Context:
The Auckland Project is a charity dedicated to the regeneration, conservation and celebration of the stories and heritage of the former home of the Prince Bishops of Durham. For over ten years, we’ve worked hard to create opportunities for the people and communities around Auckland Castle, our galleries, gardens and experiences. Our hope is that by creating a visitor destination which genuinely helps our local community to flourish, protecting our environmental and cultural resources, we can create a sustainable and thriving town.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, passionate General Manager with precise attention to detail, based at our very first and stylishly renovated Hotel – The Park Head. Overseeing the day-to-day operation of the Hotel you will play a vital role in ensuring our guests enjoy a fantastic stay and feel compelled to return to the Park Head and Bishop Auckland again.
Following an extensive renovation, Park Head Hotel reopened in February 2022, offering 38 en-suite rooms, a private dining/conference area, an al fresco terrace, a courtyard, and a bar and restaurant. Whether welcoming tourists to Bishop Auckland and County Durham or providing a local gathering place, Park Head is known for its outstanding hospitality, delicious food, and high service standards.
Under ownership by The Auckland Project, your base will be The Park Head Hotel & Restaurant with the opportunity to work elsewhere within the organisation on occasion, supporting the wider team on other diverse areas of the project. The Auckland Project is working to create positive change for those living, working and visiting Bishop Auckland.
The role purpose:
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic General Manager to lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of Park Head Hotel. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with a passion for hospitality, outstanding attention to detail, and a drive to create exceptional guest experiences. Your role will be instrumental in ensuring the hotel is the preferred destination for both guests and the local community.
Working Hours: Shifts will vary, covering Monday-Sunday, including early (7 AM-3 PM) and late (3 PM-11 PM) shifts, as well as weekends and bank holidays.
Benefits:
• Free on-site parking
• 30 days annual leave
• Pension contributions
• Staff discounts at The Auckland Project attractions
• Access to local benefits and discounts
Key Responsibilities:
• Operational Leadership: Oversee all aspects of hotel and restaurant operations, ensuring smooth daily functioning and adherence to high standards.
• Business Development: Identify and maximize opportunities to increase revenue, enhance guest experiences, and build a strong reputation for the hotel.
• Team Management: Recruit, train, motivate, and lead a high-performing team that delivers exceptional customer service.
• Guest Experience: Develop and implement strategies to drive guest satisfaction, build repeat business, and maintain a strong reputation in the market.
• Financial Performance: Set and manage budgets, monitor KPIs, and ensure financial targets are met.
• Marketing & Reputation Management: Collaborate on marketing strategies to boost occupancy and dining revenue; manage and respond to online guest reviews.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure all health, safety, and operational policies are adhered to, maintaining a safe and compliant environment for guests and staff.
Internal and External Relationships
Working collaboratively with colleagues across departments to achieve the Hotel’s operational, and The Auckland Projects organisational objectives
Maintain excellent relationships with the large team of volunteers and colleagues
Health & Safety
Be committed to good health and safety and access practice, ensuring familiarity and compliance with our policies, procedures and guidelines and the health and safety of visitors, staff, volunteers and contractors at all times.
Person Specification:
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications
Educated to degree level or equivalent in hotel management or hospitality management First Aid At Work
Event Management / Leisure / Travel and Tourism / Business Management Qualification
Experience
A minimum of 5 years’ experience managing a quality hotel and restaurant
Can demonstrate effective budget management skills
Understands and demonstrates a passion for customer service skills.
Can evidence significant experience of developing, leading, motivating and managing teams.
Has significant experience of developing new and exciting offers that attracts and sustains customers.
Experience of managing and delivering a variety of events
Knowledge of local market trends and experience working with local suppliers.
Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Attention to detail & accuracy
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages.
Ability to lead and motivate staff
Ability to order and procure stock and liaise with suppliers
Personal Attributes
Personal Attributes
Flexible and exceptional work ethic.
Professional attitude.
Self-motivated team player.
Approachable and friendly.
Ability to multitask. Knowledge of the local area and market