guests remember small details. The open fires in the front hall. The supremely comfy beds. The fabulous breakfast... and the interactions they had with our staff. It is more important that you have the correct behaviours and attitude than every last qualification... we can help you attain that. We place great attention on recruitment, induction, and integrating you into your department, your hotel, and the Group. We want you to think about how you want to develop your career with us, and we promise to do what we can to help you on that journey. As a result, we are proud to have some of the best staff retention levels in the hospitality industry.
Desired Criteria
- Experience in hospitality
- Hold a third level qualification
Required Criteria
- Must have a professional appearance
- Must have the right to work in the UK
- Educated to GCSE standard or equivalent with grades A-C in English and Maths
Closing Date: Sunday 6th July, 2025
Contract Type: fulltime
Salary: £23,750.00 Yearly
Trainee Manager employer: Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland
Contact Detail:
Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Hastings Hotels' values and culture. Understanding their commitment to exceptional guest experiences will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate that you're a good fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the hospitality industry, especially with those who have experience at Hastings Hotels. Engaging with current or former employees can provide valuable insights and potentially give you a referral, which can significantly boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the assessment centre by practising common scenarios you might face in a hospitality setting. This could include role-playing customer service situations or team-based tasks, as teamwork is highly valued in their training programme.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for hospitality during interviews. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for delivering outstanding service, as this aligns perfectly with what Hastings Hotels is looking for in a Trainee Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Company Culture: Familiarise yourself with Hastings Hotels' values and culture. Highlight your alignment with their commitment to excellence, integrity, innovation, teamwork, and passion in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to reflect relevant experience in hospitality and any managerial roles. Emphasise skills that demonstrate your ability to deliver outstanding customer service and work effectively in a team.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the Trainee Manager Programme. Share specific examples of how you embody the qualities they seek, such as motivation and creativity, and explain why you want to grow with Hastings Hotels.
Prepare for the Interview: Anticipate questions related to customer service scenarios and teamwork. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in hospitality and how they have prepared you for this role. Show your eagerness to learn and develop within the company.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland
✨Show Your Passion for Hospitality
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the hospitality industry during the interview. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to delivering exceptional guest service, as this aligns with Hastings Hotels' core values.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous jobs or projects. Highlight your ability to support and motivate team members, which is essential for fostering a culture of excellence.
✨Emphasise Your Integrity
Hastings Hotels values integrity highly, so be ready to talk about situations where you've acted with honesty and professionalism. This could include times when you faced challenges but chose to uphold ethical standards.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and customer service skills. Think about how you would handle various situations in a hotel environment, such as dealing with difficult guests or managing unexpected challenges.