David McLachlan
www.linkedin.com/in/david-mclachlan-788b5728b
Summary
Hospitality leader with 17+ years’ experience across hotels, hostels, and resorts. Hands-on, people-focused, and experienced in running smooth operations, growing revenue, and keeping guests happy. Available immediately.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Partner (Part-Time / Side Project)
Floorcheck
09.2024 - 11.2025
- Worked with a group of friends on the early concept and setup of Floorcheck as a part-time project during a period of recovery following surgery, alongside personal development goals.
- Developed the initial concept and explored potential service offerings.
- Took part in early-stage planning and discussions to assess practical use cases.
- Designed and built a basic website and produced initial business materials to support the concept.
- Gained hands-on exposure to early-stage business development, despite the project not being progressed further.
Pre-Opening General Manager
Safestay
02.2024 - 09.2024
- Contract role (pre-opening) leading the final phase of a £1.2m redevelopment project ensuring operational readiness for launch.
- Acted as the primary liaison between ownership, contractors, and brand stakeholders.
- Recruited, onboarded, and trained a full operational team.
- Implemented operational procedures, health & safety systems, and guest service standards.
Front Office Manager
Novotel Glasgow
11.2022 - 01.2024
- Full-time, permanent role managing the Front Office department as Head of Department.
- Led recruitment, onboarding, and training programs to enhance team capability and retention.
- Maintained high guest satisfaction scores through effective service leadership and operational control.
- Collaborated with Revenue and Sales teams to implement pricing strategies, optimise inventory, and enhance overall hotel profitability.
General Manager
The Royal an Lochan
11.2021 - 11.2022
- 12-month contract to revitalise hotel operations, driving a complete financial and operational turnaround under new ownership.
- Modernised systems including PMS, POS, HR, and accounting platforms.
- Improved guest satisfaction and overall service delivery by implementing structured service standards and proactive guest engagement strategies.
- Developed succession plans and career progression pathways for key team members to ensure long-term talent retention.
General Manager
Colonsay Hotel
02.2021 - 10.2021
- Seasonal contract overseeing full hotel operations across Front Office, Housekeeping, F&B, and Maintenance, navigating the logistical and operational challenges of a remote island setting.
- Managed the recruitment, induction, and training of seasonal employees, fostering a motivated and capable team to meet service and operational targets.
- Planned and delivered events to drive revenue and community engagement.
- Achieved all departmental KPIs throughout my tenure-the first time in the hotel's history-demonstrating consistent operational excellence and performance leadership.
Guest Services Manager
Auchrannie Resort
09.2016 - 06.2019
- Full-time management role overseeing guest services within a multi-award-winning luxury resort.
- Acted as Duty Manager on shift, taking overall responsibility for resort operations, standards, and guest experience.
- Coordinated cross-departmental communication between front office, housekeeping, food & beverage, and maintenance.
- Maintained consistently high guest satisfaction scores through proactive service leadership and attention to detail.
- Acted as a key escalation point for complex guest issues, ensuring professional resolution and brand protection.
Education
BSc (Hons) - Social Policy
The Open University
Skills
- Leadership & Team Development
- Revenue & Commercial Management
- Financial Control & Cost Management
- Operations Management
- Guest Experience & Service Excellence
Timeline
Business Partner (Part-Time / Side Project)
Floorcheck
09.2024 - 11.2025
Pre-Opening General Manager
Safestay
02.2024 - 09.2024
Front Office Manager
Novotel Glasgow
11.2022 - 01.2024
General Manager
The Royal an Lochan
11.2021 - 11.2022
General Manager
Colonsay Hotel
02.2021 - 10.2021
Guest Services Manager
Auchrannie Resort
09.2016 - 06.2019
BSc (Hons) - Social Policy
The Open University