Job Description

General Manager – W Manchester

Opening Summer 2027

The Opportunity

W Manchester is set to open in Summer 2027, bringing the bold, design-led energy of the W Hotels to one of the UK’s most vibrant and culturally influential cities.

We are seeking a lifestyle-driven, commercially astute General Manager to lead this landmark opening—someone who understands how to build relevance within a city, and can position W as a social and cultural destination from day one

This role requires a leader who will be present in the city, shaping the narrative, building relationships, and curating a hotel experience that resonates with both local communities and international guests.

This is a rare opportunity to define a flagship lifestyle hotel from the ground up.

Key Leadership Accountabilities

As General Manager, you will:

• Lead the full pre-opening lifecycle – from concept and planning through to launch and post-opening stabilisation
• Position W Manchester in the market – establishing it as a leading lifestyle destination within the city’s social and cultural landscape
• Drive commercial performance – with a strong rooms-led mindset, maximising demand, rate, and market share
• Champion the W brand – ensuring a bold, distinctive, and locally relevant interpretation of the brand ethos
• Partner with ownership and Marriott International to deliver aligned commercial, brand, and operational outcomes
• Build and lead a high-energy leadership team, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and performance
• Activate the hotel as a social hub – curating programming, partnerships, and experiences that connect the hotel to the city

What We Are Looking For

Experience & Capability

• Proven leadership experience within lifestyle, luxury, or design-led hospitality brands
• Strong understanding of the UK city hotel market, with clear ability to operate and build presence in Manchester
• Demonstrated success in positioning a hotel within a competitive urban market
• Pre-opening General Manager experience strongly preferred, or significant involvement in a major opening or repositioning
• Strong commercial acumen, particularly within rooms-driven environments
• Experience working with third-party or leased F&B concepts is advantageous

Leadership Profile

• A visible, city-facing leader who builds influence both inside and outside the hotel
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to move at pace and make confident decisions
• Strong stakeholder capability, particularly with ownership and brand partners
• Proven ability to attract, inspire, and retain high-performing teams

Lifestyle Fit

• Deep affinity with the W lifestyle ethos – creative, expressive, and culturally connected
• Passion for music, fashion, design, and nightlife, with the ability to translate this into a compelling guest experience
• Highly present and engaged within the local market, acting as an ambassador for the hotel and brand

Why Join W Manchester

This is an opportunity to open one of the most anticipated lifestyle hotels in the UK and to leave a lasting mark on both the brand and the city.

At Marriott International, you will be part of a global leader in hospitality, with access to world-class brands, development opportunities, and a culture built on creativity and performance.

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Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law.