General Manager - Independent Hostel

General Manager - Independent Hostel
Elterwater Hostel is an award-winning independent hostel in the heart of the Lake District, offering high-quality accommodation and warm, personal hospitality to walkers, families, schools and groups. We are looking for an enthusiastic, hands-on Hostel Manager or Management Couple to lead the day-to-day operation of the hostel while helping drive its continued growth and success.
This is a varied, hands on leadership role combining operations, customer service, team management and business development.
Benefits for the General Manager include:
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Permanent full-time position (+/- 42.5 hours per week).
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Competitive salary (dependent on experience) and profit share opportunities
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Opportunity to shape and grow the business alongside the Directors.
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A varied role with significant autonomy and responsibility.
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Supportive, friendly working environment.
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Recently rebuilt staff accommodation, offering the opportunity to live and work in the heart of the Lake District National Park with access to outstanding walking, cycling and outdoor activities.
Key Responsibilities of the General Manager
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Oversee the day-to-day operation of the hostel, ensuring consistently high standards of guest service, cleanliness and hospitality.
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Lead, motivate and develop the hostel team, including recruitment, training, scheduling, performance management and regular team communication.
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Take a hands-on approach to hostel operations, supporting housekeeping, catering and front-of-house duties whenever required.
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Drive business growth by identifying new opportunities, developing group bookings, supporting marketing activities and helping implement business improvement initiatives.
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Manage bookings, guest communications, financial administration, supplier relationships and operational reporting.
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Oversee catering operations, including menu planning, food preparation, stock control, cost management and quality standards.
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Maintain the buildings, grounds and facilities, planning ongoing maintenance and continuous improvements.
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Ensure compliance with all legal, health and safety, safeguarding, fire safety and licensing requirements.
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Build positive relationships with guests, local organisations, tourism partners and the wider community while supporting the hostel's environmental and sustainability commitments.
Requirements of the General Manager
We're looking for someone who:
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Has previous management experience in hospitality, tourism or a customer-focused environment.
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Is an approachable, organised and inspiring leader who enjoys developing high-performing teams.
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Delivers exceptional customer service and builds lasting guest relationships.
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Is commercially aware and able to contribute to business growth and financial performance.
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Is comfortable managing multiple priorities and solving problems proactively.
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Has strong administrative and IT skills, with experience using booking systems and Microsoft Office.
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Understands health and safety, compliance and food hygiene requirements (or is willing to undertake training).
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Is flexible and willing to work weekends and varied hours to meet the needs of the business.
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Shares our commitment to sustainability, community engagement and creating memorable guest experiences