Job Description – DR

Torch Holiday & Retreat Centre – Facility Manager

Torch Ethos

The Torch Trust aims can be summarised as ‘enabling people with sight loss to discover Christian faith and lead fulfilling Christian lives.’ To achieve this we provide Christian resources and activities for blind and partially sighted people worldwide.

Torch Trust has a distinctive culture that reflects its Christian beliefs and has been shaped by its history of seeking to be faithful to God’s guidance.

Our values inform the choices made by Torch, what we do and the way we do it. Our Values are:

Christ-centred; People-focussed; Openness; Creativity

We are a Christian mission and will seek to faithfully represent the Christian message in what we do and in what we say but we will never impose our faith or belief on others.

Torch Holiday and Retreat Centre

Torch Holiday and Retreat Centre (HRC) is set in a most attractive area close to the South Downs and adjacent to a bustling village. The Centre has been developed by Torch over a period of many years to provide a retreat, holiday and leisure base primarily for those who are blind or partially sighted. In recent years under the leadership of Gail Millar we have primarily focussed on providing a Christ-centred programme of varied and imaginative holidays, which continues to grow and develop (known collectively as Torch Holidays). In addition a subsidiary element of Torch HRC’s activities is to offer opportunities for church and group conferences, weekend and day conferences (these we refer to as Torch Centre bookings).

The Centre has been extended and refurbished to provide en-suite bedrooms, lounge, dining room, recreation room and a pleasant garden looking onto the South Downs. We provide full board accommodation and an inclusive programme of activities.

Occupational Requirements

Torch is a Christian mission agency working primarily with Christian organisations and Christian clients. This role requires that the appointed person is in close contact with our users and/or supporters who are likely to expect to be interacting with a Christian person and may be required to pray and share Christian experiences. It is therefore a requirement of Torch Trust for the Blind that the person appointed is a committed Christian and able to accept the Torch Basis of Faith.

Job Title: Facility Manager – Torch HRC

Reports to: Torch Executive Leadership

[TBD: broadly a combination of Gail Millar for hospitality and Torch Holidays programme aspects and Michael Heaney for operational and infra-structure aspects]

Reporting to this Post: The following staff are part of the Centre team:

Cook; Administrator; Assistant(s); Housekeeper; Maintenance support - a combination of Staff and Volunteers.

In cooperation with: Other Staff, Volunteers and Torch House Staff

Main Purpose: To manage the site and accommodation to provide a great experience to all of Torch HRC’s visitors and guests, ensuring that excellent standards of hospitality and accommodation are provided.
To support the delivery of the Torch Holidays programme.

To use entrepreneurial skills to develop the Centre’s occupancy within gaps between Torch Holidays, to enable growth and expansion of the Centre to occur.

To work with colleagues to collaboratively deliver Torch HRC’s vision and aims.

Main Duties and responsibilities

The duties will include:-

· To recruit, monitor, motivate, train and manage team members, ensuring that a positive team atmosphere is created.

· Develop and maintain the Christian distinctiveness of Torch HRC to include supporting the provision of daily devotional times.

· Manage the provision of excellent customer service according to guest needs.

· Ensure the welcome and provision of support to our guests, particularly our blind and partially sighted friends.

· To manage the bookings administration and to monitor bookings.

· Plan work schedules for staff and volunteers to resource bookings.

· Ensure that Torch HRC is functioning and that appropriate site security is effective at all times.

· Use skills and experience to take a pro-active role in Torch’s infra-structure team.

· Develop and maintain a close working relationship with relevant staff at Torch House, particularly in relation to operational issues.

· Be confident and reassuring in an emergency and where appropriate make alternative plans.

· Monitor staff / volunteer safety and welfare.

· Ensure that housekeeping and maintenance duties are completed to a high standard.

· Manage budgets and financial plans as well as controlling expenditure.

· Monitor and deal with guest comments and complaints.

· Address problems and troubleshoot.

· Supervise maintenance, supplies etc.

· Deal with contractors and suppliers.

· Carry out inspections of property and services.

· Undertake necessary administration (in absence of administrator) of holiday bookings, premises, vehicle and equipment maintenance, staff training, volunteers etc.

· Ensure compliance with health and safety and other statutory regulations.

· Ensure compliance with Torch policies and procedures and the implementation of the appropriate internal controls.

· Provide regular operational reports as required.

Person Specification:

The following attributes are all essential requirements

Experience, knowledge and understanding

· At least 5 years experience working within hospitality and or accommodation management or equivalent work experience and knowledge.

· A humble servant heart to enable an empathy with blind and disabled people is essential.

· Able to lead, motivate and develop a team of staff delivering a responsible, customer focussed and professional service.

· Strong budget management skills.

· Experience of site management.

· Understanding of Health and Safety and Food Safety requirements.

· Awareness of equal opportunity and diversity issues.

Customer Service and Quality Focus

· Be prepared to deliver the highest levels of customer service.

Personal skills and attributes

· Strong relationship building skills.

· To be able to work consistently and collaboratively to agreed goals.

· Excellent time and work management skills.

· Ability to meet deadlines under pressure.

· Good office IT skills.

· Excellent attention to detail.

· Flexible and adaptable.

· To show creative thinking, using initiative and finding practical solutions to problems.

· Able to successfully resolve conflict.

· Qualified driver – ability to drive minibus would be an advantage.

Contract, Hours of Work

· This is initially a two year contract with a six months probationary period.

· 40 hours a week. The structure of a week will vary from week to week. Some longer periods of work will be needed but will be balanced by periods of working shorter hours at other times. On occasions the Facility Manager will be on duty at night and be required to be on the premises.

· A self contained semi-furnished flatlet; living area with kitchen; bedroom, shower, W.C. etc. will be provided. The possibility of accommodating a couple can be discussed.

General

· Promote the good name of Torch at all times.

· Undertake other duties as agreed by the Torch Executive.

December 2015

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