General Manager – 5* Luxury Hotel (New Opening) job at Windsor Full Time

Venue:

Nestled within over 250 acres of pristine British countryside just outside Windsor, our forthcoming five-star hotel offers an exceptional escape defined by elegance, privacy and natural beauty. The estate is a sanctuary of timeless charm, featuring expansive formal lawns, beautifully curated gardens, tranquil lakes and ancient oak forests.

Guests will enjoy access to world-class amenities, including a luxury spa, an exclusive golf course and a refined dining experience celebrating the very best of local and seasonal cuisine.

The Opportunity:

A privately held luxury estate in Windsor is seeking an accomplished and commercially astute General Manager to lead the pre-opening and operational launch of its new 5* hotel, currently under construction.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a discreet, high-end hospitality offering within an exceptional estate environment. The appointed General Manager will oversee the final stages of development, establish operational frameworks and assume full financial and operational responsibility upon opening.

The successful candidate will bring demonstrable luxury hospitality leadership experience, strong commercial acumen and a proven background in hotel openings. This role requires a calm, highly professional and service-driven leader capable of delivering exceptional standards within a confidential and refined environment.

Role Overview:

The General Manager will lead all aspects of the hotel operation, ensuring the successful launch and long-term positioning of the property as a leading luxury destination.

Key responsibilities will include pre-opening strategy, financial management, operational leadership, team development, guest experience and estate stakeholder relations.

The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the culture, standards and identity of the hotel from inception through to full operation.

Key Responsibilities:

Pre-Opening & Operational Launch

• Lead the pre-opening operational strategy and hotel launch plan
• Oversee operational setup across all hotel departments prior to opening
• Support final development stages alongside project teams, contractors and estate leadership
• Establish operational policies, procedures and service standards aligned with a personalised luxury hospitality model
• Implement hotel systems, reporting structures and departmental processes
• Ensure all areas are operationally ready ahead of launch

Financial Oversight:

• Develop initial operating budgets and financial forecasts for stakeholder approval
• Present revenue strategies and profitability plans to financial directors and estate stakeholders
• Oversee on-site expenditure and major operational costs associated with launch
• Take full ownership of P&L performance post-opening
• Manage labour costs, departmental expenditure and inventory controls
• Implement daily, weekly and monthly financial reporting systems
• Work collaboratively with Sales & Marketing teams to drive revenue performance and long-term positioning

Leadership & Team Management:

• Provide calm, confident and visible leadership across all hotel departments
• Recruit, develop and lead a high-performing senior management team aligned with estate values and service expectations
• Build a culture centred on discretion, professionalism, precision and service excellence
• Set and uphold exceptional standards of presentation, conduct and operational performance
• Lead employee engagement, performance management and succession planning initiatives
• Foster a positive and collaborative working environment across all departments

Guest Experience & Estate Relations:

• Ensure a seamless and highly personalised guest experience throughout all touchpoints
• Act as the primary operational liaison for estate ownership and key stakeholders
• Deliver anticipatory and bespoke service standards reflective of a 5* luxury environment
• Handle sensitive matters with professionalism, diplomacy and absolute confidentiality
• Embed a culture of quiet excellence and attention to detail throughout the operation

Operational Oversight:

Oversee daily hotel operations across all departments including:

• Food & Beverage
• Housekeeping
• Front Office & Guest Services
• Maintenance
• Security
• Spa & Leisure Operations (if applicable)

Ensure all departments operate cohesively to deliver a consistent, refined and commercially successful guest experience.

Property & Estate Standards:

• Maintain the highest standards of presentation, cleanliness and operational upkeep
• Develop preventative maintenance programmes and operational audits
• Ensure the property consistently reflects the expectations of a luxury 5* environment
• Work closely with estate teams to maintain alignment between hotel operations and wider estate standards

External Relationships:

• Manage relationships with selected suppliers, contractors and external partners
• Build trusted partnerships aligned with the estate’s values and operational expectations
• Exercise discretion and professionalism in all external dealings and communications

Candidate Profile:

Essential Experience:

• Degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration or a related discipline preferred
• Senior leadership experience within 5* luxury hotels, resorts or boutique hospitality environments
• Demonstrable new opening experience within luxury hospitality
• Strong financial management, budgeting and commercial planning expertise
• Proven ability to lead large operational teams within high-expectation service environments
• Strong understanding of high-net-worth guest expectations and bespoke service delivery
• Excellent communication skills, leadership presence and stakeholder management capability
• Impeccable judgement, professionalism and discretion

Desirable Attributes:

• A proactive and adaptable leadership style within fast-paced operational environments
• Calm and solutions-focused approach to problem solving and decision making
• Experience working within confidential, VIP, UHNW or estate-based environments
• Passion for luxury hospitality and personalised guest experience

Remuneration & Benefits:

• £70,000 – £85,000 per annum
• Performance-related incentives
• Professional development opportunities
• Free on-site parking
• Sick pay
• Opportunity to lead a prestigious new luxury hotel opening

Application Process:

This is a confidential appointment within a privately held estate environment. Applications will be treated with the utmost discretion.

Candidates are invited to submit a CV and covering statement outlining relevant luxury hospitality leadership and new opening experience.

General Responsibilities:

· All employees are expected to be fully familiar with and adhere to, the hotel’s policies and procedures relating to fire safety, emergency evacuation, first aid, health and safety and security.

· Staff must also ensure they understand and follow the guidance outlined in the Employee Handbook, as well as any relevant notices displayed in key operational areas throughout the estate.

Hours:

· 48 hours a week

· May include evenings, weekend and bank holidays

Notes:

This job description outlines the key responsibilities, objectives and scope of the role as it currently stands. It is not an exhaustive list, and the postholder may be required to carry out other duties as reasonably required, including duties of a similar or related nature, in line with the needs of the business.

This role offers an engaging opportunity for a dedicated professional eager to contribute to a welcoming environment where guest satisfaction is paramount.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £70,000.00-£85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Experience:

• Hospitality General Manager: 5 years (preferred)

Language:

• English (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person