At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily hotel operations and ensure an exceptional guest experience across a luxury estate.
- Company: Distinctive luxury country estate in Somerset with a strong identity.
- Benefits: £65,000 salary, bonus, spa access, estate dining, and relocation assistance.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and detail-oriented environment.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a unique hospitality environment and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven senior operational experience in luxury hotels and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 € per year.
Key Details
- Location: Castle Cary, Somerset, England
- Compensation: £65,000 per annum plus bonus and benefits package
- Reports to: General Manager
- Requirements: Full right to work in the United Kingdom
- Relocation: Required; relocation assistance available
- Note: A driving licence is recommended due to the estate’s rural location
Overview
Sataya is representing a highly regarded luxury country estate in Somerset, operating as one of the more distinctive hotel offerings in the UK market. The property holds 3 Michelin Keys and operates across two interconnected sites: a Grade II listed manor house with 23 bedrooms and a sensitively restored farmyard conversion with a further 17, giving a combined hotel operation of 40 rooms across multiple dining spaces, a spa and extensive estate grounds. The estate has a clear identity rooted in its land, its produce and the craftsmanship behind how it presents to guests. It is not a conventional hotel environment. The guest experience is shaped by the estate’s own farming, gardens and seasonal story, and every operational department is expected to reflect that. The Hotel Operations Manager sits at the centre of this, responsible for the day-to-day performance of the hotel across both properties. This is a hands-on senior leadership role with genuine accountability for standards, people and commercial performance. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership and head of department level teams across front of house, food and beverage, housekeeping and spa.
Scope of Role
- Operational Leadership & Team Management
- Oversee daily hotel operations across both properties, ensuring a seamless and consistent guest experience throughout
- Lead, develop and support heads of department across front of house, housekeeping, food and beverage and spa
- Champion a culture of high standards, accountability and genuine care for the guest
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding and ongoing team development across the hotel
- Act as a visible and senior operational presence across both sites
- Guest Experience & Service Standards
- Set and maintain the standard of guest experience across every touchpoint, from arrival through to departure
- Ensure the estate’s identity, centred around its produce, gardens and seasonal story, is consistently reflected in how guests are received and looked after
- Monitor guest feedback and lead structured improvement across all departments
- Support the delivery of exceptional food and beverage experiences, which sit at the heart of the estate’s offering
- Ensure consistency in presentation, cleanliness and atmosphere across both properties
- Commercial Performance & Operational Efficiency
- Manage budgets, labour planning and forecasting across hotel operations
- Take responsibility for financial performance within the hotel department and contribute to broader estate targets
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency without compromising on the quality of the experience
- Ensure full compliance with health, safety and regulatory requirements across the operation
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Proven senior operational experience within a luxury hotel, country house or estate environment
- A track record of leading multiple departments simultaneously, including food and beverage, housekeeping and front of house
- Commercially capable, with experience across budgeting, labour management and financial reporting
- Strong food and beverage knowledge and a genuine appreciation for high-end dining operations
- A hands-on leader who can hold standards and develop teams without losing the warmth that defines a guest-led environment
- Well-organised and resilient, with the ability to manage complexity across a busy multi-outlet operation
- Comfortable working in an environment with a strong identity and clear values, where the detail matters
- Eligible to work in the United Kingdom and willing to relocate to Somerset
Why Our Client
- One of the most distinctive luxury hospitality environments in the UK, with genuine critical acclaim and a strong, clear identity that sets it apart from conventional hotel operations
- A rare opportunity to take genuine senior ownership across a fully integrated, multi-site estate operation with real breadth and complexity
- A business that invests seriously in its people, its product and its physical environment, with the estate continuing to grow and evolve
- Strong benefits package including spa access, estate dining, generous leave and a relocation package for the right candidate
- The chance to work in an environment where the detail genuinely matters and where operational excellence is valued at every level of the business
This represents a confidential search conducted on behalf of our client. Given the nature of the property and the seniority of the hire, further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates only.
Hotel Operations Manager employer: Sataya
Join a highly regarded luxury country estate in Somerset, where you will be at the forefront of delivering exceptional guest experiences in a unique and beautifully crafted environment. With a strong commitment to employee development, a generous benefits package including spa access and estate dining, and the opportunity to lead a dedicated team across multiple departments, this role offers a rewarding career path in a distinctive hospitality setting that values operational excellence and attention to detail.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hotel Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend hospitality events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Hotel Operations Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality in interviews! This role is all about guest experience, so let your passion for hospitality shine through. Share stories that highlight your leadership skills and how you've created memorable experiences for guests.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the estate thoroughly before your interview. Understand its unique identity and values, and think about how you can contribute to its vision. Tailoring your approach will show you're genuinely interested and ready to make an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates who fit the bill for roles like this one.
We think you need these skills to ace Hotel Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When writing your application, let your love for the hospitality industry shine through. We want to see how your experiences align with our values and the unique identity of the estate. Share specific examples that highlight your commitment to guest satisfaction and operational excellence.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your relevant experience in luxury hotel operations and leadership. We’re looking for someone who can manage multiple departments, so be sure to showcase your skills in team management and operational efficiency.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application reaches us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for the position and the estate itself. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sataya
✨Know the Estate Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the estate's history, values, and unique offerings. Understand how its identity is shaped by its produce and gardens, as this will help you align your vision with theirs during the conversation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your approach to team management and operational leadership. Share specific examples of how you've developed teams and maintained high standards in previous roles, especially in luxury settings.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since the role involves managing budgets and financial performance, brush up on your financial management skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed costs while enhancing guest experiences in past positions.
✨Emphasise Guest Experience
Highlight your commitment to exceptional guest service. Prepare to share stories that illustrate how you've improved guest satisfaction and handled feedback effectively, ensuring a seamless experience across all touchpoints.