Reception Manager
Newlands Holiday Park – Jurassic Coast
Newlands Holiday Park is a thriving, independent, family-owned holiday park on the stunning Jurassic Coast. Since 1998, we have delivered exceptional British holidays to thousands of guests annually and we continue to grow.
During peak season, we welcome approximately 1,000 guests per week across 85+ letting units, owner accommodation, camping, and touring pitches. Operating at high occupancy throughout our season means reception function is commercially critical to the success of the business.
We believe every team member plays an essential role in our success, and we foster a supportive, enthusiastic environment where talent and dedication are valued. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a commercially focused Reception Manager to lead our front-of-house operations, maximise booking revenue, and play a key role in developing our holiday home sales pipeline.
About the Role
This is more than a front-of-house role. It is a leadership position with real operational and revenue responsibility.
As Reception Manager, you will:
· Take full accountability for the performance, standards, and commercial success of the reception department
· Lead, motivate, and develop a small but high-impact team
· Increasing average booking value through strategic upselling
· Proactively generating and qualifying holiday home sales leads
· Supporting the wider sales process from enquiry to handover
· Oversee all booking channels including direct sales and third-party platforms
· Manage departmental scheduling and resource planning
· Act as a senior point of escalation for guest relations and employees
· Work closely with Maintenance, Housekeeping, Marketing, and Bar to ensure seamless operations
· Contribute to wider business strategy and continuous improvement initiatives
Experience using RMS or a comparable property management system is highly desirable. We are looking for someone who understands how to use booking data to drive revenue decisions, not just process reservations.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our leadership team as Reception Manager. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who enjoys balancing operational management with commercial thinking.
As Reception Manager, you will take full responsibility for the daily operations, performance, and development of the reception department. You will play a pivotal role in driving occupancy, maximising revenue opportunities, and ensuring an exceptional guest experience from first enquiry through to departure.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead, manage, and develop the reception team to deliver outstanding service standards
* Drive occupancy levels by converting enquiries into bookings and generating holiday home sales leads
* Oversee all booking channels including direct bookings (in person, phone, website) and third-party platforms such as
* Manage and optimise the park's booking system (RMS experience advantageous)
* Ensure smooth interdepartmental communication, liaising closely with Marketing, Maintenance, Housekeeping, Bar, and other departments
* Handle escalated guest queries and resolve issues efficiently and professionally
* Monitor performance, implement improvements, and support wider business objectives
* Maintain high operational standards during peak periods, particularly during school holidays
This is a dynamic, hands-on management role. You will lead from the front, supporting your team on reception while maintaining oversight of departmental performance. Flexibility is essential for both the role and hours as they vary between 8:00am – 7:00pm, including weekends and bank holidays.
Leadership & Performance
* Lead, motivate, and develop a small reception team with a strong sales culture
* Set clear performance expectations around conversion, upselling, and lead generation
* Working towards monitoring KPIs including occupancy rates, average booking value, conversion rate, and sales leads generated
* Work closely with senior management to implement revenue growth initiatives
* Maintain exceptional service standards while driving commercial performance
This is a very varied & hands-on role requiring a confident leader who can balance guest experience with commercial awareness.
About You
We are looking for a commercially aware, proactive manager who understands both hospitality and sales performance.
You will have:
* Proven management experience within hospitality, leisure, or tourism
* Strong sales and conversion skills
* Experience working with RMS or similar property management systems
* Confidence analysing booking data and forecasting occupancy
* Ability to drive revenue through pricing strategy and upselling
* Experience generating or supporting holiday home/property sales
* Excellent communication and negotiation skills
* Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office and PDQ systems
* High attention to detail and pride in performance
The Perks
* Bonus scheme available during July and August with potential earnings up to 10% additional pay*
* Free use of facilities for you, your partner, and children under 18 (including two pools, sauna, hot tub, and gym)**
* Discounts on UK and Europe-wide holidays
* Free onsite parking
Please note: This role requires flexibility and includes weekend and bank holiday work.
*T&Cs apply
** Over 18 for gym and sauna.
Newlands Holidays is an Equal Opportunities employer. Early applications are encouraged as we'll review applications throughout the recruitment process and reserve the right to close the advert at any time and all job offers are subject to right to work in the UK.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £13.50 per hour
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Free parking
* On-site gym
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person