At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multiple hotel projects, improve performance, and shape operational excellence.
- Company: Rockingham Partners, a growing startup in hotel performance.
- Benefits: Remote work, travel opportunities, and personal development focus.
- Other info: Dynamic role with variety and growth potential in a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the hotel industry while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experienced hotel professional with strong operational and P&L understanding.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re growing again at Rockingham! We’re looking for a Director of Hotel Performance — someone ready to help us raise the bar across every property we manage. This isn’t a traditional GM or Operations role. It’s about leading multiple hotel projects, improving performance, and shaping operational excellence — for us, and for the independent hotels we support.
You’ll turn challenges into progress. Chaos into calm. Every week will look different: site visits, audits, coaching, and working directly with our leadership team to make sure every hotel delivers the Rockingham standard. You’ll work closely with our Director of Operations and the senior team, helping hotels improve profitability, service, and guest experience. It’s ideal for someone who’s been a successful General Manager and is now ready to step into a broader, multi-site leadership role. You don’t need to have all the answers — just the drive, commercial mindset, and practical leadership to make things happen.
At Rockingham Partners, we believe growth isn’t just about business. It’s personal too. We invest in our development, balance, and wellbeing — because the best results come from teams performing at their best. If you’re ready for variety, impact, and the next chapter in your hotel career — we’d love to hear from you.
Location: Remote with UK-wide travel (in or near Hampshire may be advantageous) Frequent travel
Reports to: Director of Operations
About the Role
This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who’s been a successful Hotel General Manager but is ready for something more varied. You’ll work across multiple client hotels (typically 5–8 live projects) to drive hotel performance, operational standards, solve problems, and deliver improvements – all while following the Rockingham Way. It’s practical, people-focused and ideal for someone who thrives on variety and making a tangible impact.
The Opportunity
- Lead operational delivery across multiple hotel projects, ensuring each follows our SOPs which you will help to design for future success.
- Visit sites weekly to audit, coach and support on-site hotel teams.
- Identify issues fast and implement effective fixes with tact and professionalism.
- Work closely with the Director of Operations to report performance and progress.
- Collaborate with hotel teams and owners to drive performance, guest experience and profitability.
What We’re Looking For
- Experienced hotel professional (Hotel GM or multi-site ops lead) with a strong understanding of hotel operations and P&L, and a genuine interest in the food and beverage experience would be an asset.
- Hands-on, commercially sharp, and great at problem solving.
- Comfortable managing multiple projects at pace and maintaining consistent standards.
- Happy to travel and adapt to new environments.
- Must be excellent at time management and managing client expectations.
Why Join Us
You’ll work directly with senior leadership, have variety every week, and help shape operational excellence across the business. It’s an ideal step for someone who loves the buzz of hotel life but wants to grow into a bigger operational role with real long-term potential within a growing startup in their second year.
Rockingham are independent hotel performance experts. We work with hospitality owners and investors to uncover hidden value and transform underperforming assets into thriving, financeable businesses. Our work blends deep financial expertise with real operational insight. We don’t sit in the background – we roll up our sleeves, work alongside our clients, and build the systems and disciplines that unlock growth. We also believe in self-development and balance. From high-performance coaching to physical fitness and mental wellbeing, our culture is about bringing out the best in ourselves – so we can bring out the best in others.
How to Apply
Send your CV and a short covering note to Louise at louise@rockinghampartners.uk. Tell us why this role excites you, and one thing you’ve done recently to grow – professionally or personally.
Rockingham Partners | Director of Hotel Performance in Southampton employer: Rockingham
At Rockingham Partners, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values personal and professional growth. Our dynamic work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing you to lead impactful hotel projects while enjoying the flexibility of remote work with UK-wide travel. With a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing and development, we provide unique opportunities for career advancement in a supportive environment that celebrates the buzz of hotel life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rockingham Partners | Director of Hotel Performance in Southampton
✨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 Rockingham. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Rockingham
Don't be shy about reaching out to Rockingham 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 Rockingham Partners | Director of Hotel Performance in Southampton
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 Rockingham 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 Rockingham
✨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!
