General Manager in Exeter

General Manager in Exeter

Exeter Full-Time 37800 - 46200 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to create unforgettable holiday experiences.
  • Company: Family-owned holiday park with a focus on growth and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, and live-in accommodation.
  • Other info: Opportunity to influence business direction and develop your own team.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact and shape the future of a thriving holiday park.
  • Qualifications: Strong leadership experience in hospitality and a passion for guest satisfaction.

The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.

An exciting opportunity to lead, grow and make a real difference

We are looking for an exceptional General Manager to lead one of our holiday parks and play a key role in the continued growth of our family-owned and run holiday park business.

This is much more than a traditional park management role.

We are looking for a dynamic, commercially minded and forward-thinking leader who can inspire an established team, deliver an outstanding experience for our guests and take genuine ownership of the performance of the park.

As General Manager, you will effectively run the park as your own business.

You will have responsibility for its people, guest experience, operational standards and commercial performance, with the freedom and support to identify opportunities, make improvements and drive profitable growth.

Being family owned means we can make decisions quickly, listen to good ideas and give our managers the opportunity to have a real influence on the business.

The role

You will provide visible, hands-on leadership across all areas of the park, creating a culture where high standards, commercial awareness and excellent customer service become everyone's responsibility.

Your responsibilities will include

  • Leading, motivating and developing an established team, creating a positive, high-performance culture.
  • Taking full ownership of the park's revenue, profitability and overall financial performance.
  • Delivering an excellent guest experience and ensuring consistently high standards throughout the customer journey.
  • Maintaining outstanding standards across accommodation, grounds, facilities, housekeeping, maintenance, food & beverage and leisure operations.
  • Developing and retaining talented people, ensuring managers and team members understand what is expected of them and are supported to succeed.
  • Managing payroll and other operating costs effectively without compromising the guest experience.
  • Setting clear objectives for departmental managers and holding the team accountable for delivery.
  • Using guest feedback, commercial information and operational data to continually improve the park.
  • Ensuring the park operates safely and complies with all relevant health & safety, licensing and company requirements.
  • Building strong relationships with owners, guests, suppliers and the local community.
  • Working closely with the Directors and wider senior management team, contributing ideas and sharing best practice across the business.
  • Who we're looking for
  • We want a General Manager who will look at the park and constantly ask:

How can we make this better? How can we grow? How can we give our guests an even better experience?

You will ideally have

  • Strong leadership experience within holiday parks, hotels, leisure or hospitality.
  • A proven ability to lead, engage and inspire teams.
  • Experience managing budgets and delivering against financial targets.
  • High personal standards and strong attention to detail.
  • A hands-on leadership style and the willingness to be visible around the business.
  • Excellent communication and people-management skills.
  • The ability to remain calm, decisive and solutions-focused in a fast-moving seasonal business.
  • A genuine passion for hospitality and creating memorable holidays for our guests.

Why join us?

We are a family-owned and family-run business, and that makes us different.

Our General Managers aren't simply there to implement instructions from head office.

We want them to think commercially, bring forward ideas and take genuine ownership of their park.

You'll have the opportunity to

  • Lead an established park and team with significant potential.
  • Have a real influence over the direction and performance of the business.
  • Work directly with senior management and the owners of the company.
  • Make decisions and see the results of those decisions quickly.
  • Develop your own team and create a park culture you are proud of.
  • Be part of an ambitious business focused on improving, investing and growing.

For the right person, this is an opportunity to put your own stamp on a holiday park, lead a great team and directly influence its future success.

Competitive salary package plus bonus scheme and live-in accommodation.

The role will be based in the South West of England.

Interested?

If you're an energetic and commercially driven leader who enjoys developing people, improving businesses and delivering exceptional guest experiences, we'd love to hear from you.

Please send your cv and introductory email to

General Manager in Exeter employer: John Fowler Holidays Ltd

At John Fowler Holidays, we pride ourselves on being a family-run business that values innovation and teamwork. As a Web Developer in our Barnstaple head office, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture with ongoing training and development opportunities, alongside benefits like 25 days of paid annual leave and discounted stays at our beautiful holiday parks. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a modern working environment in a picturesque location.

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Contact Details:

John Fowler Holidays Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land General Manager in Exeter

✨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 John Fowler Holidays Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

✨Reach Out Directly to John Fowler Holidays Ltd

Don't be shy about reaching out to John Fowler Holidays Ltd 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 in Exeter

Leadership Skills
Team Development
Financial Management
Guest Experience Management
Operational Standards Maintenance
Budget Management
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 John Fowler Holidays Ltd 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 John Fowler Holidays Ltd

✨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!