Ian James

I am a diligent, honest, and dependable individual, who has extensive experience within positions of responsibility and leadership within the Hospitality Industry.

Dedicated to the development of team members through training, coaching, and mentoring in a positive working environment where the work ethic encapsulates an inclusive team spirit with a desire to succeed and exceed. Excellent communication and leadership skills which are achieved through example and recognition and applied with humour and professionalism.

I have a good understanding of the need for a professional and dedicated attitude to work in order to gain the best results, enhanced in a management capacity where ownership and problem solving have been key to success. I understand the importance of a brand leader in the working market.

With a resolute and meticulous attitude to work in a management capacity where ownership and problem solving have been key to success.  

11th September 2023 – 31st May 2024

General Manager – The Fellows House, Curio by Hilton, Cambridge

• General manager for this unique Curio by Hilton Apartment style hotel and Townhouses on the outskirts of Cambridge.
• 163 Apartment style bedrooms, 4 Townhouses, Folio Restaurant and Bar, Sage Café, Leisure pool and 24 hour Gym.
• Dedicated focus on networking within the city – In partnership with CBID, Marketing Cambridge, City Council Partnership and the colleges within Cambridge
• Driving a service quality culture which delivers outstanding customer service through all aspects of the business
• Responsible for integrating, coaching and mentoring a new team of 11 Heads of Department and 85 full time team members 
• £9m Revenue and £4.2m Gross Operating Profit

16th December 2016 – 14th July 2023

General Manager – University Arms Hotel, Autograph by Marriott, Cambridge

• Opening General Manager for the rebuild of the University Arms Hotel, an Autograph by Marriott Hotel property. Working alongside John Simpson, Architect and Martin Brudnizki, MBDS, interior designer within this £80m refurbishment. 
• Established the University Arms as the number one luxury hotel in Cambridge and the East of England, being the market leader on rate and rate growth within STR over the first 6 years of operating.
• 192 bedrooms, managed “Parkers Tavern” a destination British Brassiere restaurant and bar, Events and Banqueting for 180 guests, designed and implemented 3 treatment and a relaxing room within the hotel. 
• Grew revenue turnover exceeding £16m and Gross Operating profit of £6m
• Created the climate and culture in which 180 team members were empowered to perform, embedding organisational values across the employee lifecycle.
• Responsible for a team of 12 Heads of Department and 180 team members 
• Achieved Condé Nast Traveller “Best New Hotels in the World for 2019”, Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2021, 2022, 2023 being ranked #6 in the UK.
• Managed the property through the Covid Pandemic, introduced change management and strategic working policies and procedures, orientating capability to meet fluctuating customer demand and deliver the customer experience ambition through a leaner model that also enhanced business continuity
• Developed close working relationships with owner and the management company, Michels & Taylor, through honesty, integrity, and dedication 

Became a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality (FIH)_

5th December 2011 – 9th December 2016

General Manager – Doubletree by Hilton, Cambridge

Awarded Hilton General Manager of the Year for 2014

Awarded Hotel M25 Cluster Hotel of the year for 2014 

1st September 2007 – 3rd December 2011

Hotel Manager – Leeds City Hilton

September 2005 – September 2007

Hotel Manager/Operations Manager – East Midlands Hilton – 10 months

Henley College of Further Education, Coventry, 1989 – 1991

B-TEC – Higher National Diploma of Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management 

Halesowen College, Halesowen, 1987 – 1989

B-TEC National Diploma of Hotel, Catering and Institutional Operations