General Manager (Food) in Hampshire, Lymington

General Manager (Food) in Hampshire, Lymington

Hampshire +1 Full-Time 29700 - 36300 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead daily operations and ensure exceptional guest experiences at THE NICI New Forest.
  • Company: Join a luxury hotel group focused on outstanding hospitality and memorable experiences.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, service charge, staff discounts, and career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Exciting opportunity to lead a new property and develop a proud, engaged team.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of a growing hotel collection and make a real impact in hospitality.
  • Qualifications: Experience in hotel management with a passion for delivering exceptional service.

The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.

  • WE’RE HIRING | GENERAL MANAGER – THE NICI NEW FOREST
  • Full-time | Permanent

THE NICI Collection is a luxury lifestyle hotel group inspired by some of the world’s most iconic destinations, bringing exceptional hospitality, outstanding food and drink, and unforgettable guest experiences to some of the UK’s most desirable locations.

What began with THE NICI Bournemouth, our original flagship hotel inspired by Miami’s South Beach, has grown into an exciting collection of destination-led properties.

In June 2026, the collection expanded with the opening of THE NICI Newquay, inspired by Italy’s Amalfi Coast, and THE NICI New Forest, inspired by the luxury and charm of the Hamptons.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for an experienced and inspiring General Manager to lead THE NICI New Forest and play a key role in the continued development of the property and the wider NICI Collection.

THE ROLE

As General Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation, performance and development of THE NICI New Forest.

You will lead the hotel’s management team and work across all areas of the operation, including Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, Spa and guest facilities, ensuring the property consistently delivers the high standards of service, experience and personality that guests expect from THE NICI.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Hotel Operations
  • Take overall responsibility for the successful day-to-day running of the property.
  • Lead and support all hotel departments, ensuring strong communication and collaboration across the operation.
  • Maintain consistently high standards of service, presentation and cleanliness.
  • Be highly visible across the hotel and lead by example.
  • Ensure the NICI brand standards and personality are reflected throughout the property.

Take ownership of significant guest feedback and complaints, ensuring issues are resolved appropriately.

  • Ensure the hotel consistently delivers an experience that reflects the quality and positioning of THE NICI brand.
  • Commercial & Financial Performance
  • Take responsibility for the overall financial and commercial performance of the property.
  • Monitor revenue, payroll and departmental costs, ensuring the operation remains commercially focused.
  • Identify opportunities to increase revenue across bedrooms, Food & Beverage, spa, events and other hotel facilities.
  • Drive performance while maintaining the quality of the guest experience.
  • Ensure managers understand their financial responsibilities and are actively managing departmental performance.

Lead, motivate and develop the hotel’s management team.

  • Work closely with HR on recruitment, employee relations, performance management and colleague development.
  • Identify talent and support succession planning and internal progression.
  • Develop a team that is proud of the property and committed to delivering exceptional hospitality.

Ensure the hotel operates in line with company policies, legislation and all relevant health and safety requirements.

  • Maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation and service throughout the property.
  • Carry out regular hotel inspections and ensure any issues are followed through to completion.
  • Ensure mandatory training, risk assessments and compliance requirements are maintained.
  • Sales, Marketing & Local Profile
  • Work closely with Group Sales and Marketing to maximise commercial opportunities.
  • Build strong relationships with local businesses, tourism partners and key stakeholders.
  • Represent THE NICI New Forest within the local community and wider hospitality industry.
  • Support the continued development of the property’s reputation and profile.
  • Identify opportunities to position THE NICI New Forest as a leading destination within the local market.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for an experienced hotel leader who is

  • An experienced General Manager or senior hotel operator, ideally from a premium or luxury hospitality background.
  • Commercially astute, with a strong understanding of hotel financial performance.
  • Passionate about hospitality and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
  • Able to balance high standards and commercial expectations with a warm and approachable leadership style.
  • Excited by the opportunity to help shape the continued growth and success of THE NICI New Forest.

⭐ Strong commercial performance, exceptional guest feedback, high operational standards, engaged and developing teams, and the continued growth of THE NICI New Forest as a leading destination within the NICI Collection.

WHAT WE OFFER

  • Competitive salary + service charge
  • Staff discounts across THE NICI Collection
  • Career development opportunities
  • ️ Ongoing training and support
  • JOIN THE NICI

This is an exciting opportunity to join THE NICI Collection at an important stage of its growth.

We are building a collection of distinctive, destination-led hotels with a strong focus on exceptional hospitality, great people, outstanding food and drink and memorable guest experiences.

If you are an experienced hotel leader looking for your next challenge and want the opportunity to lead, develop and make your mark on an exciting new property, we would love to hear from you.

General Manager

Locations

HampshireLymington

General Manager (Food) in Hampshire, Lymington employer: The Nici

THE NICI Collection is an exceptional employer that offers a vibrant work culture focused on delivering luxury hospitality experiences. With competitive salaries, staff discounts, and ample training and development opportunities, employees can thrive in their roles while enjoying career progression within a growing hotel group. Join us in creating unforgettable guest experiences in some of the UK's most sought-after locations.

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Contact Details:

The Nici Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land General Manager (Food) in Hampshire, Lymington

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 The Nici. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to The Nici

Don't be shy about reaching out to The Nici 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 General Manager (Food) in Hampshire, Lymington

Leadership Skills
Hotel Operations Management
Financial Acumen
Commercial Awareness
Guest Experience Management
Team Development
Communication Skills

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 The Nici 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 The Nici

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!