Job Ref: UNI1508
Branch: University Arms
Location: University Arms, Cambridge
Salary/Benefits: Competitive Salary - £40,000
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Hours per week: 40
Posted date: 09/06/2026
Closing date: 11/07/2026
ABOUT US
University Arms is a 192-bedroom design-led Hotel situated in the heart of Cambridge, United Kingdom. Overlooking Parker’s Piece is the Hotel’s quintessentially British Restaurant and Bar, Parker’s Tavern, Library Lounge, and beautiful wood-panelled Ballroom.
Opened in 1834 as a Coaching Inn, University Arms is Cambridge’s oldest Hotel. For 180 years, the Hotel was added to, updated, and modernised in line with the age; however, it was the reopening in 2018 after a four-year £80m full renovation that really positioned the Hotel. It is now Cambridges ‘go to’ destination, alluring visitors with the promise of a sense of modern luxury.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
As Front of House Manager, you will lead the Reception, Nights, and Concierge teams, ensuring a warm, seamless, and consistent guest experience from arrival to departure. You will be responsible for setting clear standards across the department, while supporting and developing your team to deliver efficient, high-quality service.
Working closely with the leadership team, you will oversee day-to-day operations and ensure strong commercial performance, including managing payroll, controlling costs, and identifying opportunities to improve both service and revenue. This is a hands-on role where calm leadership, presence on the floor and strong attention to detail are essential.
DUTIES
- Lead and manage the Front of House team
- Deliver exceptional guest service and resolve guest concerns
- Ensure smooth daily operations, including check-in/check-out procedures
- Monitor room allocations, occupancy levels, and guest requests
- Support revenue growth through upselling and effective room management
- Train, coach, and motivate team members to achieve service excellence
- Maintain brand standards, health safety, and operational procedures
- Work closely with Housekeeping, Food Beverage, and Maintenance teams
- Manage staffing levels, rotas, and departmental performance
- Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching and development opportunities.
- Handle guest feedback and implement continuous improvements
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN YOU
- Previous experience in a hotel Front Office or Front of House management role
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to manage payroll, departmental costs, and revenue opportunities effectively
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and guests
- Experience using hotel PMS systems, ideally Opera
- Proven experience handling guest complaints and service recovery in a professional, solution-focused manner
- Are organised, hands-on, and able to work under pressure
- Thrive in a fast-paced environment and lead by example
- Are flexible to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts as needed
THE PERKS
As well as the opportunity to work with a fantastic team in an exceptional property, the position comes with:
- Competitive salary
- Free meals on duty
- Team Member Parties
- Excellent Rooms and FB discounts across Marriott Internationals 8,000+ Hotels.
- Free employee assistance program – mental health, well-being, financial, and legal support because you matter!
- Refer a friend – who do you know who could be interested in a new role? When they are placed, you could earn up to £400 for referring them!
RIGHT TO WORK
In line with the requirements of UK immigration legislation, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. Documentary evidence of eligibility to work will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.
Why work at University Arms and Parker’s Tavern?
We are passionate about Cambridge’s heritage, and want to share that with our guests in a context that is contemporary, thoughtful and engaging. We deliver an experience of considered modern luxury, and take pride in our work. If you are enthusiastic about your city and your work in the hospitality sector you will find working at the University Arms truly rewarding.
