Hospitality General Manager (UK)

Hospitality General Manager

For: One of the UK's finest heritage-led visitor attraction and cultural destinations.

A truly prestigious opportunity!

This is a beautiful, nationally significant heritage visitor attraction and cultural destination in Cornwall, part of a larger group based in South Africa and England.

The General Manager is a vital role, responsible for the overall leadership, performance, sustainability, and public standing of the business.

This is a senior leadership role combining:

• commercial management,
• heritage stewardship,
• hospitality excellence, and
• community representation.

Purpose of the role:
To lead the visitor attraction as a sustainable, high-quality heritage and hospitality business, delivering its cultural mission, financial performance, and long-term growth through strong strategy, disciplined execution, and outstanding people leadership.

Requirements and Responsibilities:

• Must be fluent in English and Afrikaans
• Must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree
• Accommodation and sponsorship assistance is available for the right candidate

1. Strategy, Planning & Delivery

• Lead the creation and delivery of the site’s strategy through the annual business planning and budgeting process.
• Translate long-term objectives into clear operational plans, capital programs, and growth initiatives.
• Ensure all departments are aligned behind the agreed business plan and performance targets.

2. Financial Leadership & Governance

• Full ownership of the site P&L, including revenue, cost control, margin, and investment decisions.
• Ensure decisions are made within the framework of good financial governance, risk management, and accountability.
• Oversee pricing, staffing models, and capital investment to maximize long-term sustainability.

3. Operations & Guest Experience

• Overall leadership of all site operations including:
- Visitor experience (Rectory, War Rooms, exhibitions, hosting)
- Restaurant, retail and events
- Grounds, gardens, and estate presentation
- Technical and exhibition systems

• Ensure consistently high standards of safety, reliability, storytelling, and hospitality.

4. Property & Landlord Responsibilities

• Act as landlord for all properties on site, including staff accommodation and rental properties.

• Ensure full legal and regulatory compliance across:
- Health & Safety
- Gas, electrical and fire compliance
- Letting and tenancy obligations
- Property maintenance and risk management

5. People Leadership, Culture & Conflict Resolution

• Lead and develop the full management and frontline team.

• Handle dispute resolution, conflict management, and performance management to maintain a healthy, respectful and productive working culture.

• Build a high-trust leadership team capable of delivering both day-to-day operations and long-term growth.

6. Stakeholder & Shareholder Reporting

• Own the formal reporting process to senior stakeholders and shareholders.

• Provide clear, accurate and timely updates on:
- Financial performance
- Operational health
- Risks and issues
- Strategic progress

7. External Representation & Profile

• Represent visitor attraction at:
- Local, national and international conferences
- Industry events and awards
- Community and heritage forums

• Deliver presentations to interest groups, media, and partners for promotional and educational purposes.

• Act as the public face of the attraction with:
- Local government
- Community organisations
- Tourism bodies
- Awards and heritage institutions

8. Partnerships & Reputation

• Build and manage relationships with:
- Local councils and tourism organisations
- Community groups
- Cultural and heritage bodies
- Suppliers, sponsors and partners

• Protect and enhance the reputation, credibility, and national profile of this heritage-led visitor attraction and cultural destination.

Remuneration:

• Relocation and arrangement of working permit included.
• A competitive annual package.
• International travel opportunities.