General Manager – W Manchester
Opening Summer 2027
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.
This role requires a leader who will be present in the city, shaping the narrative, building relationships, and curating a hotel experience that resonates with both local communities and international guests.
This is a rare opportunity to define a flagship lifestyle hotel from the ground up.
Key Leadership Accountabilities
As General Manager, you will:
1. Lead the full pre-opening lifecycle – from concept and planning through to launch and post-opening stabilisation
2. Position W Manchester in the market – establishing it as a leading lifestyle destination within the city’s social and cultural landscape
3. Drive commercial performance – with a strong rooms-led mindset, maximising demand, rate, and market share
4. Champion the W brand – ensuring a bold, distinctive, and locally relevant interpretation of the brand ethos
5. Partner with ownership and Marriott International to deliver aligned commercial, brand, and operational outcomes
6. Build and lead a high-energy leadership team, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and performance
7. Activate the hotel as a social hub – curating programming, partnerships, and experiences that connect the hotel to the city
What We Are Looking For
Experience & Capability
8. Proven leadership experience within lifestyle, luxury, or design-led hospitality brands
9. Strong understanding of the UK city hotel market, with clear ability to operate and build presence in Manchester
10. Demonstrated success in positioning a hotel within a competitive urban market
11. Pre-opening General Manager experience strongly preferred, or significant involvement in a major opening or repositioning
12. Strong commercial acumen, particularly within rooms-driven environments
13. Experience working with third-party or leased F&B concepts is advantageous
Leadership Profile
14. A visible, city-facing leader who builds influence both inside and outside the hotel
15. Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to move at pace and make confident decisions
16. Strong stakeholder capability, particularly with ownership and brand partners
17. Proven ability to attract, inspire, and retain high-performing teams
Lifestyle Fit
18. Deep affinity with the W lifestyle ethos – creative, expressive, and culturally connected
19. Passion for music, fashion, design, and nightlife, with the ability to translate this into a compelling guest experience
20. Highly present and engaged within the local market, acting as an ambassador for the hotel and brand
Why Join W Manchester
This is an opportunity to open one of the most anticipated lifestyle hotels in the UK and to leave a lasting mark on both the brand and the city.
At Marriott International, you will be part of a global leader in hospitality, with access to world-class brands, development opportunities, and a culture built on creativity and performance.
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Marriott International 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.