Hospitality General Manager (Heritage Site)

Hospitality General Manager

• Location: Cornwall (ideal candidate based in South Africa who will relocate to the UK)
• Salary: Competitive with benefits
• Start Date: As soon as possible

Our client seeks an experienced and dynamic Hospitality General Manager to oversee operations within their hospitality business based in Cornwall . This leadership role involves managing all aspects of the hospitality service to ensure excellent guest experiences, operational efficiency, and business profitability.

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.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy, Planning & Execution

• Lead the development and delivery of the site’s strategic direction through an integrated annual business planning and budgeting process.
• Translate long-term vision into clear, actionable operational plans, capital programmes, and growth initiatives.
• Ensure full organisational alignment behind agreed objectives, priorities, and performance targets.

Financial Leadership & Governance

• Take full ownership of the site’s P&L, including revenue growth, cost control, margin management, and investment decisions.
• Ensure all financial decisions are grounded in strong governance, robust risk management, and clear accountability.
• Oversee pricing strategies, workforce planning, and capital allocation to support long-term financial sustainability.

Operations & Visitor Experience

• Provide overarching leadership across all aspects of site operations, including:
• Visitor experience (Rectory, War Rooms, exhibitions, and hosting)
• Hospitality, including restaurant, retail, and events
• Grounds, gardens, and overall estate presentation
• Technical infrastructure and exhibition systems
• Maintain exceptional standards of safety, operational reliability, storytelling, and hospitality at all times.

Property & Estate Management

• Act as landlord for all on-site properties, including staff accommodation and rental units.
• Ensure full compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, including:
• Health & Safety standards
• Gas, electrical, and fire regulations
• Letting and tenancy obligations
• Ongoing property maintenance and risk management

People Leadership & Culture

• Lead, develop, and inspire both management and frontline teams to deliver high performance.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and accountable working culture through effective performance management and conflict resolution.
• Build a cohesive, high-trust leadership team capable of delivering operational excellence and long-term strategic growth.

Stakeholder & Shareholder Reporting

• Own and manage all formal reporting to senior stakeholders and shareholders.
• Provide clear, accurate, and timely insights on:
• Financial performance
• Operational effectiveness
• Key risks and challenges
• Progress against strategic objectives

External Representation & Public Profile

• Act as the ambassador and public face of the visitor attraction.
• Represent the organisation at local, national, and international conferences, industry events, and heritage forums.
• Deliver presentations to media, partners, and interest groups for both promotional and educational purposes.
• Engage with key external stakeholders, including:
• Local and regional government
• Community organisations
• Tourism bodies
• Heritage and cultural institutions

Partnerships & Reputation Management

• Develop and maintain strong, strategic relationships with:
• Local councils and tourism organisations
• Community and cultural groups
• Heritage bodies and institutions
• Suppliers, sponsors, and commercial partners
• Safeguard and enhance the reputation, credibility, and national profile of the organisation as a leading heritage and cultural destination.

Requirements

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience in hospitality management, preferably as a General Manager or similar senior role.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent customer service and communication abilities.
• Financial acumen with experience managing budgets and controlling costs.
• Ability to work under pressure and resolve issues efficiently.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations within the hospitality industry.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required.
• Tertiary qualification in hospitality or related field.
• Bilingual in Afrikaans and English.

Benefits

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