Host Manager

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Drifter is opening a new Wellington property and seeks a hands-on Host Manager to lead front office and night operations, recruit and develop your team, and help establish culture and standards from day one, starting pre-opening in November 2026. You’ll shape the guest journey, build a high-energy welcoming environment, manage rosters and labor costs, revenue opportunities, and collaborate with Housekeeping, F&B and Maintenance to keep the property running smoothly while scaling with the broader program across Australia and New Zealand. To apply, send a CV plus a personal cover letter that tells us who you are, what excites you about Drifter, the kind of leader you are, and tangible pre-opening or team-building wins. Questions to [email protected].

Drifter is built for curious travellers, free spirits, and people who care about great spaces and great experiences. We run hostels and hybrid stays across Australia and New Zealand, alongside food and beverage venues that bring people together and give our properties their edge. The kind of places people remember, not just pass through.

We're opening our newest property in Wellington in December 2026, and we're building the entire leadership team from the ground up.

We're looking for a Host Manager to join that team and help bring the property to life. This is a rare chance to join before opening, help bring a new property to life, build your own team, and help create the culture, standards and ways of working from day one.

The opportunity

The Host team is often the first and last interaction guests have with Drifter, so this role matters. A lot.

As our Host Manager, you'll lead a team that sets the tone for the entire guest experience. From seamless arrivals and departures to solving problems, building connections and creating a welcoming atmosphere, you'll make sure every guest feels looked after from the moment they walk through the door.

You'll also be a key member of the leadership team, working closely with the General Manager and other Heads of Department to make sure the whole operation runs smoothly.

Starting in early November 2026, you'll have the opportunity to come in before opening, recruit and develop your team, and help set the standards for the guest experience from day one.

What it looks like day to day:

• Leading, coaching and supporting the Host team  
• Creating a welcoming, high-energy environment for guests and team members  
• Managing front office and night operations  
• Handling escalated guest issues and finding practical solutions  
• Recruiting, onboarding and training new team members  
• Building rosters that work for both the business and the team  
• Monitoring labour costs, revenue opportunities and departmental performance  
• Looking for ways to improve the guest experience and operational efficiency  
• Working closely with Housekeeping, F&B and Maintenance to keep the property running seamlessly  
• Helping establish processes, standards and ways of working as part of the pre-opening journey 

You’ll be a good fit if… 

You're a hospitality leader who loves being part of the action. You know how to lead a team without standing on the sidelines, and you're just as comfortable jumping on reception during a busy check-in as you are coaching performance or reviewing labour costs.

You build strong teams, create great guest experiences, and know how to keep things running smoothly when the pace picks up.

You’ll likely bring:

• Experience leading a guest services, reception or host team within a hostel, lifestyle accommodation, tourism or experience-led hospitality environment 
• Strong people leadership skills, including coaching, recruitment and performance management  
• Experience managing rosters, labour and day-to-day operations  
• Confidence handling guest issues and making decisions on the spot  
• A good understanding of revenue opportunities, upselling and driving commercial results  
• A hands-on approach and willingness to jump in wherever needed  
• The ability to build team culture while maintaining high standards and accountability 

What you can expect at Drifter

You'll be part of a team that cares about doing good work without overcomplicating things. We back our people, give you space to lead, and make sure there's support where it counts.

Alongside that, you’ll have:

• Discounted stays across Drifter properties for you, your family and your travel crew  
• Discounts on brands you actually use, including JB Hi-Fi, Uber Eats and more  
• Access to online learning and development opportunities  
• Paid birthday leave for permanent team members  
• A paid volunteering day each year to support a cause that matters to you  
• Enhanced parental leave  
• Free counselling and wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Program  
• Annual flu vaccinations covered  
• Visa support available for exceptional people looking to build a long-term career with Drifter 
• Opportunities to grow with the business as we continue to expand across Australia and New Zealand 

Drifter is collaborative, practical and values-led. Professional but not stuffy, we're a welcoming and inclusive workplace and proudly welcome team members from all races, places, gender expressions and beliefs.

If the idea of opening a brand new property, building your own team and shaping the guest experience from day one sounds like your kind of challenge, we'd love to hear from you. 

One last thing… 

When you apply, include a cover letter and tell us a bit about yourself. What excites you about Drifter? What drew you to this role? What kind of leader are you?

We're not looking for a summary of your work history. We'll get that from your CV. Skills and experience matter, but we're also building a team of people who genuinely connect with our brand, our guests and each other. What we'd really love to understand is who you are as a person, what you value, and what you'd bring to the team. 

Any questions? Email us directly at [email protected]