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- Tasks: Manage day-to-day hostel operations and enhance guest experiences in a stunning outdoor setting.
- Company: Join Hostelling Scotland, a non-profit charity dedicated to affordable travel and youth development.
- Benefits: Live-in accommodation, competitive salary, and the chance to enjoy outdoor adventures.
- Other info: Ideal for self-motivated individuals who thrive in independent roles with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Share the beauty of Scotland while helping others create unforgettable memories.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality, strong communication skills, and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Contract: Fixed Term Contract, Provisional start 16/Mar/2026 until 01/Nov/2026
Hours Per Week: 40hrs during summer season - Opportunity for winter hours – Will be discussed at interview
Accommodation: Live-in accommodation available (Note: a small weekly utility levy applies.)
Are you passionate about running a youth hostel and sharing the real Scotland with guests? Do you want to enjoy the great outdoors and take advantage of hillwalking, climbing, and other activities right on your doorstep? At Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel, you’ll have the opportunity to experience this while helping others discover Scotland.
As part of Hostelling Scotland, a non-profit charity, you will be contributing to our mission of providing affordable breaks for those who need it most, while also supporting youth programs aimed at developing life, learning, and work skills.
We’re looking for a self-motivated, enthusiastic individual to manage Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel, located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park with stunning views over the Corries. A car is recommended, as we are in a remote location. The area offers fantastic hillwalking, wild swimming, road and mountain biking adventures, and more. You’ll be part of a small team, often working independently, so this role is ideal for someone who thrives in such environments.
Some catering experience would be beneficial, as we cater for in-house guests and takeaways, always striving to deliver high-quality food and meet budgetary targets while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
Key Responsibilities- Managing the day-to-day operations of the hostel, ensuring smooth business management.
- Delivering excellent customer service by maintaining a welcoming, clean, safe, and accessible environment for guests.
- Enhancing guest experiences and addressing feedback professionally.
- Ensuring health, safety, and security standards are met for both guests and staff at all times.
- Implementing operational plans, risk assessments, policies, and procedures to achieve Hostelling Scotland’s charitable goals and KPIs.
- Proven experience in a customer-facing role, with experience managing a small team in a similar hospitality setting (or similar).
- A commitment to providing excellent customer service.
- Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) and the ability to engage with people at all levels.
- A solid understanding of health and safety at work, with practical experience in monitoring and improving best practices.
- Business acumen, including financial and budget management experience.
- A strong understanding of data protection protocols.
- Understanding of hostel asset management and managing contracts/contractors.
- Flexibility and adaptability, with shift work, particularly during busy periods.
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.
Please note: We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Hostel Manager - Cairngorm Lodge in Aviemore employer: Hostelling Scotland
Contact Detail:
Hostelling Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Hostel Manager - Cairngorm Lodge in Aviemore
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the hostel scene! Research Cairngorm Lodge and similar hostels to understand their vibe and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your approach and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with people in the hospitality industry, especially those who have worked in hostels. They can offer insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can enhance guest experiences at Cairngorm Lodge. Have some ideas ready to share that align with their mission of providing affordable breaks and supporting youth programmes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Cairngorm Lodge.
We think you need these skills to ace Hostel Manager - Cairngorm Lodge in Aviemore
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for running a youth hostel shine through. Share why you love the outdoors and how you can help guests discover the beauty of Scotland. We want to see your personality!
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 deliver excellent service, so connect your past roles to what we need at Cairngorm Lodge.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role. Remember, we appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hostelling Scotland
✨Know Your Hostel Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with its history, mission, and the unique experiences it offers. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you answer questions about how you can enhance guest experiences.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you delivered excellent customer service or resolved issues effectively. Highlighting your ability to maintain a welcoming environment and address feedback professionally will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Management Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience managing a small team in a hospitality setting. Share specific instances where you motivated your team, handled conflicts, or improved operational efficiency. This will illustrate your leadership skills and ability to thrive in a small team environment.
✨Understand Health and Safety Protocols
Brush up on health and safety standards relevant to the hospitality industry. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented these practices in previous roles. Showing that you prioritise safety for both guests and staff will be crucial in this role.