At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hotel renovations and ensure top-notch maintenance for an exceptional guest experience.
- Company: Join Barons Eden, a luxury spa and hotel collection known for outstanding service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, discounts, wellness support, and a fun work environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours with excellent career development opportunities in a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transforming a luxury resort and enhancing guest experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in facilities management and a passion for high standards in hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Ardencote Manor, Warwickshire
About Us
Barons Eden is a collection of iconic spa and hotel destinations where exceptional service and luxurious experiences come to life. Ardencote Manor is a luxury countryside resort set in the heart of Warwickshire, renowned for its exceptional hospitality, award‑winning spa facilities, fine dining, and outstanding guest experiences. Currently closed as part of an exciting full‑site refurbishment, Ardencote Manor is investing in a significant transformation of its facilities, creating a fresh new chapter for both guests and employees alike.
About the Role
As Head of Facilities and Estates, you will play a vital role in planning, executing, and overseeing hotel renovations, upgrades, and maintenance projects, ensuring they are completed to the highest standard, on time, and within budget. You will lead all engineering operations across our hotel and spa, ensuring the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems are fully compliant, efficient, and reliable. This role carries responsibility for the overall maintenance and technical integrity of the property’s estate, grounds, and infrastructure, directly supporting an exceptional experience for both guests and staff.
A strong technical background, hands‑on approach, and passion for maintaining high‑quality facilities and grounds are essential to enhancing our estate and the overall guest journey.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintenance and Operations
- Overseeing the day‑to‑day maintenance and repair work of hotel and spa facilities, including guest rooms, spa areas, restaurants, public spaces, back‑of‑house areas, grounds, and biomass.
- Conducting regular inspections of the hotel and spa’s facilities and grounds to identify potential areas for improvement or necessary repairs.
- Evaluating the potential risks and challenges associated with each project, proactively identifying solutions to mitigate issues before they arise.
- Collaborating with the Spa Operations Team to support the operation and maintenance of specialised spa equipment, ensuring all facilities consistently meet safety, hygiene, and quality standards.
- Establishing clear performance metrics and service level agreements (SLAs) with contractors, ensuring that project work is completed to specification, fully compliant to regulations and RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement), delivered within agreed timelines, and aligned with negotiated costs.
- Identifying and implementing operational efficiencies within the department to enhance performance, reduce costs, and support overall service excellence.
- Team Management
- Leading, managing, and developing the maintenance and grounds team to ensure the safe and effective operation of all hotel and spa systems.
- Ensuring the maintenance and grounds team has the necessary skills, training, and resources to perform their duties effectively.
- Acting as the primary point of contact for all renovation and construction‑related inquiries, ensuring hotel management, department heads, and key stakeholders are kept informed on project progress, challenges, and achievements.
- Assessing training needs within the team and implementing appropriate development initiatives.
- Fostering a supportive and inclusive team culture by actively promoting mental health awareness and encouraging open, honest communication.
- Demonstrating a commitment to wellbeing by modelling a healthy work‑life balance and encouraging the same across the team.
- Promoting a culture of respect, inclusion, and emotional welfare where team members feel valued, listened to, and confident to raise concerns or ideas.
- Remaining attentive to signs of stress or burnout, offering appropriate support and guidance.
- Safety and Security
- Ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, building regulations, environmental regulations, and industry best practices.
- Participating in crisis management and emergency procedures to handle any engineering‑related issues efficiently.
- Prioritising safety and security in all aspects of the hotel and spa's operations.
- Implementing and maintaining safety protocols and procedures.
- Prioritising the guest experience during all renovation and maintenance activities.
- Coordinating works to minimise disruption, adapting schedules as needed.
- Planning and Scheduling
- Managing and scheduling preventive maintenance programs to reduce downtime and increase the longevity of hotel and spa assets.
- Developing and managing an annual maintenance budget, ensuring cost‑effective solutions for repairs and upgrades.
- Implementing energy‑saving initiatives and sustainability practices to reduce the hotel and spa’s environmental footprint.
- Monitoring ongoing costs and reporting any potential issues or budget adjustments to senior management in a timely manner.
- Quality Control and Asset Protection
- Maintaining oversight of the project’s timeline, ensuring that all phases are completed on schedule.
- Enforcing strict quality control measures, inspecting the work being completed to ensure it meets the hotel and spa’s high standards.
- Responding promptly to management requests related to maintenance or engineering issues.
- Maintaining relationships with contractors, suppliers, and service providers.
- Ensuring the protection of the hotel and spa's assets through proper maintenance and upkeep.
- Collecting feedback from key stakeholders and incorporating this into future project planning.
Personal Specification
Essential
- Have proven experience in facilities, engineering, or estate management, ideally within the hospitality or luxury property sector.
- Have excellent technical knowledge of building systems (M.E.P., HVAC, biomass, water treatment).
- Be a hands‑on leader with excellent planning, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
- Have a track record of managing refurbishment projects, budgets, and contractor relationships.
- Have a passion for high standards, safety, sustainability, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
- Be committed to team development, wellbeing, and inclusive leadership.
Additional Information
Full‑time – 45 hours per week
Salary: £55,000 – £60,000
Full flexibility required, as shifts will adapt based on team and business needs
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Complimentary Spa Day on work anniversaries at any of our company spas
- Access to the Employee Assistance Program
- 30% discount on overnight stays and spa days
- Discounts on food, drink and retail across our venues
- Pension scheme
- Free parking
- Refer‑a‑Friend scheme
- Excellent induction and training programme
- Perkbox online benefits and discounts
- Online doctor support (appointments/prescriptions)
- A fun, supportive and inclusive work environment with loads of development opportunities
Head of Facilities and Estates employer: Hiddenwell
Barons Eden is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture at the luxurious Ardencote Manor in Warwickshire. With a commitment to employee wellbeing and development, staff enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and unique perks such as complimentary spa days and discounts across venues. The ongoing refurbishment of the resort presents exciting opportunities for career growth in a supportive environment dedicated to delivering outstanding guest experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Facilities and Estates
✨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 Hiddenwell. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Hiddenwell
Don't be shy about reaching out to Hiddenwell 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 Head of Facilities and Estates
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 Hiddenwell 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 Hiddenwell
✨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!
