Job Description

Job Reference: KIRHA004

Position:

Hostel Manager

Location:

Kirkwall Youth Hostel, Orkney, (KW15 1BB)

Contract:

Fixed Term Contract, 11/Mar/2026 until 29/Sep/2026

Hours Per Week:

40 hpw

Salary:

Competitive

Accommodation:

Live-in accommodation available (Note: a small weekly utility levy applies.)


Are you interested in running a youth hostel, with an adventurous spirit, to help our guests discover and experience the real Scotland through hostelling with us whilst you too can enjoy the buzz of the outdoors taking advantage of hillwalking, climbing and many other outdoor activities right on your doorstep and explore amazing surroundings in your spare time?


With hostels at the foot of mountains, the banks of lochs or a stones throw away from the beach each of our hostels offers something different.


As a non-profit charity with people and communities at our heart, we also give people, who otherwise wouldnt have the opportunity, the chance of a well needed break to explore and experience Scotland or to develop their skills for life, learning and work through our youth programmes.


Working with Hostelling Scotland is more than just a job. Join our team to become an Ambassador for Scotland and make a difference!


We are currently seeking self-motivated and enthusiastic individual with commitment to provide an excellent customer service at our Kirkwall Youth Hostel. Gateway to exploring Orkney, located a short stroll from Kirkwall - the capital of the Orkney islands. Experience island life, lots to explore and experience wildlife, archaeology and festivals. A small friendly team. Accommodation available in shared staff house, with own bedroom.


A small team in a busy hostel that would suit an independent and self-motivated individual.

About the role:

Reporting to our Operations Manager, you will:


provide professional, efficient and effective day-to-day business hostel management deliver high level of quality service and standard with the guest facility provision being welcoming, clean, comfortable, secure, safe, accessible and compliant, and maintained enhances guest experience and exceed their expectations, including dealing with direct guests feedback in a professional manner take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety and security of the guests and visitor at all times implement strategic and operational plans, development priorities, statutory compliance, risk assessments, policies and procedures to achieve Hostelling Scotlands charitable aims and objectives

Suitable applicant will have:

Worked successfully in a customer facing role with experience of managing a small team in similar hospitality surroundings and commitment to excellent customer service Excellent, confident communication skill, verbally and in writing, dealing with people at all levels High degree of understanding of health and safety at work and practical experience of implementation, monitoring and developing best practice. Business acumen including financial and budget management Excellent understanding of relevant data protection protocol Understanding hostel asset management and contracts and contractor management Flexible and adaptable approach to work to changing workload and priorities during busy times

Additional Information:

You must be able to present evidence of your right to work in the UK prior to start with us. You will also need to provide two satisfactory references and apply for a Basic Disclosure.

We can offer:

Membership of Hostelling Scotland Employee Assistance Programme Pension and holidays Uniform is provided

How to apply:

If you would like to join us, please visit our website www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/careers to learn about how we process job applicants information and apply through our website.

Closing Date:

30th January 2026

Interview:

W/c 8th February 2026


Please note: We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.