Trainee Manager Programme 2026
Hastings Hotels is a family-owned luxury hotel group based in Northern Ireland, recognised as a leading name in the hospitality industry. We are known for delivering exceptional guest experiences and upholding a legacy of excellence across generations.
At Hastings Hotels, we believe great hospitality starts with great people. We love welcoming new talent to our teams and are committed to supporting our employees through ongoing training, mentoring, and development, that aligns with their career ambitions and helps them to achieve their goals.
Our Trainee Manager Programme is a two-year development journey designed for ambitious individuals eager to embrace our vision and values, while gaining hands-on experience in a dynamic, guest focused industry.
Applications are now open for September 2026!
What we are looking for:
Excellence
Motivated individuals who are driven and passionate about delivering an outstanding service to our guests.
Integrity
Professionals who act with honesty and professionalism, serving as role models to their peers.
Innovation
Creative thinkers who embrace new ideas and improvements.
Teamwork
Enthusiastic team players who support and empower others.
Passion
People who bring energy, drive, and pride to their work.
What You’ll Gain:
Multi-departmental experience across our hotels, providing a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry.
Tailored mentorship and industry-leading training to support your personal and professional growth.
A customised career path designed to align with your long-term goals.
A University Diploma (Level 4 ) through our bespoke programme delivered in partnership with Ulster University.
Employment Details
Fixed-term for 2 years, with the possibility of permanency.
Start date of 1st September 2026.
Full-time, 35 hours per week excluding breaks.
Flexibility is essential. You will work on a rota basis and be available for evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required.
Willingness to travel. A rotational programme, involving placements across our portfolio of properties.
Here is what you can expect in return:
A competitive salary
29 days holiday plus an additional days' leave for your birthday
Cash and credit card tips
Employee discounts
Free staff meals
To find out more about our benefits click here
The company reserves the right to apply enhanced short-listing criteria.
To find out more about Hastings Hotels and what our company offers please visit https://www.hastingshotels.com/careers.html
Hastings Hotels is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Recruitment Process
A two-stage progess beginning with a sceener interview in early May 2026, followed by an assessment centre (date to be confirmed). Please note the recruitment process for the Trainee Manager Programme will be conducted in person at the Europa Hotel, Belfast City Centre.
About the role
The Trainee Manager Programme is an opportunity to work across many aspects of our hospitality business, by completing rotations in Food, Beverage, Housekeeping, Front Office and Duty Management across our properties. From month 9, you will also benefit from additional placements with our Head Office Teams in Central Reservations, IT, and People & Culture.
Job Description:
To complete your assigned series of rotations, starting with the core aspects of each role and department.
To perform the operational tasks undertaken by our teams, before progressing.
To support departmental managers in the delivery of exceptional experiences for our guests.
To take responsibility for developing your knowledge and skills in each programme placement.
To ensure that you are knowledgeable about the facilities and services within our hotels and are proactive in the sale of these to guests.
To promote and contribute to a harmonious working environment where all employees are treated with respect and dignity.
To ensure Hastings quality standards and procedures are fully understood and implemented.
To ensure you assist guests with any reasonable request for hotel services.
To ensure the service areas, fixtures and equipment are properly maintained and presented to Hastings standards.
To ensure a safe environment is maintained in compliance with health, safety, fire, hygiene and security legislation and company policies and procedures.
To ensure the compliance with all matters relating to licensing laws, Customs and Excise Regulations and all other relevant legislation.
Any other duties as required by the management team.
In year two of the programme
It is expected you will be able to support with the management and motivation of employees through effective communication, training, and development, in accordance with company policies and relevant employment legislation, ensuring HR procedures are followed.
To carry out the role of Duty Manager at your assigned property.
To support the team with responding to queries and complaints, and finding the appropriate solution.
To maintain effective communication and relationships with other hotel departments, to maintain an effective operation and ensure guest satisfaction.
Learning & Development
You will engage fully in each rotation, building skills in our hospitality operations from entry level, through to supervisory and managerial roles.
In year two of the programme, you will commit to completing our accredited qualification in partnership with Ulster University, covering leadership, KPIs, service excellence, change management, and team building.
You will actively take responsibility for your personal learning, development, and reflection throughout the programme.
Further information on our Trainee Manager Programme can be found in the programme guide in the documents section to the right.
What you will need
Required criteria
- The right to work in the UK
- A professional appearance
- A passion for hospitality and delivering memorable experiences
- Educated to Level 2 (GSCE) or the equivalent with grades A-C in English and Mathematics
- Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring our standards of service and presentation are met
- A collaborative and positive attitude, with the ability to work well within a team to achieve success
- Please Note: Whilst a driving licence is not a requirement of this role, you will need to ensure you have the ability to commute to our various locations across Northern Ireland
Desired criteria
- Educated to Level 6 (Undergraduate Degree) or the equivalent in a relevant field e.g. Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Previous experience in hospitality
Professional skills you’ll need for this job opportunity
Bar Service
Food Service Skills
Exceptional Customer Service Skills
Developing Self
Teamwork
Hastings Hotels
Our vision is to be recognised as a prestigious, family company, providing the finest in Irish hospitality with style and excellence.
Hastings Hotels owns and operates six hotels in Northern Ireland, with over 1,000 bedrooms, a stand-alone gastro-pub, and a luxury spa. From city centre buzz to seaside resort, each outlet has a distinctive personality and market positioning. For over 50 years this family owned business has successfully established its identity in the market because we place quality and service at the heart of everything we do. Quality in the design of our properties and their upkeep. Quality in the local sourcing of the food and drink we offer our guests... and quality in our people, people with personality, attention to detail, and a desire to develop their careers with us.
Our guests remember the small details. The open fire in the lounge. The supremely comfy beds. The fabulous breakfast... and the interactions they had with our people. It is more important that you have the correct behaviours and attitude than every last qualification... we can help you attain that. We place great attention on recruitment, induction, and integrating you into your department, your hotel, and the Group. We want you to think about how you want to develop your career with us, and we promise to do what we can to help you on that journey...
Our benefits
We offer a range of benefits including free staff meals, cash and credit card tips, employee discounts, 29 days holiday plus your birthday, and opportunities for career progression and development.
Vacation, Paid time off
Retirement plan and/or pension
Employee development programs
Employee discounts
Competitive salary
Preferential room rates
Family and friends rates
Discount on meals purchased
Discount on spa treatments or products
Free meals during shifts
Free parking or Discounted parking
Employee Assistance Scheme
Wellbeing Scheme
Employee Recognition Scheme
On the job learning
Access to Health & Wellbeing app
Long service awards
Staff celebration events
Company employee App
Trainee Manager Programme 2026
Our vision is to be recognised as a prestigious, family company, providing the finest in Irish hospitality with style and excellence.