Alderley Edge Hotel's General Manager

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As some of our guests might know, John Scott joined Alderley Edge hotel, Bar & Restaurant as our new General Manager in June 2017 and was previously General Manager for eight years at Best Western PLUS Pinewood Hotel in Wilmslow.

Since a young age, John has worked as a Conference and Events Operations Manager and various other Management roles in quality hotels in the UK and has admirably worked his way up to become a Hotel General Manager. His understanding of customer service and operations are great aspects that help him work closely with his departments and make sure that the hotel is run smoothly and efficiently.

Since last year, John has overseen the dramatic changes throughout all aspects here at Alderley Edge Hotel, he has been the new heartbeat to the hotel and with his wealth of hospitality and customer relations background, the hotel now boasts the contemporary and relaxed feel that our guests enjoy!

We asked John a few questions to see what a day in the life of a General Manager entails…

What is a typical day routine for you at the hotel?

I normally wake up at 5.30am, cup of coffee and a few slices of toast. I always have breakfast at home before I come to work…starts my day off before I get ready for work…….I may have a porridge at work which I enjoy.

Once I get to work I say hello to our guests and check that breakfast is running smoothly. Once staff have arrived I check on all the departments and make sure that daily tasks are being carried out. I check all guest reviews and make sure that reviews are replied to.

I then have a 9am sales office meeting with the Event girls, we discuss future events, plan our social media and review any business that we need to look at.

At 10.30 we have our morning briefing where we look at the business day ahead, the guest arrivals, lunch and dinner bookings and talk about any events taking place that day.

For lunch I often have my favourite sandwich, coronation chicken in our Lounge Bar.

My afternoon may consist of meetings with Department Managers or heading up our team engagement meetings or planning the business for the next 3 months ahead.

Before I head off for home, I make sure that all my team are happy, I may see a few regular guests who I can have a chat with and talk about their experience with. I then make sure that everything is set for the next busy day ahead.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of my job is dealing with the different needs and personalities of my team. I have a great team at the Hotel who work hard and do their utmost for our customers.

What things cheer you or make you happy in life?

Seeing my guests happy and in turn seeing my team happy. Sunshine and snowboarding also cheers me up. Seeing the hotel running to its best so that we can ensure that each guest has a memorable experience.

What is something you do every day?

One thing I do every day is hotel social media posts, whether it is Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, I will always post something that our guest might be interested in.

What makes you happy during your day?

I love my job, I love the customer interaction, and solving challenges, supporting my team and watching the business grow and develop.

What advice would you give to hospitality enthusiasts that aspire to become a General Manager?

I had the pleasure of working alongside some industry greats, one of which was “Willy Bauer” when I was Conference & Events Operations Manager at Sopwell House Hotel in Hertfordshire.

Mr Bauer was our Chairman at the time. Previously Mr Bauer was General Manager of the Grosvenor House Hotel in London and Managing Director of the Savoy Hotel London (two well known iconic Hotels), a well-respected Hotelier.

I learnt a lot from Mr Bauer in my time with him, a very inspirational man…..I was lucky to have worked with him I guess.

My advice to anyone who wants to progress in the Hospitality Business is to listen, take on board comments, work hard, be adaptable, push yourself consistently and enjoy it and always look the part (you are on stage every day you are at work).

I have enjoyed every job I have had, working through the ranks in different Hotel and companies to get to my GM level now. It’s a great industry to be in.

What is the best thing about your job?

Working with a great bunch of people, working for a great company JWLees and working in a beautiful iconic Hotel.