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- Tasks: Manage a youth hostel, ensuring excellent guest experiences and safety.
- Company: Join a non-profit charity dedicated to community and adventure in Scotland.
- Benefits: Live-in accommodation, competitive salary, pension, and employee support programme.
- Why this job: Be an ambassador for Scotland while enjoying outdoor adventures in a stunning location.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and team management in hospitality.
- Other info: Ideal for independent individuals who thrive in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Job Reference: GCDHM010
Position: Hostel Manager
Location: Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel, (IV21 2DJ)
Contract: Fixed Term Contract, 11/Mar/2026 until 25/Oct/2026
Hours Per Week: 40 hpw
Salary: Competitive
Accommodation: Live-in accommodation available (Note: a small weekly utility levy applies.)
Are you interested in running a youth hostel, with an adventurous spirit, to help our guests discover and experience the real Scotland through hostelling with us whilst you too can enjoy the buzz of the outdoors taking advantage of hillwalking, climbing and many other outdoor activities right on your doorstep and explore amazing surroundings in your spare time? With hostels at the foot of mountains, the banks of lochs or a stone's throw away from the beach each of our hostels offers something different.
As a non-profit charity with people and communities at our heart, we also give people, who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity, the chance of a well-needed break to explore and experience Scotland or to develop their skills for life, learning and work through our youth programmes. Working with Hostelling Scotland is more than just a job. Join our team to become an Ambassador for Scotland and make a difference!
We are currently seeking a self-motivated and enthusiastic individual with commitment to provide an excellent customer service at our Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel. On the outskirts of the small village of Gairloch renowned for its beaches, coastal setting. A remote location where a car is useful. Great access to fantastic hillwalking and wild swimming, road and mountain biking adventures. A small team where you will often work alone so suits an independent individual.
About the role:
- Reporting to our Operations Manager, you will provide professional, efficient and effective day-to-day business hostel management.
- Deliver high level of quality service and standard with the guest facility provision being welcoming, clean, comfortable, secure, safe, accessible and compliant, and maintained enhances guest experience and exceed their expectations, including dealing with direct guests feedback in a professional manner.
- Take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety and security of the guests and visitor at all times.
- Implement strategic and operational plans, development priorities, statutory compliance, risk assessments, policies and procedures to achieve Hostelling Scotland’s charitable aims and objectives.
Suitable applicant will have:
- Worked successfully in a customer facing role with experience of managing a small team in similar hospitality surroundings and commitment to excellent customer service.
- Excellent, confident communication skill, verbally and in writing, dealing with people at all levels.
- High degree of understanding of health and safety at work and practical experience of implementation, monitoring and developing best practice.
- Business acumen including financial and budget management.
- Excellent understanding of relevant data protection protocol.
- Understanding hostel asset management and contracts and contractor management.
- Flexible and adaptable approach to work to changing workload and priorities during busy times.
Additional Information:
- You must be able to present evidence of your right to work in the UK prior to start with us.
- You will also need to provide two satisfactory references and apply for a Basic Disclosure.
We can offer:
- Membership of Hostelling Scotland.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Pension and holidays.
- Uniform is provided.
How to apply:
If you would like to join us, please visit our website to learn about how we process job applicants information and apply.
Closing Date: 8th February 2026
Interview: W/c 8th and 16th February 2026
Please note: We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Hostel Manager employer: Hostelling Scotland Head Office
Contact Detail:
Hostelling Scotland Head Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Hostel Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the hostel scene! Before your interview, check out the Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel and its surroundings. Familiarise yourself with the local attractions and activities so you can chat about how you'd enhance guests' experiences.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your customer service skills! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond for guests in previous roles. We want to see that you’re passionate about creating memorable experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss health and safety! Since this role involves ensuring guest safety, brush up on relevant protocols and be prepared to talk about how you’ve implemented them in past positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the hostelling community.
We think you need these skills to ace Hostel Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hostelling: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for hostelling and the outdoors shine through. We want to see that adventurous spirit and how you can help our guests experience the real Scotland!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in customer service and team management. We’re looking for someone who can provide excellent service and manage a small team, so connect your past roles to what we do at Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, as we appreciate good communication skills both in writing and verbally.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following our process correctly. Plus, you can find more info about us there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hostelling Scotland Head Office
✨Know Your Hostel Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel thoroughly. Understand its unique features, the local area, and the types of guests it attracts. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and show that you're genuinely interested in providing an exceptional experience for visitors.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've excelled in customer service. Think about situations where you went above and beyond to meet a guest's needs or resolved a complaint effectively. This is crucial for a Hostel Manager role, so be ready to discuss how you can create a welcoming atmosphere.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
As you'll be managing a small team, it's important to convey your leadership style during the interview. Share specific instances where you've successfully led a team, managed conflicts, or motivated others. Highlight your ability to work independently while also fostering a collaborative environment.
✨Understand Health and Safety Protocols
Given the emphasis on health and safety in the job description, brush up on relevant regulations and best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented safety measures in previous roles and how you would ensure the well-being of guests at the hostel. This shows your commitment to maintaining a safe environment.
