Hostel General Manager

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for an energetic, entrepreneurial and commercially driven Hostel General Manager to take full ownership of the operations and performance of a high-energy social hostel.

This is not a traditional hotel management role.

We are looking for a leader who understands that a great hostel is built around people, community, experiences and atmosphere —while still delivering strong financial and operational results.

As Hostel General Manager, you will be responsible for the overall management of the property, including operations, guest experience, people, revenue, profitability, events, F&B, sales and brand standards .

You will be highly visible within the property, engaging with guests and employees while ensuring the business operates efficiently and profitably.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

General Management & Operations

• Take full responsibility for the day-to-day management and overall performance of the hostel.
• Lead all operational departments, including Front Office, Housekeeping, F&B, Events, Maintenance and Guest Experience.
• Establish and maintain high operational and service standards.
• Ensure all departments work together effectively.
• Develop and implement SOPs, policies and operational procedures.
• Conduct regular property inspections.
• Monitor daily operations and resolve issues quickly and effectively.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, local regulations, health, safety and security standards.
• Act as the primary operational leader and representative of the property.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Take ownership of the hostel's P&L and financial performance .
• Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasts and business plans.
• Monitor occupancy, ADR, RevPAR, revenue and profitability.
• Drive room/bed, F&B, events, tours, activities and ancillary revenue.
• Control payroll, operating expenses and departmental costs.
• Identify new revenue opportunities and commercial partnerships.
• Analyze business performance and implement corrective actions.
• Work closely with Revenue Management and Sales teams to maximize property performance.

Guest Experience & Community

• Create a strong social and community-driven guest experience.
• Maintain a visible presence throughout the property.
• Engage directly with guests and understand their needs and expectations.
• Monitor guest satisfaction, reviews and feedback.
• Implement initiatives to improve guest experience and online reputation.
• Create an environment where solo travelers, groups and international guests feel welcome.
• Ensure the property maintains a strong social atmosphere while delivering professional hospitality standards.

Events & Experiences

• Oversee the development and execution of the property's social calendar.
• Lead or support events including parties, pub crawls, BBQs, pool events, community dinners, games, tours and other activities.
• Develop partnerships with local tour operators, activity providers, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues.
• Ensure events contribute to guest engagement and commercial performance.
• Maintain appropriate safety and operational controls during events.
• Continuously identify new experiences that can differentiate the property from competitors.

Leadership & People Management

• Recruit, train, coach and develop the hostel leadership team and employees.
• Establish clear objectives, KPIs and performance expectations.
• Conduct regular team briefings and performance reviews.
• Build a positive, energetic and accountable team culture.
• Manage staffing levels, schedules and productivity.
• Develop future leaders within the organization.
• Address employee relations and performance issues professionally.
• Ensure employees understand and consistently deliver the brand standards.

Sales, Marketing & Partnerships

• Work with Sales and Marketing teams to drive occupancy and revenue.
• Develop local business partnerships and community relationships.
• Support group bookings, events, long-stay business and other commercial opportunities.
• Build relationships with travel agencies, DMCs, tour operators, universities, travel communities and relevant partners.
• Support digital marketing, social media and online reputation initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to increase direct bookings and reduce reliance on third-party distribution channels.

Property & Asset Management

• Ensure the property is maintained to the required operational and brand standards.
• Work closely with Housekeeping and Maintenance teams.
• Monitor room, dormitory and public-area conditions.
• Implement preventive maintenance programs.
• Manage operational projects, renovations and improvements when required.
• Protect company assets and minimize operational losses.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

We are looking for an experienced hospitality leader who combines strong operational discipline with an entrepreneurial and social mindset .

You may currently be a:

• Hostel General Manager
• Hostel Manager
• Hotel General Manager
• Hotel Manager
• Resort Manager
• Operations Manager
• Assistant General Manager
• Cluster Operations Manager
• Lifestyle Hotel Manager
• Social Hospitality Manager

Candidates from hostels, lifestyle hotels, resorts, boutique hotels, serviced apartments, co-living, guesthouses or other experiential hospitality businesses are encouraged to apply.

REQUIREMENTS

Essential

• Minimum 5 years of hospitality experience , with at least 2–3 years in a management or leadership role.
• Proven experience managing hotel, hostel, resort or similar accommodation operations.
• Strong understanding of P&L management, budgeting, forecasting and cost control .
• Experience managing multicultural and international teams.
• Strong guest experience and customer-service orientation.
• Experience managing multiple operational departments.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent English communication skills.
• Strong commercial and business awareness.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays when required.