APPLY FOR 'GENERAL MANAGER'

General Manager - Rose Castle

Rose Castle is a historic venue located three miles outside Dalston, Cumbria, offering a unique blend of hospitality and peace & reconciliation programmes. Established as a centre of international influence, the castle provides exclusive use bookings for weddings, corporate events and family gatherings, while hosting the Rose Castle Foundation's reconciliation initiatives.

The Role

The General Manager will oversee all day-to-day operations, ensuring financial sustainability and a mission aligned guest experience. The position balances strategic leadership with hands on operational presence.

• Hospitality Operations - Manage accommodation, events, catering and guest services, delivering high standard service across all event styles.
• Team Leadership & Culture - Inspire and develop a dedicated, collaborative team that upholds heritage values and operational excellence.
• Financial Management - Develop budgets, monitor expenditure and implement revenue strategies to support both financial viability and mission goals.
• Technology & Systems Management - Leverage property management systems (e.g., MEWS), CRM (e.g., HubSpot) and other hospitality software to optimise operations and guest experience.
• Partnership Stewardship - Collaborate with the Rose Castle Foundation to support reconciliation programmes and weave Foundation activities into commercial operations.
• Strategic Planning - Contribute to long term strategy, aligning operational decisions with the castle's vision and custodianship ethos.
• Guest Experience & Safety - Uphold the highest standards of hospitality, safety and operational efficiency, driving continuous improvement.

Experience

• Proven experience managing a diverse hospitality venue, from fine dining to informal catering.
• Strong understanding of culinary standards, service delivery and guest experience across multiple price points.
• Demonstrated knowledge of hospitality technology - property management, CRM, POS and rota management.
• Financial acumen with budgeting, forecasting and revenue management across varied offerings.
• Ability to build and lead high performing teams adaptable to different service requirements.
• Experience in events management, guest services or retreat operations with varied hospitality demands.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Passion for peacebuilding, reconciliation or mission driven work is strongly preferred.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends when required.

Personal Attributes

• Mission oriented, collaborative and adaptable leader balancing strategic thinking with practical presence.
• Technologically confident with enthusiasm for innovative systems to improve operations and guest experience.
• Versatile and comfortable moving between formal and informal contexts, maintaining quality and warmth throughout.
• Detail oriented yet strategic, balancing day to day operations with long term vision.
• Understanding of family owned business dynamics and effectiveness within a custodianship model.
• Capable of holding creative tension between commercial imperatives and mission integrity.
• Resilient, proactive and solution focused with strong problem solving abilities across diverse situations.
• Warm, approachable and capable of creating an exceptional guest experience regardless of the event formality.

Why Rose Castle?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a historic centre that blends hospitality with meaningful purpose. The General Manager will shape both the guest experience and team culture, ensuring long term sustainability while advancing global peace and reconciliation.

How to Apply

Applications are best initiated via the application form below. Please submit your CV and a short cover letter detailing your experience and interest in this role.

For any questions, email .

Application Questions

• How would you balance the commercial opportunities of this role while safeguarding the mission integrity of the Rose Castle Foundation?
• How would you increase revenue at Rose Castle?
• Describe how your leadership style will support a positive team dynamic and culture.