Details
Job Number: 25152822
Job Category: Property Leadership
Location: W Manchester, Jackson's Row, Manchester, United Kingdom, M2 5DA
Schedule: Full Time
Position Type: Management
The Opportunity
W Manchester is set to open in Summer 2027, bringing the bold, design‑led energy of the W Hotels to one of the UK’s most vibrant and culturally influential cities. We are seeking a lifestyle‑driven, commercially astute General Manager to lead this landmark opening—someone who understands how to build relevance within a city, and can position W as a social and cultural destination from day one.
Key Leadership Accountabilities
* Lead the full pre‑opening lifecycle – from concept and planning through to launch and post‑opening stabilisation
* Position W Manchester in the market – establishing it as a leading lifestyle destination within the city’s social and cultural landscape
* Drive commercial performance – with a strong rooms‑led mindset, maximising demand, rate, and market share
* Champion the W brand – ensuring a bold, distinctive, and locally relevant interpretation of the brand ethos
* Partner with ownership and Marriott International to deliver aligned commercial, brand, and operational outcomes
* Build and lead a high‑energy leadership team, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and performance
* Activate the hotel as a social hub – curating programming, partnerships, and experiences that connect the hotel to the city
Experience & Capability
* Proven leadership experience within lifestyle, luxury, or design‑led hospitality brands
* Strong understanding of the UK city hotel market, with clear ability to operate and build presence in Manchester
* Demonstrated success in positioning a hotel within a competitive urban market
* Pre‑opening General Manager experience strongly preferred, or significant involvement in a major opening or repositioning
* Strong commercial acumen, particularly within rooms‑driven environments
* Experience working with third‑party or leased F&B concepts is advantageous
Leadership Profile
* A visible, city‑facing leader who builds influence both inside and outside the hotel
* Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to move at pace and make confident decisions
* Strong stakeholder capability, particularly with ownership and brand partners
* Proven ability to attract, inspire, and retain high‑performing teams
Lifestyle Fit
* Deep affinity with the W lifestyle ethos – creative, expressive, and culturally connected
* Passion for music, fashion, design, and nightlife, with the ability to translate this into a compelling guest experience
* Highly present and engaged within the local market, acting as an ambassador for the hotel and brand
Equal Opportunity Employer
W Hotels is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people‑first culture. We are committed to non‑discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law.
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