General Manager, Dorfold, Cheshire
We have an exciting opportunity for a General Manager position at Dorfold, Cheshire, with a proposed start date of May/June 2025.
Overview
Dorfold is becoming the latest member of the Cripps and Co family, an established, family run group, initially set up in the late nineties in the Cotwolds. We specialise in beautiful rural wedding venues with an emphasis on unbeatable food prepared on our custom made, giant BBQ’s and open kitchens. We take care of all the details, ensuring our guests have a perfect day, delivered by our dedicated team.
Nestled in 800 acres of idyllic English countryside, the lovingly restored 17th century stately home and gardens combine the best of Jacobean splendour with an unmistakably contemporary feel. The barn is built around a secluded courtyard within the walls of the old stables and against the backdrop of the Grade I listed house is the perfect combination of history and future. Dorfold also includes onsite cottage accommodation, offering exquisite views of the estate on all sides.
We are now looking for an experienced, dynamic and enthusiastic General Manager to take ownership for the day to day running and operations of the venue. Dorfold is due to open from January 2026, however preparation is required in the coming months.
The purpose of this job is to take responsibility for the ongoing success of the site as a venue of choice. This means ensuring excellent customer service at every event as well as monitoring viewings, sales and performance of the venue against targets, managing the team, the environment and the facilities in line with customer expectations, brand reputation and commercial viability. The post holder will be expected to champion and uphold the highest of standards, managing the performance of staff, delivering training and role modelling to achieve those standards.
Responsibilities
* Oversee all aspects of the venue operations, including front-of-house and back-of-house activities.
* Ensure ongoing success as a venue of choice.
* Demonstrate excellent levels of customer service at every stage of the process from start to finish to deliver an exceptional experience.
* Manage the enquiry process in the ‘Cripps style’, ensuring all emails, phone calls and admin are undertaken in a timely manner.
* Ensure all couples are greeted warmly, shown around the venue and have the opportunity to talk to someone knowledgeable about our offering.
* Monitor viewings, sales and performance of the venue against targets set and drive conversion rates.
* Be financially aware of decisions made and how this affects the accounts.
* Manage and motivate the front of house and kitchen teams, ensuring effective teamwork and communication.
* Manage the performance of the team, delivering training and role modelling to achieve those standards.
* Be responsible for the environment and facilities ensuring they are in line with customer expectation and are in excellent working order.
* Promote and drive brand awareness, reputation and commercial viability.
* Collaborate closely with the Head Office teams to ensure ongoing evaluation of enquiries, conversions, standards and performance.
* Work closely with the Reservations Team to manage the accommodation experience from start to finish.
* Foster a positive working environment that encourages team collaboration and development.
Requirements
* Proven experience in a senior managerial role within the hospitality sector is essential.
* Strong knowledge of food and beverage practices.
* Excellent team management skills with the ability to motivate and inspire staff.
* Exceptional organisational skills with attention to detail in all aspects of operations.
* Strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with employees and customers alike.
* Ability to work flexible hours, including regular evening and weekend working.
* Experience in accommodation management would be advantageous.
Salary: £45-£55k per annum plus bonus scheme
Please send all applications to emily@crippsandco.com
Closing date: Friday 21st March at 5pm
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