At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a dynamic hospitality portfolio, ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
- Company: Join RBH, one of the Top 30 Best Places to Work in Hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and discounts for you and your friends.
- Other info: Exceptional career growth opportunities and a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of hospitality with exciting openings and a vibrant team culture.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in hospitality and a strong commercial mindset.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At RBH, we believe our people are our biggest assets. Our approach to diversity in the workplace, health & wellbeing, sustainability, and individuality sets us apart from our competitors and is one of the reasons we are proudly recognised as one of the Top 30 Best Places to Work in Hospitality. We don’t just offer jobs, we offer opportunities to grow, succeed, and be part of a team that’s redefining what it means to work in hospitality. Join us and discover why our people are at the heart of everything we do.
We are seeking an exceptional Cluster General Manager to lead an exciting hospitality portfolio comprising the successful Holiday Inn Express Barrow-in-Furness and the highly anticipated Garner Hotel Barrow-in-Furness opening in 2027, including the renowned Francesca’s Italian Restaurant. This is a truly career-defining opportunity, offering the rare chance to oversee an established IHG hotel, lead the opening of a brand-new hotel, and drive the success of one of the area's most popular dining destinations.
For an ambitious and commercially minded hospitality leader, opportunities of this scale and variety are exceptionally rare. You will have the autonomy to shape the future of this growing portfolio whilst being supported by one of the UK's leading hotel management companies and the global strength of IHG.
Where will you work:
- Holiday Inn Express Barrow-in-Furness: Located in the heart of Barrow-in-Furness, this modern and welcoming hotel features 127 contemporary guest rooms, meeting facilities, complimentary Express Start Breakfast, and a vibrant public area. The hotel benefits from strong corporate and leisure demand and has established itself as a leading hotel within the local market.
- Garner Hotel Barrow-in-Furness – Opening 2027: A significant new addition to the Barrow hospitality landscape, scheduled to open in 2027 as part of the rapidly growing Garner by IHG brand. This is a rare opportunity to leave a lasting legacy through the opening of a new hotel and the creation of a high-performing team from day one.
- Francesca’s Italian Restaurant: Alongside the hotel portfolio, you will also oversee Francesca’s, widely regarded as one of Barrow's favourite Italian restaurants. Known for its authentic cuisine, loyal customer following, and strong reputation within the local community, Francesca’s has become a true destination dining venue.
THE ROLE
As Cluster General Manager, you will hold overall responsibility for the operational, financial, and commercial success of the portfolio. Reporting into RBH's senior operations team, you will provide strategic leadership across the hotels and restaurant whilst ensuring delivery of exceptional guest experiences, strong employee engagement, and sustainable financial performance. You will have direct responsibility for leading the established Holiday Inn Express operation whilst simultaneously supporting the development and launch of Garner Hotel Barrow-in-Furness, making this one of the most exciting opportunities within the RBH portfolio.
YOUR IMPACT
- Lead Outstanding Hospitality Operations: Deliver outstanding financial, operational, and guest satisfaction results across the portfolio. Ensure brand compliance and operational excellence across both IHG hotels. Drive a culture focused on service excellence and continuous improvement. Maintain the highest standards of quality, safety, and guest experience.
- Lead a Hotel Opening Project: Play a key role in the opening and mobilisation of Garner Hotel Barrow-in-Furness. Support pre-opening planning, recruitment, colleague onboarding, and operational readiness. Build and develop a high-performing opening team. Establish the culture, standards, and reputation of the hotel from launch.
- Drive Commercial Performance: Lead commercial and operational strategies to maximise revenue, profitability, and market share. Work collaboratively with Revenue, Sales, Marketing, and Finance teams. Identify and capitalise on new business opportunities across all market segments. Deliver strong owner returns through effective financial and commercial leadership.
- Develop People & Culture: Recruit, inspire, and develop high-performing teams. Drive engagement, retention, and succession planning across the portfolio. Create a culture of learning, development, accountability, and recognition. Lead by example, embedding RBH's values in everything you do.
- Build Strong Stakeholder Relationships: Act as the ambassador for RBH, IHG, and the portfolio within the local community. Develop meaningful relationships with owners, local businesses, corporate partners, and stakeholders. Collaborate with RBH teams to share best practice, implement initiatives, and drive continuous improvement.
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU
We are looking for a highly motivated hospitality leader who combines commercial expertise with exceptional people leadership. You will bring:
- Proven experience as a General Manager, Cluster General Manager, or senior hotel leader within a branded hospitality environment.
- A strong commercial mindset and track record of driving revenue growth and profitability.
- Experience leading multi-site operations or large, complex hospitality businesses.
- Excellent understanding of hotel operations, including Rooms, Food & Beverage, and Commercial functions.
- Outstanding leadership and communication skills with the ability to inspire and engage teams.
- Strong stakeholder management skills and experience working with owners and investors.
- Strong financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and P&L expertise.
- Experience working within branded hotel environments; IHG experience would be advantageous.
- The resilience, adaptability, and ambition required to lead through growth and change.
WHAT WE OFFER
You will have access to a benefits package we believe truly works for our people:
- Competitive salary and bonus opportunity.
- Discounted hotel room rates for you and your friends & family.
- An extra day's holiday for your birthday.
- Enhanced Maternity, Adoption & Shared Parental Leave.
- 30% Food & Beverage discount at participating RBH hotels.
- Pension scheme.
- Refer a Friend Scheme.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Wagestream – choose how and when you get paid.
- Life Insurance.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Social and wellbeing events throughout the year.
- Free meals on duty.
- Exceptional development and career progression opportunities within RBH.
RBH Hospitality Management is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. If at any point throughout our recruitment process you require reasonable adjustments, please let us know.
General Manager employer: Holiday Inn Express Barrow in Furness
At RBH, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant work culture that prioritises the wellbeing and growth of our employees. As a Cluster General Manager, you will benefit from our commitment to diversity, sustainability, and individual recognition, all while working in an environment celebrated as one of the Top 30 Best Places to Work in Hospitality. Join us to not only advance your career but also to be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your professional journey.
Contact Details:
Holiday Inn Express Barrow in Furness Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager
✨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 Holiday Inn Express Barrow in Furness. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Holiday Inn Express Barrow in Furness
Don't be shy about reaching out to Holiday Inn Express Barrow in Furness 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
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 Holiday Inn Express Barrow in Furness 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 Holiday Inn Express Barrow in Furness
✨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!
