General Manager

Job Vacancy at The Birnam Hotel

About The Birnam Hotel

Recently restored and reopening in 2026, The Birnam Hotel is being shaped by a small local team with a clear, thoughtful vision for what it can be. Rooted in its place and community, the hotel has been carefully brought back to life with respect for its history and a belief in delivering soulful Scottish hospitality.

At The Birnam Hotel, we believe good work comes from people who care about what they do. In a setting defined by attention to detail and purpose, we value creativity, pride in craft, and a genuine commitment to quality, whether front of house, behind the scenes, or somewhere in between.

We are a close-knit team that believes great hospitality grows from trust, support, and shared standards. If you are looking for a workplace that encourages individuality, offers room to grow, and values people as much as the experience they create, you will feel at home here.

Overview of the Role

The General Manager (GM) is the steward of The Birnam Hotel, responsible for protecting its spirit while ensuring it runs with purpose, clarity, and care. This role balances commercial responsibility with a deep respect for the hotel’s character, its community, and the experience it offers guests. Present, approachable, and hands-on, the GM sets the tone for how the hotel feels as much as how it performs.

Leading a new, dedicated team, the GM creates an environment where people take pride in their work and feel trusted to do it well. They champion thoughtful hospitality, uphold standards without stiffness, and guide the hotel’s continued evolution in a way that feels considered, human, and distinctly Birnam.

Key Responsibilities

    • Develop and implement the hotel’s annual business plan, budgets, revenue strategies, and performance targets.

    • Analyse financial reports (P&L, GOP margins, RevPAR, ADR, occupancy trends) and take corrective action to achieve or exceed targets.

    • Identify new revenue opportunities, market trends, and competitive benchmarks.

    • Lead major projects, capital improvements, refurbishments, and long-term development plans.

    • Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and brand standards.

    • Oversee daily operations across all departments: Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, Maintenance, Events, and Administration.

    • Ensure the highest standards of guest service, safety, cleanliness & maintenance.

    • Monitor Standard Operating Procedures and introduce operational improvements where needed.

    • Maintain accurate inventory controls and procurement processes.

    • Respond swiftly to operational issues, emergencies, or service recovery situations.

    • Set and uphold service standards aligned with the hotel’s brand and ethos.

    • Monitor guest feedback channels (reviews, surveys, direct feedback) and implement initiatives to raise satisfaction scores.

    • Welcome VIP guests and ensure personalised service across all touchpoints.

    • Manage complaints with professionalism, ensuring guest recovery and retention.

    • Oversee budgeting, forecasting, payroll, cost controls, and financial reporting with the Accounts Department.

    • Set and monitor departmental budgets and KPIs.

    • Ensure optimal staffing levels while maintaining cost efficiency.

    • Drive profitability through effective revenue management, upselling initiatives, and cost-saving programmes.

    • Recruit, train, develop, and mentor department heads and senior staff.

    • Foster a positive workplace culture built on teamwork, professionalism, and continuous learning.

    • Lead performance reviews, employee engagement, succession planning, and disciplinary procedures.

    • Ensure compliance with employment law, health & safety legislation, and company policies.

    • Promote staff wellbeing, retention, and high morale.

    • Support the F&B Manager with menu development, service standards, cost control (labour, wastage, GP%), and guest satisfaction.

    • Ensure licensing laws, food hygiene regulations, and health & safety standards are met.

    • Monitor special events, weddings, banquets, and private dining experiences.

    • Oversee maintenance programmes, preventative maintenance cycles, and contractor relationships.

    • Ensure all safety systems are functioning (fire safety, security, alarms, emergency procedures).

    • Approve capital expenditures and refurbishment plans.

    • Maintain high standards of appearance across all public spaces, guestrooms, back-of-house areas, and grounds.

About You

  • Leadership

    • Inspires teams through vision, clarity, and accountability.

    • Strong decision-making, crisis management, and communication skills.

    Commercial Acumen

    • Deep understanding of hotel KPIs, revenue management, budgeting, and financial analysis.

    Guest-Focused Mindset

    • Passionate about service excellence and creating memorable experiences.

    Operational Expertise

    • Strong knowledge of hotel operations, industry regulations, and best practices.

    People Management

    • Skilled in coaching, conflict resolution, and cultural development.

    Adaptability & Problem-Solving

    • Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

    • Solutions-driven with high attention to detail.

    • Minimum 5–7 years in a senior hotel management role, ideally as GM or Deputy/Operations Manager.

    • Experience in boutique or luxury hotel environments preferred.

    • Strong financial and commercial management skills.

    • Familiarity with PMS systems, revenue management platforms, and hospitality technology.

    • Hospitality or business management qualification is beneficial but not essential.

What We Offer

  • A supportive, positive working environment with real opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.

  • The chance to be part of a newly restored hotel opening, shaped by a small, committed local team.

  • Staff rates at The Birnam Hotel and our sister venue, The Taybank.

  • Complimentary staff meal provided each shift, prepared by the kitchen team.

  • A focus on wellbeing, with access to employee support services.

  • Recognition for commitment and contribution, with opportunities to grow as the hotel develops.

  • Participation in a team that values collaboration, respect, and enjoyment of the work itself.