The Ardilaun Hotel is seeking an experienced General Manager to lead the day-to-day operations and help drive the business forward. The successful candidate will be hands-on in the hotel while also managing key strategic responsibilities, including budgeting, forecasting, and ensuring the consistent delivery of high operational, service, and brand standards across the property.
About Us
Formerly a country mansion, the 4* Ardilaun Hotel boasts 123 luxury bedrooms with a superb conference centre, wedding venue, and leisure club facilities. Nestled in Galway's suburbs, in a secluded setting in leafy Taylor's Hill just 1km from Galway City, Galway Bay, and Salthill, our hotel provides a serene and secluded setting for guests.
Key Responsibilities:
* Oversee daily operations across accommodation, food & beverage, leisure club, events, and front office, ensuring smooth and efficient running of the property
* Maintain consistently high standards of guest satisfaction, service delivery, and overall brand reputation
* Maintain a strong, visible presence in the hotel, supporting staff and engaging with guests when needed
* Lead, support, and develop Heads of Department to maintain high operational standards and service consistency
* Provide leadership and clear accountability across all teams, ensuring alignment with the hotel's service and brand standards
* Foster a collaborative, professional, and positive workplace culture across the hotel
* Manage the overall profitability of the hotel by delivering budget targets, driving revenue, and ensuring guest satisfaction
* Prepare and manage annual budgets, monthly forecasts, and effective cost control processes
* Analyse financial and business performance, including key metrics such as ADR, RevPAR, and guest satisfaction scores, and take action where needed
* Work closely with Sales, Marketing, and Revenue teams to optimise occupancy, grow corporate and leisure business, and support brand initiatives
* Ensure compliance with health & safety, employment legislation, licensing regulations, and internal policies
* Lead the effective resolution of escalated guest complaints, ensuring timely, fair outcomes and continuous service improvement
* Set and deliver short- and long-term strategic goals for the hotel in coordination with the Hotel Director
* Maintain strong relationships with guests, stakeholders, and supplier
* Represent the hotel in local industry networks and support community engagement where relevant
Requirements:
* Proven experience as a Hotel General Manager or be ready to step forward into the role
* Strong leadership capability with a track record of leading and developing Heads of Departments
* Solid commercial and financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
* Demonstrated ability to drive high standards of guest satisfaction
* Demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to handle conflicts or complaints smoothly.
* Excellent knowledge of hotel operations across accommodation, food & beverage, and events
* Strong understanding of health & safety, employment legislation, and licensing requirements
* Exceptional communication, decision-making, and stakeholder-management skills
* Ability to maintain a visible, hands-on leadership presence while managing strategic priorities
Benefits:
* Performance-related bonus linked to overall hotel results
* Company Pension contribution
* Complimentary meals on duty
* Free Access to hotel leisure facilities
* Ongoing professional development and leadership training with Skillnet
* Free Parking
* Access to exclusive staff discounts through Original Irish Hotels and Select Hotels
* Discounts throughout the hotel
* Bike to Work Scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme