Why Starboard you say?
Starboard Hotels is a family orientated business that believes in motivated, engaged and passionate teams. Despite having over 465 employees across the country, each and every hotel team feels like its own family.
The teaM
We are a team of unique talents, independent thinkers, doers and tryers from all walks of life. A career path in hospitality is not always necessary to start your journey with Starboard, we are looking for the right person. Personality is key, the rest can be trained we always say. Every day is a learning day and the teams work in a fun, dynamic environment where no day is like the other.
The culture
Our values are where it all starts - heartfelt hospitality. It is where we celebrate our uniqueness, engage, inspire, create, support and grow teams and individuals.
Our mission is to create memories for our guests and exceed their expectations while we stay honest, genuine and true to ourselves.
What does our team say?
Mihaela Dihonova
General Manager
You get given a lot of autonomy and responsibility so I've learnt a lot during my time at Starboard. It's a very "action this day" environment and has helped me propel my career to the next stage.
Alina Gavriliu
Guest Service Assistant
Working for Starboard Hotels has taught me a lot over the years. Apart from giving me the opportunity to develop first-rate communication skills, it gave me a great insights in the hospitality industry and showed me the best ways of providing excellent customer service.
My time with the company has allowed me to explore varied areas of the business that I am interested in and equipped me with the right tools to consolidate and pursue my career path
Why us?
Training & career progression - multi-brand opportunities for development and training
Hotel discounts - employee discounts available
Staff incentives - from childcare vouchers, sales leads to refer a friend schemes
Support - life is not always easy, so we offer support schemes to help you when the going gets tough
Transferable skills - hospitality is all about transferable skills, what you learn here is for life
There are some great benefits from working with us, some may change depending on hotel brand and location, please check with your line manager or the recruitment team.
Meet Tom
General Manager of Holiday Inn Express Leeds City Centre - Armouries
Tom Clarke has been the General Manager of the 130-room Holiday Inn Express Leeds City Centre-Armouries since June 2022. Being one of Starboard’s newest GMs, we wanted to get to know Tom and find out how he is finding his new position at the hotel with the largest new team he is leading.
What was your first job in hospitality?
Growing up, I lived at our local golf club, my dad was, and still is the manager there and my mum was the bar steward. The door to our flat was at the back of the kitchen, so I was helping out with washing up, and preparing for dinner (Average Spud Peeler and chief Crème Brûlée burner was my unofficial job title!). Also I regularly waited on tables and worked on the bar-I loved every minute!
What were you doing before joining Starboard?
I was still working at Holiday Inn Express but for a different management company. I Have been with Holiday Inn Express for 13 years, starting as a Guest Service Assistant and working my way up. I love the brand and was extremely lucky to progress in working at different hotels across the country. From Leeds, all the way down to Southampton and back up again!
Why did you choose to become the General Manager of a hotel?
I remember when I first got a Duty Manager role in 2011 and couldn’t believe that I was in charge of the shift! I loved that I had that responsibility, I think from then on I always wanted to become a GM. Away from that, I just love the hotel life, it’s fast-paced, and unpredictable and keeps you on your toes. I love training colleagues and seeing them progress in their careers. (There's not a better feeling!)
A hotel performing well has to have an engaged team and a leader who can train, support and think outside the box. I believe I tick these boxes and am always looking to challenge the status quo so I, the team and our guests have the best experience while in the hotel.
For the full article click here.
“With no previous experience I was given all the training needed and now feel I can excel in my job.”
Michael, Holiday Inn Express Leeds City Centre - Armouries
All Aboard!
Do you have what it takes to join the UK’s fastest growing independent hotel owner and operator? If you have a natural desire to look after people and guests check out our current opportunities below!
To learn more about becoming a member of the Starboard team and the opportunities we offer click here.