At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations at a stunning hotel, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and team performance.
- Company: Join Warner Hotels Group, known for creating memorable stays and unique experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are key; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be the magic behind unforgettable guest experiences in a beautiful coastal setting.
- Qualifications: Proven managerial experience in high-occupancy hotel environments and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 32450 £ per year.
Join our team at Lakeside, part of the Warner Hotels Group. This hotel on Hayling Island has spa facilities, a cabaret restaurant, and overlooks a lake near the Hampshire coast. We are looking for a Head of Operations to lead all front and back-of-house functions at Lakeside Coastal Village. The Head of Operations is responsible for leading teams to deliver a seamless guest experience across the Reception, Leisure, Spa, Housekeeping, Entertainment and Nights teams. Distinctive in scope, the role combines daily operational delivery with strategic improvement to secure both immediate service excellence and long-term growth.
What will I be doing as Head of Operations?
- Operational delivery: Oversee day-to-day operations across reception, leisure club, spa, housekeeping, entertainment, and nights team; ensure seamless guest arrival, check-in, and service delivery across all touch-points.
- Sales and commercial execution: Drive on-site sales performance across leisure, spa, and entertainment; implement hotel-specific propositions and external marketing initiatives in partnership with HUB teams to maximise revenue.
- Entertainment and leisure leadership: Provide oversight of entertainment delivery and calendar development; ensure leisure club and spa operations (including memberships and day spa services) are executed to brand standards and guest expectations.
- Housekeeping and nights management: Lead and quality assure housekeeping operations and nights team delivery; maintain service standards, guest satisfaction, and operational efficiency across both functions.
- Labour and rota management: Forecast and produce efficient rotas across reception, leisure, spa, housekeeping, entertainment, and nights; control labour spend while maintaining required cover to deliver service excellence.
- Guest experience and complaint resolution: Monitor and enhance arrival, check-in, and post-stay guest experiences; lead complaint handling and feedback resolution to protect reputation and drive loyalty.
- Compliance and safety: Ensure 100% adherence to health and safety requirements across all operational departments; oversee leisure audits including lifeguard compliance, paperwork, and administration.
- People management and retention: Recruit, train, develop, and performance manage team members across all operational departments; foster teamwork, morale, and succession planning to maintain engagement and retention.
- Continuous improvement and strategy: Identify operational efficiencies and service improvements across leisure, spa, reception, and housekeeping; pilot commercial and guest experience initiatives to scale successful practices within Head Office parameters.
You'll need to have:
- Significant Managerial experience in Reception or Front Desk in a high occupancy hotel environment.
- Proven track record of managing large bedroom operations and supporting full site operational delivery.
- Experience managing OTA relationships and distribution performance.
- PPO experience desirable.
Looking to take the next step in your career? At Warner Hotels, you can discover your glow, as we believe people thrive when their unique strengths and personality are nurtured. At Warner Hotels, we're more than just a place to stay, we're a place where guests come to make memories, discover new experiences, and feel truly cared for. Ready to discover your glow? Be part of something more than a hotel - where your personality shines and your ideas matter.
Inclusion Statement Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments or flexibility that you may require, including whether a role can be part-time or a job-share. We genuinely care about every candidate's experience during the recruitment process and are here to provide support where we can. If you require any assistance or reasonable adjustments while applying, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at: Warner.recruitment@warnerhotels.co.uk
Please note: Unsolicited CV's from agencies will not be considered.
Locations
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations - Lakeside in Essex, Grays
✨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 Warner Hotels. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Warner Hotels
Don't be shy about reaching out to Warner Hotels 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 Head of Operations - Lakeside in Essex, Grays
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 Warner Hotels 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 Warner Hotels
✨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!
