Cluster General Manager

Cluster General Manager

We are seeking an exceptional Cluster General Manager to lead an exciting hospitality portfolio comprising the successful Holiday Inn Express Barrow‑in‑Furness, the highly anticipated Garner Hotel Barrow‑in‑Furness opening in 2027 including city renowned Francesca’s Italian Restaurant.

This is a truly career defining opportunity, offering the rare chance to oversee an established IHG hotel, lead the opening of a brand‑new hotel, and drive the success of one of the area’s most popular dining destinations.

For an ambitious and commercially minded hospitality leader, opportunities of this scale and variety are exceptionally rare. You will have the autonomy to shape the future of this growing portfolio whilst being supported by one of the UK’s leading hotel management companies and the global strength of IHG.

Where Will You Work

• Holiday Inn Express Barrow‑in‑Furness – 127 contemporary guest rooms, meeting facilities, complimentary Express Start Breakfast, and a vibrant public area.
• Garner Hotel Barrow‑in‑Furness – Scheduled to open in 2027 as part of the rapidly growing Garner by IHG brand.
• Francesca’s Italian Restaurant – Widely regarded as one of Barrow’s favourite Italian restaurants, authentic cuisine, loyal customer following, and strong reputation within the local community.

The Role

As Cluster General Manager, you will hold overall responsibility for the operational, financial, and commercial success of the portfolio. Reporting into RBH’s senior operations team, you will provide strategic leadership across the hotels and restaurant whilst ensuring delivery of exceptional guest experiences, strong employee engagement, and sustainable financial performance. You will have direct responsibility for leading the established Holiday Inn Express operation whilst simultaneously supporting the development and launch of Garner Hotel Barrow‑in‑Furness.

Your Impact

Lead Outstanding Hospitality Operations

Deliver outstanding financial, operational, and guest satisfaction results across the portfolio. Ensure brand compliance and operational excellence across both IHG hotels. Drive a culture focused on service excellence and continuous improvement. Maintain the highest standards of quality, safety, and guest experience.

Lead a Hotel Opening Project

Play a key role in the opening and mobilisation of Garner Hotel Barrow‑in‑Furness. Support pre‑opening planning, recruitment, colleague onboarding, and operational readiness. Build and develop a high‑performing opening team. Establish the culture, standards, and reputation of the hotel from launch.

Drive Commercial Performance

Lead commercial and operational strategies to maximise revenue, profitability, and market share. Work collaboratively with Revenue, Sales, Marketing, and Finance teams. Identify and capitalise on new business opportunities across all market segments. Deliver strong owner returns through effective financial and commercial leadership.

Develop People & Culture

Recruit, inspire, and develop high‑performing teams. Drive engagement, retention, and succession planning across the portfolio. Create a culture of learning, development, accountability, and recognition. Lead by example, embedding RBH’s values in everything you do.

Build Strong Stakeholder Relationships

Act as the ambassador for RBH, IHG, and the portfolio within the local community. Develop meaningful relationships with owners, local businesses, corporate partners, and stakeholders. Collaborate with RBH teams to share best practice, implement initiatives, and drive continuous improvement.

What We Need From You

We are looking for a highly motivated hospitality leader who combines commercial expertise with exceptional people leadership.

You Will Bring

• Proven experience as a General Manager, Cluster General Manager, or senior hotel leader within a branded hospitality environment.
• A strong commercial mindset and track record of driving revenue growth and profitability.
• Experience leading multi‑site operations or large, complex hospitality businesses.
• Excellent understanding of hotel operations, including Rooms, Food & Beverage, and Commercial functions.
• Outstanding leadership and communication skills with the ability to inspire and engage teams.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and experience working with owners and investors.
• Strong financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and P&L expertise.
• Experience working within branded hotel environments; IHG experience would be advantageous.
• The resilience, adaptability, and ambition required to lead through growth and change.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and bonus opportunity.
• Discounted hotel room rates for you and your friends & family.
• An extra day's holiday for your birthday.
• Enhanced Maternity, Adoption & Shared Parental Leave.
• 30% Food & Beverage discount at participating RBH hotels.
• Pension scheme.
• Refer a Friend Scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Wagestream – choose how and when you get paid.
• Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Social and wellbeing events throughout the year.
• Free meals on duty.
• Exceptional development and career progression opportunities within RBH.
• …and much, much more.

Equal Opportunities

RBH Hospitality Management is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people‑first culture. If at any point throughout our recruitment process you require reasonable adjustments, please let us know.