The Bell Inn is not just another hotel, it is one of the New Forest’s most established and respected boutique Inns, combining historic character with exceptional hospitality, quality dining, and unforgettable guest experiences.
We are looking for an exceptional Hotel Manager who thrives on leading from the front, someone who enjoys building great teams, delivering outstanding service and driving commercial success, while creating a place guests love to return to and colleagues are proud to be part of.
This is a rare opportunity to take the reins of a thriving hospitality business with the autonomy to make your mark and be supported by an ambitious, growing hospitality group.
Package & Benefits:
– Salary range: £45,000.
– Annual Bonus: Up to 20% of salary, EBITDA targeted.
– Genuine autonomy and influence.
– Contracted hours forty per week.
– Employer pension contributions 3%.
– Holidays 20 days + 8 bank holidays.
– Free lunch on duty.
Position Overview:
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will have full P&L responsibility for The Bell Inn and lead a multi-disciplinary team across hotel operations, food & beverage, accommodation, events, and property maintenance. You will be responsible for driving commercial performance, maximising revenue opportunities across all areas of the business, and delivering an exceptional guest experience. As the senior operational leader, you will be highly visible within both the business and the local community, acting as an ambassador for The Bell Inn, building strong relationships with guests, local businesses and tourism partners while enhancing the reputation of this iconic New Forest destination.
– Work closely with the Managing Director to develop and deliver the strategic objectives of the business, contributing to the long-term success and growth of The Bell Inn.
– Lead, motivate and develop the management team, ensuring consistently exacting standards of hospitality, customer service, and operational excellence across all departments.
– Drive revenue growth across accommodation, food & beverage, weddings, events, and corporate business, while encouraging repeat business and increasing direct bookings.
– Take full responsibility for delivering the hotel’s annual budget, financial targets, and overall commercial performance, with full P&L accountability.
– Work collaboratively with the Group’s central support functions, including HR, Marketing and Finance, to ensure efficient and effective business operations.
– Oversee workforce planning and weekly staffing rotas, ensuring appropriate staffing levels to meet business demands while controlling labour costs.
– Ensure the hotel, restaurant, bar, gardens, and grounds are maintained to the highest standards, managing both planned and reactive maintenance programmes.
– Maintain effective stock control across food & beverage operations, optimise purchasing and cost management, and continually identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, profitability, and the overall guest experience.
About You:
You will already have experience leading a quality hotel or premium hospitality venue, with strong commercial awareness, excellent people leadership skills and a genuine passion for hospitality.
– At least 3 years’ management experience in Hotel management.
– Reside within a 60-minute travel distance of the venue or willing to relocate.
– Able to act and thrive autonomously.
– A desire to lead an iconic New Forest destination.
If you are ready to lead a business with heritage, ambition, and personality, we would love to hear from you.