At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily hospitality operations and ensure exceptional guest experiences at a stunning estate.
- Company: Join Penicuik Estate, a historic 7,000-acre luxury destination in Scotland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential on-site accommodation, and a beautiful working environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow in a dynamic and prestigious hospitality environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team creating unforgettable experiences in a breathtaking setting.
- Qualifications: Senior hospitality experience in luxury settings and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Eden Scott is delighted to be working with
Penicuik Estate , a stunning 7,000-acre estate in Midlothian, cared for by the same family since 1654 and home to one of Scotland’s most original designed landscapes.
With a recent move into luxury hospitality, they are welcoming guests to Penicuik House, its cottages and houses, and its event spaces with the ambition to become one of Scotland’s most remarkable estate destinations, a place guests travel the world to experience.
They have now created a new role, that of
Hospitality Operations Manager this role will run the entire hospitality operation day to day: a boots-on-the-ground leader accountable for the whole guest, property and event experience across the estate, holding presentation and service to luxury exclusive use standards while protecting margin and the quality of the offer.
Key responsibilities of the role include
- Own the end-to-end operational delivery of every booking, from pre-arrival readiness through in-stay service to departure and post-event review.
- Own the operational delivery of events.
The sales team wins, contracts and holds the client relationship; from contract, through to delivery, with this role accountable for staffing, on-the-day execution and the post-event review across every event.
- Own the portfolio of guest activities and experiences, delivering it well with the team and the estate's partners, and growing it to create exceptional and unique guest experiences.
- Line manage the House Managers directly: recruit, induct and develop them, hold regular one-to-ones and reviews, and manage performance so each is trusted to run a shift to the estate's standard.
- Manage external delivery partners to the estate's service standard, holding them to agreed quality, presentation and turnaround expectations.
- Own the catering and food and beverage function day to day, working with the catering partner on service quality and the agreed commercial direction.
- Hold accountability for the standard to which every property interior and exterior, the grounds and the event spaces are presented before each arrival and event.
- Lead the guest-facing presentation and service delivered by this role's own
- Estate
Assistants: laying and resetting fires, carrying luggage, driving and welcoming guests, and the arrival and in-stay touches that make the experience, smartly presented as part of front-of-house.
- Coordinate housekeeping, the Estate Assistants and facilities effort so that turnarounds, event set-ups and arrivals run seamlessly, escalating to the Owner/Managing Director where cross-team priorities need resolving.
- Deliver the operation within agreed budgets, driving performance across revenue, cost and margin.
- Control operational labour, including event and casual staff, capturing actual cost against each event so margin is
- Make confident use of the estate's operational systems for bookings, property readiness and guest communication, keeping information accurate and using it to drive standards and accountability.
Key skills and experience required
- Senior operational hospitality experience at the luxury end, ideally in exclusive-use, private estate, boutique hotel, or high-end event environments, with a minimum
- of three years’ experience at a senior level.
- A genuine eye for presentation and service detail, with the standards to match a high-end private-hire offer.
- Proven team leadership: someone who builds, develops and brings the best out of a team, and who works alongside colleagues and suppliers as equals, warm and approachable.
- Strong commercial and financial literacy: comfortable working to budget and margin and understanding the link between operational delivery and the wider financial picture.
- Experience managing external suppliers to a quality standard.
- Hands-on and visible: willing to be on the floor, lead from the front and do whatever the guest experience requires.
- Full UK driving licence
This role offers an excellent salary within the range of £55,000 - £65,000 – this is negotiable depending on experience.
On-site accommodation may be available for the right candidate.
Eden Scott is dealing exclusively with Penicuik Estate on this vacancy so to be considered for this exciting opportunity at a truly beautiful location, please submit your CV online or to
Hospitality Operations Manager in Penicuik employer: Penicuik Estate
Penicuik Estate is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a stunning 7,000-acre estate steeped in history and natural beauty. With a commitment to luxury hospitality, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that values team development and excellence in service delivery. The role of Hospitality Operations Manager not only provides competitive remuneration but also the chance to lead a dedicated team in creating unforgettable guest experiences, all while enjoying the picturesque surroundings of Midlothian.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hospitality Operations Manager in Penicuik
✨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 Penicuik Estate. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Penicuik Estate
Don't be shy about reaching out to Penicuik Estate 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 Hospitality Operations Manager in Penicuik
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 Penicuik Estate 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 Penicuik Estate
✨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!
