Hotel Manager at The NICI in Lymington, England, GB

Hotel Manager – THE NICI New Forest THE NICI Collection is a luxury lifestyle hotel group inspired by some of the world's most iconic destinations, bringing exceptional hospitality, outstanding food and drink, and unforgettable guest experiences to some of the UK's most desirable locations. What began with THE NICI Bournemouth, our original flagship hotel inspired by Miami's South Beach, has grown into an exciting collection of destination-led properties. In June 2026, the collection expanded with the opening of THE NICI Newquay, inspired by Italy's Amalfi Coast, and THE NICI New Forest, inspired by the luxury and charm of the Hamptons. This is just the beginning of our growth journey, and we're looking for talented individuals who want to build their careers with an ambitious and expanding hospitality brand. The RoleWe are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Hotel Manager to support the overall operation of THE NICI New Forest. Working closely with the General Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the hotel, maintaining exceptional service standards and ensuring every guest enjoys a memorable experience. You will provide visible leadership across the property, supporting department heads and operational teams to deliver consistently high standards. We are looking for someone who is organised, proactive and passionate about hospitality, with the ability to bring teams together, manage operational priorities and create an environment where colleagues feel supported and guests feel valued. This is an important leadership role for someone who enjoys being at the heart of hotel operations and wants to make a real contribution to the continued success of THE NICI Collection. Key ResponsibilitiesHotel OperationsSupport the General Manager in overseeing the daily operation of the hotel. Coordinate the activities of all departments, including Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, Spa and other guest facilities. Maintain a visible presence throughout the hotel, ensuring teams are supported and operational standards are consistently met. Oversee daily briefings, handovers and operational meetings to ensure clear communication across departments. Identify operational issues and ensure they are resolved promptly and effectively. Ensure appropriate staffing, resources and processes are in place to support the smooth running of the property. Work closely with department heads to maintain efficient operations and deliver a consistent guest experience. Deputise for the General Manager when required. Guest ExperienceEnsure every guest receives a warm, professional and memorable experience. Maintain high standards of service throughout the guest journey, from arrival to departure. Take ownership of guest complaints and concerns, ensuring they are handled promptly, professionally and effectively. Monitor guest feedback and online reviews, identifying opportunities to improve service delivery. Build a strong guest-focused culture across all departments. Ensure THE NICI brand standards and personality are reflected in every guest interaction. Encourage teams to anticipate guest needs and deliver personalised service wherever possible. Commercial & Operational PerformanceSupport the General Manager in achieving hotel budgets and operational objectives. Monitor departmental performance, productivity, payroll and operating costs. Work with department heads to ensure staffing levels and resources are managed effectively. Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and maximise revenue across bedrooms, Food & Beverage, spa, events and other facilities. Review operational reports and performance indicators to identify trends and areas for improvement. Ensure commercial priorities are understood and supported by operational teams. Balance cost control and efficiency with the delivery of high-quality guest experiences. People & LeadershipLead, motivate and support department heads, supervisors and operational colleagues. Build a positive, inclusive and accountable working environment. Work closely with HR and the General Manager on recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance management and colleague development. Ensure managers and supervisors have the support and guidance needed to lead their teams effectively. Promote clear communication, teamwork and collaboration across the hotel. Identify development opportunities and support training, succession planning and internal progression. Recognise and celebrate colleague achievements, helping to build an engaged and motivated team. Ensure company values and the personality of THE NICI Collection are reflected in everyday behaviours. Standards, Safety & ComplianceEnsure the hotel operates in accordance with company policies, procedures, legislation and relevant health and safety requirements. Carry out regular inspections of bedrooms, public areas, restaurants, bars, spa facilities and back-of-house areas. Maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation, maintenance and service. Ensure maintenance issues are reported, prioritised and followed through to completion. Monitor mandatory training, risk assessments, safety checks and compliance requirements. Promote a safe and professional working environment for colleagues, guests and visitors. Ensure operational procedures are consistently followed and any issues are addressed appropriately. Communication & Continuous ImprovementWork closely with the General Manager and department heads to ensure clear communication and effective coordination. Ensure teams understand daily priorities, service expectations and hotel objectives. Support the implementation of new initiatives, operational procedures and service improvements. Encourage feedback from colleagues and identify opportunities to improve the way the hotel operates. Support the planning and delivery of events, seasonal activity and periods of high occupancy. Ensure operational challenges are communicated appropriately and followed through to resolution. Contribute to building a strong reputation for THE NICI New Forest within the local hospitality market. About YouWe are looking for a hospitality professional who is: An experienced Hotel Manager, Operations Manager or Assistant General Manager, ideally within a premium or luxury hotel environment. Passionate about delivering exceptional hospitality and memorable guest experiences. A confident, visible and approachable leader who leads by example. Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities. Commercially aware, with a good understanding of hotel operations, payroll and cost control. A strong communicator who builds effective relationships with colleagues at all levels. Proactive and solutions-focused, with the confidence to make decisions and resolve operational challenges. Committed to maintaining high standards and driving continuous improvement. Experienced in supporting, motivating and developing teams. Flexible and hands-on, with a genuine understanding of the demands of hotel operations. Excited by the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and success of THE NICI New Forest. What Success Looks LikeSuccess in this role will be demonstrated through the effective day-to-day running of the hotel, consistently high standards across all departments, exceptional guest feedback, strong communication, engaged and developing teams, and effective management of operational performance. You will play a key role in supporting the General Manager, bringing departments together and ensuring THE NICI New Forest delivers the quality, service and memorable experiences expected of THE NICI Collection. What We OfferCompetitive salary plus service charge. Staff discounts across THE NICI Collection. Career development opportunities. Meals on duty. Ongoing training and support. Join THE NICI Collection and be part of an exciting growth story where exceptional hospitality, great people and memorable experiences are at the heart of everything we do.