Senior Operations Manager - Holiday Lets, Autonomy & Growth

Senior Operations Manager - Holiday Lets, Autonomy & Growth

Full-Time 35000 - 37000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Job Search Place Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead daily operations of a growing holiday let portfolio and manage multiple teams.
  • Company: Join a dynamic holiday lettings organisation focused on growth and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, autonomy, and free car parking.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for progression and exposure to premium properties.
  • Why this job: Shape operational processes and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in operations management with strong leadership and organisational skills.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 37000 £ per year.

Location: St Andrews

Salary: £35k - £37k

Hours: Full Time Permanent

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and proactive professional to join a holiday lettings organisation as an Operations Manager, overseeing the day-to-day operational delivery of a growing holiday let portfolio. In this pivotal leadership role, you will take full ownership of operational performance, managing multiple teams including maintenance, housekeeping, and external contractors. This is a hands-on position suited to a commercially aware and highly organised individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You will work closely with the Commercial Manager to ensure operational efficiency, maintain property standards, and support business growth through continuous improvement and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Leading and managing all day-to-day operations across the holiday let portfolio
  • Overseeing and coordinating operational teams including maintenance, trades, cleaning, and laundry
  • Driving operational efficiency and identifying opportunities to improve processes and reduce costs
  • Implementing, managing, and optimising operational systems, workflows, and procedures
  • Monitoring property standards through regular inspections and ensuring issues are resolved promptly
  • Managing cleaning schedules, property turnaround times, and housekeeping standards
  • Coordinating and prioritising all maintenance activity with internal teams and external contractors
  • Ensuring compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements, including gas safety, fire safety, and PAT testing
  • Maintaining accurate operational records, reporting systems, and communication across teams
  • Acting as the main point of contact for operational queries from guests, property owners, and contractors
  • Supporting administration, stock control, supplier management, and operational reporting
  • Contributing to business planning, performance improvement, and operational strategy

About You

  • Proven experience in an operations management, property management, or hospitality leadership role
  • Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and coordinate multiple teams
  • Highly organised with excellent time management and the ability to manage competing priorities
  • Commercially aware with a strong understanding of operational performance and profitability
  • Confident decision-maker with the ability to work autonomously and resolve issues proactively
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with a client-focused approach
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards
  • Experience using property management or operational systems (e.g. Breezeway, Supercontrol)
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
  • Proactive, solutions-driven mindset with a focus on continuous improvement

Desirable

  • Experience within holiday lets or property management
  • Knowledge of compliance and safety requirements for short- and long-term lets
  • Experience with budgeting, cost control, or operational reporting

What's in It for You?

  • Opportunity to take on a senior operational leadership role within a growing business
  • Autonomy to shape and improve operational processes and systems
  • Collaborative and supportive working environment
  • Career development and progression opportunities
  • Exposure to a high-quality property portfolio and premium guest service delivery
  • Free car parking and access to a company car during working hours

Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age.

Senior Operations Manager - Holiday Lets, Autonomy & Growth employer: Job Search Place Limited

Join a dynamic holiday lettings organisation in St Andrews as a Senior Operations Manager, where you will enjoy a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and autonomy. With opportunities to shape operational processes and a commitment to high standards, this role offers a rewarding career path alongside benefits such as free car parking and access to a company car during working hours.

Job Search Place Limited

Contact Details:

Job Search Place Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Operations Manager - Holiday Lets, Autonomy & Growth

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!

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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 Job Search Place Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Job Search Place Limited

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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Operations Manager - Holiday Lets, Autonomy & Growth

Operations Management
Team Leadership
Time Management
Process Improvement
Property Management
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail

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 Job Search Place Limited 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 Job Search Place Limited

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!