At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for a stunning hotel, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and team performance.
- Company: Join Lakeside, part of the Warner Hotels Group, located on beautiful Hayling Island.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a vibrant work environment.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are key; flexible working options available.
- Why this job: Be the magic behind memorable stays at a unique coastal destination.
- Qualifications: Significant managerial experience in high-occupancy hotel environments required.
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 seamless guest experiences 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. As Head of Operations, you’ll play a crucial role in bringing that magic to life.
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.
Location: Lakeside Coastal Village, Lakeside, PO11 9NR
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.
Head of Operations – Lakeside Coastal Village in Mount Pleasant employer: Warner Leisure Hotels
At Lakeside Coastal Village, part of the Warner Hotels Group, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As the Head of Operations, you will lead a dedicated team in a stunning coastal location, enjoying benefits such as competitive remuneration, opportunities for professional advancement, and a commitment to work-life balance. Join us in creating unforgettable guest experiences while being part of a supportive community that values diversity and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations – Lakeside Coastal Village in Mount Pleasant
✨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 Leisure Hotels. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Warner Leisure Hotels
Don't be shy about reaching out to Warner Leisure 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 Coastal Village in Mount Pleasant
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 Leisure 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 Leisure 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!
