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- Tasks: Manage a youth hostel, ensuring excellent guest experiences and smooth operations.
- Company: Join a non-profit charity dedicated to community and adventure in Scotland.
- Benefits: Live-in accommodation, competitive salary, pension, and employee assistance programme.
- Why this job: Be an ambassador for Scotland while enjoying outdoor adventures in beautiful Orkney.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality management and a passion for customer service.
- Other info: Small, friendly team with opportunities for personal growth and exploration.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Kirkwall Youth Hostel, Orkney, (KW15 1BB)
Contract: Fixed Term Contract, 11/Mar/2026 until 29/Sep/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 Kirkwall Youth Hostel. Gateway to exploring Orkney, located a short stroll from Kirkwall - the capital of the Orkney islands. Experience island life, lots to explore and experience wildlife, archaeology and festivals. A small friendly team. Accommodation available in shared staff house, with own bedroom. A small team in a busy hostel that would suit an independent and self-motivated 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.
- Enhance 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 visitors 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 skills, 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 through our website.
Closing Date: 30th January 2026
Interview: W/c 8th 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 in Kirkwall 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 in Kirkwall
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the hostel scene! Research the Kirkwall Youth Hostel and its surroundings. Understanding the local culture and what makes the hostel unique will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on social media or professional platforms. They can provide insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for customer service! Prepare examples of how you've gone above and beyond for guests in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to providing an excellent experience at the hostel.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the amazing opportunities we offer.
We think you need these skills to ace Hostel Manager in Kirkwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for hostelling and the outdoors shine through. We want to see that adventurous spirit and how it aligns with our mission to help guests discover Scotland!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in hospitality and customer service. We’re looking for someone who can manage a small team and provide excellent service, so be specific about your past roles and achievements.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Hostel Manager role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to process your information and keep everything organised. Plus, you’ll find more details about the role there too!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hostelling Scotland Head Office
✨Know Your Hostel Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research Kirkwall 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 excellent 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 will highlight your commitment to delivering high-quality service, which is crucial for this role.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership
Since you'll be managing a small team, be ready to discuss your leadership style. Share specific instances where you've successfully led a team, managed conflicts, or motivated others. This will reassure the interviewers that you can foster a positive work environment and maintain high standards.
✨Understand Health and Safety Protocols
Given the importance of health and safety in a hostel environment, 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 and staff at the hostel.
