Director of Operations

For over 150 years, the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel has been a landmark of luxury in the heart of Bristol, earning an international reputation for exceptional hospitality and timeless elegance. Now, the hotel is entering an exciting new era with a complete refurbishment and transformation into the prestigious Marriott Autograph Collection.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a landmark transition, helping to shape and launch an exciting new product ahead of its grand unveiling in Spring 2027. Combining rich heritage with contemporary luxury, the hotel will join Marriott’s distinctive collection of individually characterful hotels, redefining the guest experience for the future.

We have an exciting opportunity to join us as our Director of Operations. We’re looking for an experienced and hands-on senior leader to join our leadership team and become part of Team Marriott. A strong focus on food and beverage is paramount, you’ll work closely with the General Manager and Heads of Department to enable exemplary, high-quality hospitality, creating an environment where associates feel supported, guests feel genuinely welcomed and every detail is delivered with care.

The Role: Enabling the delivery of exemplary, high-end hospitality across the hotel’s food and beverage offer, ensuring every guest and client experience reflects the quality of the brand. Providing strong leadership, coaching and development to department heads and their teams, building a culture of pride, craft and attention to detail.

Setting and upholding the very highest standards of food, beverage and service, with a keen eye for quality in every guest interaction. Equipping teams with the people, planning, systems and resources they need to deliver consistently, from everyday service to the most demanding occasions. Driving commercial performance, with a sound grasp of revenue, margin and cost control, working with the General Manager and Finance on budgets and forecasts.

Helping to shape and launch new concepts, menus and service styles ahead of the hotel’s unveiling in Spring 2027. Ensuring Marriott brand standards, health and safety, food safety and licensing requirements are met consistently. Resolving operational challenges and guest concerns professionally and positively, while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

Working alongside the General Manager and the wider leadership team so that the whole guest journey feels connected, from arrival to departure. Being a visible, hands-on presence across the hotel, building strong relationships with guests, clients and associates. What kind of leader are we looking for? We’re looking for someone who understands what truly exceptional hospitality looks like, and knows how to lead and equip the people who deliver it.

You’ll be an experienced in Hotel leadership, preferably within a luxury brand, with the confidence to make decisions, and take ownership when things get busy. You’ll bring: Previous experience as an Operations Manager or Food and Beverage Manager is paramount, ideally within a luxury, upscale or lifestyle environment A genuine eye for quality, with a track record of delivering refined, high-end hospitality and raising standards Strong commercial and operational expertise in food and beverage, including high-volume and premium service Experience leading Heads of Department and developing high-performing teams Sound financial acumen, with confidence in managing budgets, labour, cost of sales and GP Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with guests and clients as well as colleagues A proactive, hands-on approach and visible leadership style The ability to remain calm, adaptable and solutions-focused in a fast-paced environment A genuine passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences Full flexibility to support the delivery of events Why Join Us?

At the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel, you will have the opportunity to make a real impact while developing your career with one of the world’s leading hospitality brands. You’ll have the visibility and influence to shape how our food and beverage offer is launched and run, setting the standard for high-end hospitality, developing our leadership team, strengthening guest satisfaction and contributing directly to the hotel’s commercial performance.

You’ll join a passionate team, work in a historic hotel undergoing significant investment and help define the experience of both our guests and our associates every day. B enefits Include Global Marriott hotel discounts Training programmes and career development opportunities Life assurance Complimentary gym membership Associate recognition programme Employee Assistance Programme Meal on duty Free parking Additional discounts and benefits Marriott 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, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.