General Manager - Visitor Centre

The Highland Soap Co; Fort William; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A local organic skincare company at the foot of Ben Nevis is searching for an experienced General Manager to oversee daily operations and cultivate the growth of its retail and café segments. The ideal candidate will possess a robust track record in senior management within hospitality or tourism sectors, coupled with strong commercial insights and a knack for team development. This position offers relocation packages for suitable candidates, aiming to enhance a customer-centric environment in the Highlands.

Qualifications

• Proven senior management experience in hospitality or retail at a significant scale.
• Strong commercial acumen and operational management skills.
• Ability to function in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations across retail and café, ensuring excellent service.
• Develop and coach a skillful team across various departments.
• Monitor KPIs and drive revenue growth through new initiatives.

Skills

Senior management experience

Commercial awareness

Operational efficiency

People management

Job description

The Highland Soap Company is a maker of organic soap and skincare at the foot of Ben Nevis. Our Visitor Centre and Larder Cafe welcomes tens of thousands yearly, with a strong full team.

We’re looking for an experienced, hands‑on General Manager to lead the day‑to‑day operation and drive the next stage of growth across tourism, retail, and hospitality.

Who we are

We’re The Highland Soap Company - a locally owned maker of organic soap and skincare, based at the foot of Ben Nevis. Our Visitor Centre is one of the Highlands’ best‑loved stops, combining a busy retail store with our Larder Café, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors each year. We have a strong, full‑staffed team of 17 across all departments. The wider business has 70+ staff, six stores, thriving wholesale and hospitality businesses and a strong e‑comm side.

The role

You’ll take ownership of site performance, standards, people, and guest experience - working closely with our directors to track KPIs and deliver commercial improvements across the shop and cafe.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead daily operations across retail and café, ensuring great service and smooth delivery
• Oversee rotas, stock, merchandising, food service standards and presentation
• Lead, coach, and develop a multi‑skilled team across FOH, kitchen, and retail
• Own key site KPIs and reporting – sales, margin, labour, waste, conversion, and feedback
• Spot and deliver growth opportunities – events, new visitor experiences, developing the restaurant
• Maintain strong compliance across Health and Safety and HR processes – without central support

About you

• Proven senior management experience in hospitality, destination retail, tourism, or visitor attractions in a business of significant scale
• Good personal taste – we are keen to retain our reputation as one of the best places to have lunch, coffee or places to shop in the Highlands
• Commercial and operationally strong – confident with targets, standards, and efficiencies
• Calm, organised, and people‑led – you set the tone and lead from the front
• Comfortable in a fast‑paced, multi‑revenue environment
• Based locally or willing to relocate to the Fort William area (or within commuting distance). Relocation packages possible.

To apply

Please send your CV and a letter outlining why you’re a fit for this role to me - [e-mail]. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.