Assistant Hotel & Operations Manager

Job Description:

Assistant Hotel & Operations Manager

Reports to: Operations Manager

Location: The Killarney Grand, Killarney, Co Kerry

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

The Business

The Killarney Grand – A Home for Music, Culture and Community

Located in the heart of one of Ireland’s most loved tourist towns, The Killarney Grand is more than a venue - it is a vibrant centre for live music, Irish culture, and community spirit. Affectionately known as “The Grand,” it encompasses Paddy Sheehan’s Bar, The Grand Nightclub, The Piano Bar, and The Grand Hotel. From traditional Irish tunes spilling onto Main Street to the late-night energy inside the nightclub, The Grand delivers an atmosphere that is electric, welcoming, and unmistakably Irish.

A Legacy of Music, Hospitality, and Comfort Above It All

Renowned as one of Ireland’s premier live music destinations, The Killarney Grand hosts performances seven nights a week, offering everything from lively trad sessions and local folk to energetic cover bands and touring acts. It is a place where musicians and music lovers come together to celebrate the joy of live performance. Adding to its unique charm, a boutique hotel sits directly above the venue, giving guests the rare opportunity to stay right in the heart of Killarney’s vibrant music scene. Beyond the music, The Grand is defined by its people—known for their genuine Irish hospitality. Whether someone is visiting for the first time, returning as a familiar face, or stopping by as a local, every guest is greeted with warmth and a true sense of welcome.

Purpose of the Role

The Assistant Hotel & Operations Manager should embody the true spirit of Irish hospitality and uphold the tradition of Céad Míle Fáilte—a heartfelt welcome of - one hundred thousand greetings. The role will support the delivery of exceptional hospitality by upholding day-to-day operational standards and overseeing all aspects of the hotel and guest accommodation. The role ensures every guest’s experience is a service marked by finesse, consistency, and genuine care. One key focus of the role is also to help drive year-round occupancy and maximise revenue through operational excellence, proactive planning, and consistently high standards across all accommodation areas.

Key Responsibilities

Hotel

Manage and maintain the business’s Property Management System (PMS) for The Grand Hotel.

Ensure the highest standards of cleanliness, presentation, and room readiness are upheld with a strong focus on detail.

Manage guest queries, requests, and concerns promptly and professionally, ensuring swift resolution and guest satisfaction.

Consult with the Operations Team regarding any VIP guests staying in the venue such as hen groups, event nights and entertainment bookings.

Support the creation of an atmosphere defined by hospitality finesse, comfort, and guest focused care.

Coordinate stock control for the hotel, including linens, cleaning products, and guest amenities.

Conduct regular inspections of guest rooms and public areas to ensure cleanliness and presentation standards are consistently achieved.

Consult with maintenance to ensure any room issues or defects are resolved.

Operations

Assist in managing day-to-day operations, ensuring the Operations Team is organised, briefed, and motivated. Departments include bar, floor, table service, cleaning, security, and maintenance staff.

Support with staff scheduling, task allocation, and monitoring workflow efficiency.

Uphold operational procedures and promote a culture of pride, responsibility, and continuous improvement.

Oversee the issuing and control of guest room access keys; provide replacements promptly if cards are damaged.

Supervise the cleaning team, assign daily tasks, and ensure efficient room turnaround.

Maintain clear and consistent communication with all departments of the Operations Team.

Hospitality Standards

The Assistant Hotel & Operations Manager should embody the true spirit of Irish hospitality and uphold the tradition of Céad Míle Fáilte.

Principal lead for hospitality standards and presentation expectations across the business.

Train and mentor members of Operations Team including onboarding of new staff.

Maintain and champion consistent standards across cleanliness, décor, amenities, and atmosphere.

Support brand consistency throughout the hotel, including public spaces.

Reinforce the core pillars of hospitality in all operations:

Warm Welcome – ensuring every arrival feels valued.

Comfort and Care – creating an environment that feels polished yet relaxed.

Attention to Detail – anticipating guest needs before they are expressed.

Seamless Service – delivering efficiency with grace.

Impression – ensuring guests leave with a positive memory and desire to return.

Finance

Support weekly, monthly and seasonal occupancy planning to maximise room usage.

Responsible for weekly and monthly revenue reporting, occupancy analysis, and forecasting.

Prepare and manage the hotel budget, monitor costs, and departmental expenditure.

Monitor accommodation performance, identifying opportunities to enhance revenue and reduce waste.

Assist in forecasting demand and adjusting staffing within Operations Team.

Ensure upsell opportunities are recognised and delivered with subtlety and professionalism.

Manage deposits, payments, and reconciliations accurately.

Ensure guests’ data and booking information are managed in line with GDPR and company policy.

Sales & Marketing

Manage room availability, pricing, and promotions to maintain strong occupancy levels year-round, using seasonal offers during quieter periods, competitive pricing during peak seasons.

Allocate rooms for acts/ bands/ DJs, communicate details to relevant management staff.

Upload and maintain listings across different advertising platforms such Booking.com.

Create engaging room descriptions, visuals, and promotions to drive bookings.

Promote overnight packages for VIP groups, such as hen parties, which include access to Paddy Sheehan’s Bar, The Grand Nightclub and The Piano Bar.

Compliance

Ensure all housekeeping and accommodation procedures meet health, safety, and hygiene regulations.

Assist with documentation, reporting, and communication between operations and management.

Ensure maintenance issues are logged, monitored, and resolved quickly.

Key Skills

The Assistant Hotel & Operations Manager should embody the true spirit of Irish hospitality and uphold the tradition of Céad Míle Fáilte.

Minimum 2 years’ experience in a senior hotel, front-of-house, or operations role within hospitality.

Training and mentorship experience or a background in championing service standards.

Flexible to work weekends and evenings if required.

Strong commitment to guest service, presentation, attention to detail, and high presentation standards.

Excellent communication and people skills, with ability to lead, support, and inspire teams.

Strong organisational and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced environment.

Experience in pricing strategies, seasonal occupancy management, and advertising platforms.

Commercial awareness with a clear understanding of cost control and revenue growth.

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor’s degree, Postgraduate, Undergraduate, Diploma or Certification in hospitality OR minimum 2 years’ experience in a senior hotel, front-of-house, or operations role within hospitality.

Fluent in use of Property Management System (PMS)

Training and mentorship experience or a background in championing service standards.

Proven record in managing budgets, occupancy levels, and housekeeping teams.

Adept in use of Microsoft suite of apps.

Benefits Package

Highly competitive, experience‑aligned salary.

Exclusive performance bonus recognising exceptional contribution.

Enhanced pension contributions

Fully covered professional expenses

Company mobile phone

High‑end company laptop

How to apply

Whether your CV is a part match or an exact match to the above job description, you have 2 years’ experience or you have more experience than you would care to admit, we would be delighted to hear from you. Contact details are below. A CV is not mandatory but would be welcomed.

Contact: Brid Fallon Email: brid@hrbuddy.ie

Number: 064 6698034 or 089 2440457.

Pay: Up to €25.00 per hour

Benefits:

Company events

Company pension

On-site parking

Sick pay

Work Location: In person