General Manager

Job description

Orange Recruitment are seeking an experienced General Manager on behalf of a values-led organisation dedicated to the promotion of Heritage, Spirituality, and Ecology. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader to drive the strategic development and day-to-day management of a unique visitor destination and community resource. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering sustainable growth, enhancing visitor engagement, developing meaningful partnerships, and maximising the potential of a diverse site that includes accommodation, conferencing facilities, natural amenities, and educational opportunities. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the General Manager will combine strong commercial acumen with strategic leadership to ensure the organisation continues to thrive while remaining true to its mission, values, and long-term vision.

Job Title: General Manager

Contract Type: Three-Year Fixed Term Contract

Hours: 30 Hours per Week (flexible working arrangements)

Salary: €45,000 per annum

Location: Cork

About the Organisation

Our client is a unique visitor destination and community resource dedicated to the promotion of Heritage, Spirituality, and Ecology. The site incorporates extensive organic farmland, woodland, residential accommodation, and conference facilities, providing opportunities for education, reflection, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.

The organisation is seeking an experienced and visionary General Manager to lead the next phase of development and growth, ensuring the site reaches its full potential while remaining true to its core values and mission.

Purpose of the Role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the General Manager will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all aspects of the organisation’s activities. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing plans that enhance visitor experiences, increase engagement, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the site.

This position requires a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader with the ability to identify new opportunities, drive innovation, and manage a diverse range of operational, financial, and stakeholder responsibilities.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a three-year strategic plan to support the ongoing development and sustainability of the organisation.
• Prepare and manage annual budgets and financial forecasts.

• Monitor performance against strategic and financial objectives and report regularly to the Board.
• Identify and implement opportunities for growth and income generation.

Operations and Facilities Management

• Oversee all day-to-day operational functions.
• Ensure the effective management, maintenance, and optimisation of facilities, land, accommodation, and event spaces.
• Implement policies and procedures that support effective governance and operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements.

Marketing and Visitor Development

• Develop and lead marketing and promotional strategies to increase visitor numbers and engagement.
• Promote the organisation’s key themes and activities through innovative campaigns and partnerships.
• Identify and develop new visitor experiences, events, programmes, and revenue-generating initiatives.
• Maximise usage of accommodation and conference facilities.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local communities, partner organisations, tourism bodies, and other key stakeholders.
• Develop collaborative projects and initiatives that support organisational objectives.
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation and represent it at relevant events and forums.

People Management

• Lead, manage, and support staff and volunteers.
• Ensure effective recruitment, supervision, performance management, training, and development practices.
• Promote a positive and collaborative working environment.
• Ensure adherence to employment legislation and HR best practice.

Programme Coordination

• Coordinate the planning and delivery of programmes and activities.
• Ensure programmes reflect and promote the values and mission of the organisation.
• Enhance visitor engagement through diverse and innovative offerings.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain appropriate risk management and reporting systems.
• Promote a safe environment for staff, volunteers, visitors, and programme participants.

Essential Experience

• A minimum of five years’ experience in a senior management or general management role.
• Demonstrable experience in strategic planning and implementation.
• Experience managing budgets, operational resources, and facilities.
• Experience leading and developing teams, including employees and volunteers.
• Experience delivering marketing, visitor engagement, community development, or business development initiatives.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Strong strategic and commercial awareness.
• Proven ability to develop and implement long-term plans that deliver measurable results.
• Excellent organisational, administrative, and project management skills.
• Strong financial management and budgeting capabilities.
• Experience in facilities and operational management.
• Excellent communication, networking, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Personal Attributes

• Innovative and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and results-driven.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Commitment to values-based leadership and community engagement.
• Creative thinker with the ability to identify and develop new opportunities.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in the tourism, hospitality, heritage, environmental, charitable, not-for-profit, or community sectors.
• Experience in fundraising, grant applications, or income generation activities.
• Knowledge of sustainability, heritage promotion, ecology, or related fields.
• Relevant third-level qualification in business, management, tourism, hospitality, community development, or a related discipline.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to shape the future direction of a unique organisation and make a meaningful contribution to its continued growth, sustainability, and community impact.