Live-in Hotel Management Couple

Live-In Management Couple – Imperial Backpackers Hotel, Hobart

Are you a couple looking for an exciting lifestyle opportunity where no two days are the same?

The Imperial Backpackers Hotel is one of Hobart's largest and busiest backpacker accommodations. We are seeking a reliable, energetic and hands-on couple to become the face of our business and manage the day-to-day operation of our three-storey hostel.

This is more than a reception role – you'll be responsible for ensuring our guests enjoy a fantastic stay while maintaining a safe, clean and well-run property.

About the Property

The Imperial Backpackers Hotel accommodates a diverse mix of guests, including:

• Long-term residents who call the property home throughout the year.

• Domestic and international backpackers travelling through Tasmania.

• More than 100 guests during the busy summer season.

The role is highly seasonal. Summer is fast-paced, demanding and rewarding, while winter is considerably quieter, allowing time to complete administrative tasks, preventative maintenance and planning.

The Role

• You will work together as the Hotel Managers and form part of our management team alongside the Directors, Head of Housekeeping and Night Porter.

• You will live on-site in a fully furnished one-bedroom manager's apartment located behind reception, allowing you to respond quickly when required and provide leadership throughout the property.

• This is a genuine live-in management position. While there is flexibility during quieter periods, the role requires you to be responsible for the property 7 days per week. During the busy summer months you should expect long, hands-on days. During winter, much of your responsibility is simply being available on-site and on call should issues arise.

Key Responsibilities

As the live-in management couple, you'll oversee the day-to-day operation of the hostel, ensuring guests enjoy a safe, clean and welcoming environment while the property operates efficiently.

Your responsibilities include:

• Managing all reception duties including guest check-ins and check-outs, responding to enquiries via phone, email and online booking platforms, processing bookings and payments through Newbook, and providing excellent customer service.

• Take an active role in maintaining occupancy throughout the year, including sourcing and securing long-term residents during the quieter winter months.

• Looking after both backpackers and long-term residents, resolving issues professionally and ensuring house rules are followed.

• Conducting regular walkthroughs of the property to maintain cleanliness, presentation and safety, while identifying maintenance issues before they become larger problems.

• Carrying out general handyman repairs and preventative maintenance, with one member of the couple required to have practical maintenance skills.

• Coordinating contractors, ordering supplies including linen and cleaning products, and assisting with the recruitment of seasonal housekeeping staff when required.

• Completing routine operational tasks such as room inspections, fridge checks, changing water filters, checking lighting and maintaining safety standards throughout the property.

• Working closely with the Head of Housekeeping, Night Porter and Directors to ensure the hostel operates smoothly, including preparing a weekly management report.

Who We're Looking For

Previous hotel or accommodation management experience is not essential. We can teach the systems, processes and day-to-day operation of the business.

The only two things we can't teach are:

• A good attitude. We want positive, friendly, reliable people who genuinely enjoy looking after others and take pride in their work.

• Handyman ability. At least one member of the couple must be practical and capable of carrying out basic maintenance and repairs around the property. This is an essential part of the role and includes diagnosing and fixing minor maintenance issues before external contractors are required.

A Role That Changes With the Seasons

This isn't your typical 9-to-5 job.

• During summer, the hostel is bustling with travellers and every day is different. You'll be busy meeting people from around the world, solving problems and keeping the operation running smoothly.

• During winter, occupancy drops significantly, creating a much more relaxed environment where your focus shifts towards maintenance, administration and ensuring the property is ready for the next busy season.

Annual Leave

• Due to the highly seasonal nature of the business, annual leave cannot generally be taken during our peak trading period, which runs from 1 December through to Easter each year.

• Successful applicants should expect to be fully available throughout this period, as it is when the hostel is at its busiest and requires the greatest level of management and support.

• Annual leave is encouraged to be taken outside of the peak season, when occupancy is significantly lower and the business can more readily accommodate time away.

What We Offer

• Fully furnished one-bedroom manager's apartment with separate living area.

• Utilities included.

• Stable long-term position.

• Work directly with supportive owners.

• Significant autonomy to manage the property.

• Opportunity to make a genuine impact on one of Hobart's most established backpacker accommodations.

• A unique lifestyle position in the heart of Hobart.