At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead guest relations and create memorable experiences for visitors at a beautiful Abbey.
- Company: Join the UK's largest Benedictine Monastic Community in a stunning location.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension, free lunch, and discounts on-site.
- Other info: Work in a peaceful environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a welcoming team that values hospitality and community spirit.
- Qualifications: Previous experience in guest relations and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 33000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £33,000 per annum
Hours: Full time 40 hours per week, 5 days over 7 to include weekends and bank holidays
Based at YO62
Line Manager: Head of Guest Operations
Key relationships: The Monastery Lead for Hospitality
Line management of: 2 x Retreat Coordinators, 1 x Event Coordinator, Volunteers within Retreats & Events
Closing date: Wednesday 29th July 2026 (may close sooner depending on volume of applicants)
About us: We are home to the UKs largest Benedictine Monastic Community, rooted in the Rule of St Benedict, whose mission is to seek God through prayer and service, and to invite others to experience faith in action. Located in the Howardian Hills north of York, the Abbey sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and welcomes thousands of visitors each year to its Retreat Centre, Visitor Centre, Shop and Tea Room. The Trust is a registered charity, working alongside the Monastic Community to support its mission.
Supporting the Monastic Community's charism of Welcome and Hospitality, the Guest Relations Manager oversees, facilitates and delivers full-service support from an initial enquiry to the conclusion of a visit, providing excellent guest service for all retreatants, visitors, groups and for guests on tours and commercial events, while delivering on the aims of high occupancy, seamless coordination, excellent guest service and maximising revenue across all guest experiences.
If you enjoy working in a friendly peaceful atmosphere, meeting new people, being part of a hardworking team then this is perfect for you!
Core to this role is the delivery of a guest and hospitality experience commensurate with the aims of the Benedictine Community. The main responsibilities are as follows but are not limited to:
- Guest Relations and Front of House for the Trust
- Provide a first point of Benedictine welcome to all guests, visitors and enquirers.
- Working closely with the Monastic Lead, manage and implement the annual programme of retreats.
- Manage all guest bookings for retreat guests, group tours, day visitors, conferences and events.
- Oversee guest arrivals, check-in/check-out processes.
- Act as the senior point of escalation for guest complaints and service recovery, resolving issues swiftly and to the guests satisfaction.
- Team Leadership & Management
- Set the standard, lead and motivate the Coordination team in the provision of a professional and excellent Benedictine guest experience.
- Conduct regular performance reviews to develop the skills and personal development of the Coordination team members.
- Lead or arrange training for team members, appropriate to their role.
- Reservations & Revenue Management
- Manage the booking calendar for the Trust.
- Oversee all individual and group retreat reservations.
- Handle complex customer enquiries and escalations efficiently.
- Conferences, Concerts & Events Management
- Serve as the primary contact for all external hire arrangements.
- Negotiate contracts, rates and terms for corporate conferences and events.
- Customer Experience & Quality Control
- Create a warm, welcoming, professional Benedictine guest experience for all guests.
- Identify opportunities, including via guest feedback, to elevate service standards and enhance the guest experience.
About You:
- Previous experience in a similar role
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Excellent guest service and communication abilities
- Good organisational skills with excellent attention to detail
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Own transport required
- Experience working in a heritage, visitor attraction, or faith-based setting
- Calm, approachable, and professional manner
Working Conditions: Includes weekends, bank holidays, and occasional events. Fast-paced environment during peak visitor seasons.
Benefits: Up to 8% employer-matched pension, Life assurance, Free lunch during working hours, Free on-site parking, 20% discount at the Tea room and Abbey Shop, Cycle to Work Scheme, Christmas Closure, Historic Houses and Yorkshire Great Houses, Castles and Gardens passes to borrow, Employee Assistance programme, Retail savings platform, 50% discount on fitness suite, swimming and other activities at St Albans Centre.
The Trust is committed to the highest standards of safeguarding. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Interested? If you feel that you possess the relevant skills and experience, then please submit your CV for review.
Retreat and Guest Relations Manager in York employer: MindMatch
Selwood Housing is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a supportive team environment where collaboration and knowledge sharing are key. With a commitment to inclusivity and a range of benefits including competitive salaries, flexible working opportunities, and ongoing training, you will not only gain hands-on experience as an Apprentice Electrician but also build a rewarding career in a respected trade within a growing not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing affordable housing in the Southwest.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retreat and Guest Relations Manager in York
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We think you need these skills to ace Retreat and Guest Relations Manager in York
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.
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How to prepare for a job interview at MindMatch
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✨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!
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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!'
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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!
