At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a 100% electric hotel, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and financial performance.
- Company: Join voco Zeal, a pioneering hotel at Exeter Science Park focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, discounts, wellness activities, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to excellence and environmental responsibility.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in hospitality while championing sustainability and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in hotel management with a passion for sustainability and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Not many General Managers get to run a 100% electric hotel. At voco Zeal, you’ll lead a 142-bedroom, 4-star hotel at the entrance to Exeter Science Park. It’s a role with real variety, combining the commercial focus of a busy branded hotel with a sustainability commitment that shapes how we work every day. You’ll set the direction, lead the team and be accountable for the results.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Operations: leading all areas of the hotel, including rooms, food and beverage, meetings and maintenance
- Financial performance: owning the hotel’s budget and P&L, driving revenue and profit, and keeping a close eye on payroll and food costs
- Commercial growth: working with sales and revenue teams to build business from Science Park organisations, the wider Exeter market and meetings and events
- People: recruiting, developing and retaining a strong team, coaching your heads of department and building a culture people want to be part of
- Guest experience: using guest feedback to raise standards and deliver the voco brand consistently
- Compliance: making sure the hotel meets its health and safety, licensing, employment and brand requirements
- Relationships: representing the hotel with owners, Valor’s support teams, the Science Park community and local businesses
About You: You’ll be an established hotelier with General Manager or senior hotel leadership experience, ideally in a branded environment. You’ll know your way around a P&L, lead with warmth and clear expectations, and be just as comfortable reviewing the numbers as walking the floor with your team. Above all, you’ll want sustainability to be part of how a hotel is run, not an add-on.
Sustainability is central to who we are. Every team member is certified as 'Carbon Literate', and we’ll ask you to take part in Carbon Awareness training too. As General Manager, you’ll set the example, making sure everyone understands the impact of their actions on the environment, helps to reduce emissions and brings their own ideas to the table.
Supporting Your Hospitality Career Growth: Fully funded apprenticeship programmes, alongside our detailed brand training. Internal development programmes, designed to support you as you grow within your role. Monthly and annual team member service awards, making sure your achievements are recognised and celebrated.
About the Hotel: voco Zeal Exeter Science Park sits at the entrance to Exeter Science Park, home to the South West’s leading science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine businesses. This premium 4-star hotel features 142 stylish bedrooms, a restaurant and bar, a mini gym, gardens and versatile meeting space. The hotel is 100% electric, with a car park offering 12 EV charging points.
In Addition to a Competitive Salary, We Also Offer: Exclusive discounts for you, your friends and family. Valor team member rates at our UK hotels, with rooms from just £30 Bed and Breakfast. Discounted stays for friends and family. 50% discount when dining in our restaurants and bars. Free meals while on duty, keeping you well-fuelled. Access to high-street discounts on a range of shops, experiences and more. Up to 40% savings on a wide range of bikes, with our Cycle to Work Scheme. Generous refer-a-friend bonuses, starting at £250. Caring for your health and wellbeing, both in and outside of work. A calendar of wellness activities, from healthy lunches to wellbeing walks and pay day treats, not forgetting our annual #HealthyHabits campaign. Access to our Employee Assistance Programme, providing free confidential advice, 24/7, for you and your family, supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Healthcare Cash Plan options, from just £5 per month.
We’re an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. At Valor Hospitality, we actively welcome applications from candidates of all diverse backgrounds. Every application is carefully reviewed against the relevant skills and experience for the role, and we’ll be in touch if you’re a good match and have been selected for interview. Please note that employment is subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
General Manager in Exeter employer: ValorHospitality
At DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester - Piccadilly, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where attention to detail is celebrated. Our flexible shift patterns allow for a great work-life balance, while our commitment to employee growth through nationally recognised apprenticeships ensures that you can develop your skills and advance your career in hospitality. Join us and be part of a team that values your contributions and strives for excellence in every guest experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Exeter
✨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 ValorHospitality. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to ValorHospitality
Don't be shy about reaching out to ValorHospitality 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 in Exeter
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 ValorHospitality 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 ValorHospitality
✨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!
