General Manager

Not many General Managers get to run a 100% electric hotel.

At voco Zeal, you’ll lead a 142-bedroom, 4-star hotel at the entrance to Exeter Science Park. It’s a role with real variety, combining the commercial focus of a busy branded hotel with a sustainability commitment that shapes how we work every day. You’ll set the direction, lead the team and be accountable for the results.

The Role

As General Manager, you’ll have overall responsibility for the hotel’s guest experience, team and financial performance. You’ll be visible in the hotel and hands-on with the detail, while keeping sight of the bigger commercial picture.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Operations: leading all areas of the hotel, including rooms, food and beverage, meetings and maintenance

• Financial performance: owning the hotel’s budget and P&L, driving revenue and profit, and keeping a close eye on payroll and food costs

• Commercial growth: working with sales and revenue teams to build business from Science Park organisations, the wider Exeter market and meetings and events

• People: recruiting, developing and retaining a strong team, coaching your heads of department and building a culture people want to be part of

• Guest experience: using guest feedback to raise standards and deliver the voco brand consistently

• Compliance: making sure the hotel meets its health and safety, licensing, employment and brand requirements

• Relationships: representing the hotel with owners, Valor’s support teams, the Science Park community and local businesses

About You

You’ll be an established hotelier with General Manager or senior hotel leadership experience, ideally in a branded environment. You’ll know your way around a P&L, lead with warmth and clear expectations, and be just as comfortable reviewing the numbers as walking the floor with your team. Above all, you’ll want sustainability to be part of how a hotel is run, not an add-on.

Sustainability at Our Core

Sustainability is central to who we are. Every team member is certified as “Carbon Literate”, and we’ll ask you to take part in Carbon Awareness training too. As General Manager, you’ll set the example, making sure everyone understands the impact of their actions on the environment, helps to reduce emissions and brings their own ideas to the table.

Supporting Your Hospitality Career Growth

• Fully funded apprenticeship programmes, alongside our detailed brand training

• Internal development programmes, designed to support you as you grow within your role

• Monthly and annual team member service awards, making sure your achievements are recognised and celebrated

About the Hotel

voco Zeal Exeter Science Park sits at the entrance to Exeter Science Park, home to the South West’s leading science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine businesses. This premium 4-star hotel features 142 stylish bedrooms, a restaurant and bar, a mini gym, gardens and versatile meeting space. The hotel is 100% electric, with a car park offering 12 EV charging points.

Our recent awards include Opening of the Year from IHG Hotels & Resorts UK&I (2026), Project of the Year at the Sustainability in Design Awards (2026), and Best New Construction / Commercial Project at the BREEAM Awards (2025).

In Addition to a Competitive Salary, We Also Offer

Exclusive discounts for you, your friends and family

• Valor team member rates at our UK hotels, with rooms from just £30 Bed and Breakfast

• Discounted stays for friends and family

• 50% discount when dining in our restaurants and bars

• Free meals while on duty, keeping you well-fuelled

• Access to high-street discounts on a range of shops, experiences and more

• Up to 40% savings on a wide range of bikes, with our Cycle to Work Scheme

• Generous refer-a-friend bonuses, starting at £250

Caring for your health and wellbeing, both in and outside of work

• A calendar of wellness activities, from healthy lunches to wellbeing walks and pay day treats, not forgetting our annual #HealthyHabits campaign

• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme, providing free confidential advice, 24/7, for you and your family, supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing

• Healthcare Cash Plan options, from just £5 per month

Ready to lead the team at voco Zeal?

We’re an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. At Valor Hospitality, we actively welcome applications from candidates of all diverse backgrounds.

Every application is carefully reviewed against the relevant skills and experience for the role, and we’ll be in touch if you’re a good match and have been selected for interview.

If you need any support at any stage of the recruitment process, or reasonable adjustments to help you do your best, please email our team at [email removed].

Please note that employment is subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK.