A FINAL call has been issued by The Armada Hotel for its ‘Quest for the Best’ to attract hospitality talent from across Ireland to fill remaining jobs in a 100 person recruitment drive.
In October, The Armada in Spanish Point announced plans to create 100 new jobs in a €3m redevelopment plan. Easing of COVID-19 restrictions have resulted in renewed optimism of the expansion which is due to be completed by next Friday. The recruitment campaign is halfway complete.
The construction project which will see the delivery of a brand new 90-seater restaurant, bar, private dining area and dedicated space for wedding arrivals with panoramic views, had already been set an extremely tight one-month timeline.
On January 2nd, as the last guests checked out following the New Year celebrations, a building team moved into the hotel and the intensive renovation and expansion programme commenced.
Hotel owner, John Burke, noted for his ambition which included successfully climbing Mount Everest in 2017, has confirmed all plans are on track for a February 4th re-opening. “After dealing with pre-Christmas challenges caused by restriction changes and issues around staffing due to close Covid contacts, we began the New Year facing into our renovation and expansion programme. On day one, we were down to 8 staff out of a team of 24 due to Covid. We now have up to 90 people a day on site at different times and the contractors are constantly making arrangements and juggling schedules based on resources available. It has been very challenging for all but despite everything, we are on track and on schedule for phased reopening from the start of February”. Price increases and availability of materials also impacted on the €3m investment budget.
To try make the Armada a leading employer in the industry, Burke has announced a suite of benefits for its staff and renewed his call for change within the hospitality industry in order to make the sector more attractive as a long-term career.
Career benefits on offer include, above industry-norm rates of pay, flexible working hours, private healthcare packages, night shift premiums, wellbeing programmes, education support, career progression opportunities, paid days off for community charity work, and maternity leave bonuses to help cover new baby costs.
He said, “As an industry we can continue doing the same thing and wonder why we aren’t getting applicants. We can look at/point the finger at the PUP, the impact of restrictions and more, but here at The Armada, we have chosen to take a proactive approach. We want to attract and retain the best talent within the sector to work and live here in Co Clare. We’re building a world-class extension to give our guests the most authentic experience of life by the coast. That’s what we have to offer as a career too: the chance to work in one of Ireland’s most innovative hotels, offering something few other establishments are facilitating: a healthier approach to working hours, pay and conditions that means our team and their families get to truly enjoy life by the sea”.
2022 could be the year to make up for lost occasions, John predicted. “We look to 2022 with great optimism. The pandemic has triggered a newfound appreciation for holidaying at home. As an industry we now have an amazing product and there is huge pent up demand for hospitality in the months ahead because people have been unable to celebrate special occasions and enjoy get togethers for so long and all indications are that this could be the year to make up for that.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the culture and standards of The Armada hotel and the posts available should visit www.jobsbythesea.com or send their CV to the ‘Quest For The Best’ team by email at HR@ARMADAHOTEL.COM
