Hotel Operations Manager

About the job

Full time - 40 hours a week

Fixed term for 1 year or until the return of the post holder, whichever is sooner

Interview date - 6 October 2025

We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and driven Hotel Operations Manager to join our wider Commercial and Catering Team at the University of Northampton.

The Hotel Operations Manager will be responsible for managing our onsite 32-bedroom hotel.  The Sunley Hotel based on our fantastic Waterside Campus is just over 3 years old.  A perfect destination for business travellers, visitors to the University and anyone wishing to stay in Northampton. 

Our customers and students are at the heart of everything we do.  You will need to ensure that this is paramount to everything you do.

We want your individuality to shine through and the opportunity to shape the future of the hotel to ensure it has continued success.

This post would also include:

• Managing the day-to-day operation of the hotel
• Lead the Reception and Housekeeping teams to ensure high standards are maintained
• Achieving or exceeding set budgets
• To diverse the income streams of the hotel
• Monitor and evaluate customer feedback
• Work closely with the Front of House Manager and Head Chef to ensure the wider objectives of the Catering and Commercial Team are met
• To support the Universities wider objectives

We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON our students and customers, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another. With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy.

About you

Our Hotel Manager will need to be passionate about delivering an outstanding customer experience and strive to always deliver a consistently high-quality product plus great service.

This will be a demanding yet rewarding opportunity for the successful candidate, giving the opportunity to run a 32-bedroom hotel.  You will have significant and recent experience working within a hotel either as a manager or a supervisor.  You will have up to date knowledge of the hotel and hospitality industry and be able implement this knowledge and experience to positively affect the Sunley Hotel.

You will have excellent communication and presentation skills.

Qualifications

Essential;

• Professional qualification / accreditation in Hotel Management 

Desirable

• An NVQ Level 4, University Degree or equivalent 

Department 

You will be joining the Catering and Commercial Team at the University of Northampton.

The team operates a number of catering outlets, 32-bedroom hotel, and a number of events  on the Waterside Campus providing a service to students, staffs and external customers.

About us

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

1^st Degree Facilities is a trading name of UNEL which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University of Northampton and this vacancy is covered by UNEL Terms and Conditions of employment.

Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Right to work 

All candidates will be asked to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK at interview. Due to the requirements laid out by UK Visas and Immigration regarding Right to Work in the UK, the University can only accept applications from individuals who currently have a status allowing them to work in the UK for this position.

Equality

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Together @ UON
Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.

Commitments Include:

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
2. Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
3. Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON’s Major Commitments:

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON