General Manager - Pre-Opening

General Manager - Pre-Opening

Company: YHA Ltd Location: Sydney NSW Work Type: Full-time Work Arrangement: Onsite

MODE by YHA, a new concept from YHA Australia with an 87-year legacy, is set to open in Sydney in early 2027. This venture aims to meet the evolving needs of modern travellers, offering a social hub that goes beyond accommodation. MODE by YHA will feature 137 private and co-living rooms, an on-site micro-brewery and all-day dining, a double-height amphitheatre, co-working spaces, and a 10-metre climbing wall, all designed to bring contemporary travellers together.

The ideal candidate will embody the ambitious, curious, and collaborative spirit of MODE by YHA's guests and team. This role is for individuals passionate about hospitality, who excel at building communities, shaping experiences, creating memories, and hosting with enthusiasm.

As General Manager, you will be instrumental in setting the tone for the property and will lead the pre-opening team responsible for shaping and launching MODE by YHA.

Your Responsibilities:

• Leader Mode: Provide effective leadership and guidance to foster a culture of teamwork, excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Forecast, monitor, and control wage costs through efficient rostering, with a focus on guest experience, employee engagement, and health & safety.
• Guest Mode: Ensure an exceptional guest experience by upholding high standards of service, cleanliness, comfort, and connection.
• Oversee the comprehensive financial management of all property operations.
• Connect Mode: Cultivate positive relationships with local authorities, stakeholders, tourism boards, and community organisations.
• Ensure a consistent and active experience that connects guests with each other and the local community.
• Business Mode: Prepare business plans, capex plans, and budgets. Review key performance indicators, financial reporting, and capital expenditure to ensure effective cost control and profitability.
• Collaborate with the commercial team to develop and implement sales and marketing strategies for revenue maximisation.
• Safety Mode: Build and maintain a strong focus on health, safety, and ESG principles.
• Drive F&B promotion and social media strategy to enhance awareness, experience, and revenue.

Your Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a General Manager in a hotel or co-living/hostel environment.
• Pre-opening experience, with the ability to build a team from inception.
• Strong operational background encompassing food, beverage, and rooms.
• A passion for people, hospitality, and guest experience.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
• Strong commercial acumen.
• New South Wales Liquor Licensee qualifications, or the capacity to obtain them.

Our core values—Collaborate, listen and connect; Care for people and planet; Create positive experiences; Always evolve—guide our decisions and actions at YHA.

Working at MODE by YHA offers a range of benefits, including free stays across the YHA network, discounts for friends and family, structured growth and development opportunities, and a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing and support. We are committed to empowering our team.

We encourage you to bring your authentic self to work. Our guests come from diverse backgrounds, and so do we. Lead a new team and shape a new era of socially connected travel. If you are seeking a change, we may be the perfect fit. Please submit your CV and a cover letter.