At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic hotel team, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and smooth operations.
- Company: The Retreat at Elcot Park, a beautiful hotel in the Berkshire countryside.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, 28 days holiday, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy discounted stays, referral bonuses, and a comprehensive wellbeing hub.
- Why this job: Join a welcoming environment where your leadership can truly shine and make a difference.
- Qualifications: Five years in a senior operational role within a quality hotel or inn.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Some places are easy to fall in love with. The Retreat at Elcot Park is one of them. Set within beautiful Berkshire countryside, The Retreat is a place where things feel considered without ever feeling overthought — a hotel with a relaxed rhythm, understated style, and a genuine sense of welcome. It’s somewhere guests come to switch off, settle in, and stay a little longer than planned.
Due to an internal promotion, we’re now looking for a General Manager to lead it — someone who enjoys the natural pace of a busy hotel resort operation, who notices the detail, and who knows how to create something that feels both effortless and exactly as it should. This role will report into the Operations Director, so there is great continuity in place!
The Role
No two days are quite the same — and that’s very much part of the appeal. You might begin the morning walking the hotel, taking it all in with fresh eyes. By midday, you’re working with your team to shape ideas and plans that move things forward. And by evening, you’re with guests — listening, on the floor, and ensuring everything feels just right. Along the way, you will:
- Lead and support a team of Heads of Department — setting the tone, offering clarity, and keeping everyone moving together
- Take ownership of the hotel’s commercial performance, with a steady, thoughtful approach to growth
- Ensure the guest experience feels natural — warm, polished, and never overdone
- Build a team culture people want to be part of — and choose to stay in
- Balance the bigger picture with the smallest details — because both matter equally
- Work closely with our Managing Partner and Central Support Team
About You
You’re experienced, certainly — but more importantly, you’re considered in how you lead. You’ve spent at least five years in a senior operational role within a quality hotel or inn with rooms. This could be your first GM role, or you may have led a smaller hotel before. You’re calm when it’s busy, organised when it’s complex, and consistent throughout. You understand the numbers — but never at the expense of people. You notice the small details (and know they’re rarely small). You lead in a way that feels natural, never forced. You take pride in creating something that feels… just right.
What We Offer
We think carefully about the experience of working with us, too.
- Competitive salary (discussed on application), Private Healthcare and Pension
- General Manager bonus scheme
- 28 days’ holiday (including Bank Holidays), plus your birthday off
- Ongoing training and clear opportunities to grow — including involvement in our new Learning & Comms platform
- The opportunity to move across the wider Signet Collection
- Discounted stays and dining for you, your family and friends
- Stream — access up to 40% of your pay before pay day, and save directly from your salary
- A comprehensive Wellbeing Hub — including 24/7 support, fitness, nutrition and counselling
- Referral bonuses of up to £1,000
- Long Service Awards — from memorable dinners to theatre experiences and stays across the collection
- Complimentary meals on shift
- Supplier trips, workshops and industry experiences
General Manager in Newbury employer: The Retreat Elcot Park - Management
The Retreat at Elcot Park is an exceptional employer, offering a unique blend of competitive benefits and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and wellbeing. Nestled in the picturesque Berkshire countryside, this hotel fosters a relaxed yet professional environment where team members are encouraged to thrive, with opportunities for ongoing training and development, as well as generous perks like discounted stays and a comprehensive wellbeing hub.
Contact Details:
The Retreat Elcot Park - Management Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Newbury
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
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We think you need these skills to ace General Manager in Newbury
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 Retreat Elcot Park - Management 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 Retreat Elcot Park - Management
✨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!
