Spa Manager

Park Hotel Kenmare is one of Ireland’s most distinguished luxury destinations, renowned for its heritage, warm hospitality, and exceptional standards of service. The hotel is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the opening of a brand-new, world-class spa, a transformative wellness destination designed to be unrivalled in Ireland and respected internationally. This spa will not follow trends; it will set them. Its new identity is envisioned not only as a complement to the hotel’s brand, but as a distinct expression in its own right. The branding will be grounded in themes of sustainability, nature, and an authentic sense of place. Inspiration will be drawn directly from the natural beauty and biodiversity of its surrounding landscape. The spa will retain a clear connection to Park Hotel Kenmare, ensuring coherence whilst allowing the spa to build its own unique identity. It will emerge as a brand that embodies respect for nature, thoughtful design, and a contemporary vision of wellness.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational leadership for The Spa, nurturing its growth as a leading wellness destination while balancing commercial performance, operational excellence and exceptional guest experiences.
• Ensure the vision, values, standards and operating procedures of The Spa are consistently upheld across all areas of the business.
• Develop and enhance the wellness offering through innovative retreats, programmes and experiences that enhances guest engagement and supports sustainable growth for the business.
• Develop a positive and inclusive team culture where every team member feels valued, supported, empowered and connected to the purpose of The Spa.
• Build and maintain a collaborative working relationship with the Hotel General Manager and wider hotel leadership team.
• Ensure all team members receive a comprehensive induction and ongoing development in wellness, service excellence, guest care and retail awareness.
• Lead by example in delivering warm, professional and personalised guest care throughout the wellness journey.
• Keep the Hotel General Manager fully informed of any matters that may influence the ongoing success, reputation or operation of The Spa.

The Guest Experience

Ensure every guest who visits The Spa enjoys a meaningful and memorable wellness journey that inspires repeat visits and personal recommendation.

This experience should focus on:

• Recognising each guest as an individual with unique needs.

• Delivering warm, authentic, professional and intuitive service.
• Creating restorative, results-driven wellness experiences, therapies and activities that reflect the spirit and ethos of The Spa.
• Maintaining an atmosphere of calm, comfort and connection throughout all guest areas.
• Providing exceptional value through thoughtful experiences, expert guidance and personalised recommendations.
• Continuously reviewing and enhancing wellness programmes, therapies, rituals and experiences to maintain innovation, guest satisfaction and commercial success.

Duties

General

• Successfully guide The Spa through its pre-opening phase into a thriving operation, maintaining close communication with the Hotel General Manager, consultants and suppliers.
• Embrace additional responsibilities that may arise as the business evolves, supporting the overall success of The Spa and the wider hotel.

Daily Operations

• Ensure all operational policies, procedures and standards are implemented and consistently maintained.
• Maintain a visible presence throughout The Spa, acting as a supportive leader for both guests and team members.
• Conduct regular team meetings, encouraging communication, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Monitor facility usage and guest flow to maximise enjoyment, wellbeing and revenue opportunities whilst maintaining a comfortable and uncrowded environment.
• Develop and oversee a creative programme of wellness experiences, seasonal activities and wellbeing initiatives that enrich the guest journey.
• Regularly review maintenance, cleanliness, presentation, safety and security standards, ensuring any issues are addressed promptly.
• Ensure all guest enquiries, feedback and complaints are handled professionally, positively and with genuine care.
• Oversee purchasing and stock management to ensure the smooth operation of The Spa, balancing availability, sustainability and cost control.
• Any expenditure is to be in line with agreed procedures.
• Ensure all cash handling, petty cash and financial control procedures are followed accurately.
• Act as an ambassador for The Spa within the hotel, building positive relationships across all departments.
• Champion sustainability initiatives, encouraging environmentally responsible practices, reducing waste and supporting the hotel's environmental objectives.

Team Leadership & Development

• Ensure the The Spa team has the resources, knowledge and support required to deliver exceptional wellness experiences.
• Create a culture of learning through effective induction, ongoing training, coaching and professional development opportunities.
• Inspire and motivate the team to embody the values of The Spa through outstanding guest care, professionalism and commercial awareness.

• Encourage a proactive approach to service, anticipating guest needs and creating meaningful moments throughout the wellness journey.
• Ensure all team members consistently demonstrate professional conduct, presentation and adherence to company standards.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, setting clear objectives and supporting individual development plans.
• Participate in recruitment, interviewing and practical assessments where appropriate.
• Manage employee relations matters fairly and professionally in line with company policies and HR procedures.

Commercial & Financial Performance

• Manage staffing levels and rota planning effectively to balance guest experience, team wellbeing and financial performance.
• Monitor bookings, occupancy levels, cancellations, waitlists, treatment performance, retail sales and guest trends to maximise opportunities.
• Take ownership of the financial performance of The Spa, monitoring results against budget and implementing corrective actions where necessary
• Lead initiatives that support membership growth, retention and satisfaction, creating meaningful experiences that encourage long-term engagement, loyalty and a vibrant membership community.
• Produce regular operational and financial reports for the Hotel General Manager, identifying opportunities, risks and recommended actions.
• Ensure accurate monthly stock management, inventory control and stock-taking procedures.
• Maintain awareness of competitor wellness offerings, experiences, pricing and market trends, identifying opportunities for innovation and differentiation.
• Build and nurture positive relationships with local organisations, businesses and community groups to support recruitment and partnership collaborations.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all guest usage guidelines and operating procedures are adhered to at all times.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of fire, emergency and evacuation procedures and ensure all team members receive regular training and updates.
• Ensure consultation and wellbeing screening procedures are consistently followed prior to treatments, activities or facility use.
• Ensure The Spa operates in full compliance with all relevant legislation, health and safety regulations and company policies.
• Support the wider hotel's health and safety standards, emergency procedures and duty of care commitments.

KPI’s

·  Guest Experience

·  Guest Loyalty & Repeat Visits

·  Membership Growth & Retention

·  Local Community Engagement & Partnership Development

·  Wellness Retreat Revenue & Participation

·  Financial Performance

·  Treatment & Facility Occupancy

·  Retail Performance

·  Marketing Campaign Effectiveness & Lead Generation

·  Team Engagement & Wellbeing

·  Team Development & Training

·  Employee Retention

·  Operational Standards

·  Health, Safety & Compliance

·  Wellness Programme Development

·  Sustainability & Environmental Responsibility

·  Collaboration with Hotel Departments

·  Budget Management

·  Brand Standards

Essential Experience

• Proven experience as a primary leader in a destination spa environment.
• Demonstrated success in opening or relaunching a high-end spa (highly desirable).
• Strong commercial and operational management experience.
• Deep understanding of luxury service standards and guest psychology.

Personal Attributes

• Visionary, creative, and detail-oriented.
• Warm, gracious, and an emotionally intelligent leader.
• Passionate about wellness, hospitality, and exceptional service.
• Calm, confident, and inspiring presence.
• Discreet, professional, and aligned with the values of sustainability and sense of place.

Skills & Knowledge

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong financial acumen and analytical capability.
• In-depth knowledge of global spa trends, treatments, and wellness initiatives.
• Ability to balance innovation with timeless elegance and authenticity.

What This Role Offers

• A once-in-a-career opportunity to create one of the world’s most exceptional spa’s.
• The chance to shape a legacy wellness destination within one of the country’s most respected hotels.
• Competitive remuneration package commensurable with experience.
• Professional autonomy, creative freedom, and strong senior leadership support.

Work Environment & Benefits:

• Highly Competitive Salary
• Use of our pool/ gym facilities 
• Discounted rates at Park Hotel Kenmare 
• Discounted rates at other Relais & Chateaux properties
• Healthy, freshly cooked meals provided whilst on duty 
• Complimentary on-site parking 
• Excellent training and development