F�ilte Ireland Careers

What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?

From early on, I knew I wanted a career in leisure and hospitality, which led me to join Center Parcs as a lifeguard. I’ve always valued loyalty and growth, and over 19 years, I’ve taken every opportunity to progress. A key turning point was stepping into outdoor activity management, where I discovered my passion for operations and leadership. Later, inspired by my wife’s role in Aqua Sana, I moved into Spa Operations — broadening my experience in guest service and commercial performance. One of the most defining decisions came when I accepted a three-week secondment to help open the village here in Ireland. That opportunity has now become a six-year chapter that truly shaped my career.

Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?

My wife - her work in Aqua Sana Forest Spa inspired me to explore new areas of the business, and a new industry altogether.
Previous Managers - To identify my potential and allow me opportunities to grow and develop. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to take on new challenges and grow into leadership roles.

How did you go about getting your current job?

I’ve been with Center Parcs for 19 years, starting out as a lifeguard. From day one, I loved the fast-paced environment, the focus on safety and service, and being part of a strong team. I gradually progressed through various roles, eventually moving into outdoor activity management. It was in this role that I discovered a real passion for business management — leading teams, improving operations, and driving performance. At the same time, my fiancée (now wife) was working in the Spa. Listening to her talk about the Spa business sparked a growing interest in that side of the operation. When a position became available in Aqua Sana, I applied — and was successful.

I spent two years as Operations Manager within Aqua Sana Forest Spa, further developing my leadership skills and gaining a deeper understanding of the guest journey, commercial targets, and team development within a premium environment, whilst immersing myself in the fantastic Spa & Wellness Industry. When the General Manager position became available for the first time as part of a business restructure, I saw it as a natural next step. I applied and was delighted to be offered the role. It’s been a hugely rewarding journey — one that’s given me both personal and professional growth, all within a business I’ve been proud to be part of for nearly two decades.

Describe a typical day?

"My role is all about focusing on the overall business, making sure the team is fully equipped with everything they need to run the operation smoothly and effectively. This means ensuring resources, training, and support are always available so colleagues can deliver outstanding service. A typical day involves a balance of hands-on leadership and strategic thinking.

I spend time checking in with different departments to understand their challenges and successes, removing any obstacles that might slow them down. At the same time, I’m constantly looking for opportunities to develop the business—whether that’s improving guest experiences, streamlining processes, or exploring new initiatives. Ultimately, my focus is on enhancing both the guest journey and the colleague experience, because I believe great service starts with a motivated and supported team. Managing this balance in a fast-paced environment, while responding to day-to-day pressures and planning for the future, is both challenging and rewarding."

What are the main challenges?

One of the main challenges I face is staying ahead in an ever-evolving industry. The leisure and spa sector is constantly changing, with new trends, technologies, and guest expectations emerging all the time. It’s essential to keep Aqua Sana Forest Spa not only competitive but also high on the list as a great place to work and a must-visit destination.

What do you like most?

"What I really love about my job is the team I work with. Watching each colleague’s journey and growth over time is incredibly rewarding — seeing them develop their skills, take on new challenges, and gain confidence makes the role meaningful beyond day-to-day tasks. Another thing that think is really ‘cool’ is being part of a business that genuinely impacts people’s well-being.
There’s nothing quite like seeing our guests leave Aqua Sana Forest Spa feeling refreshed and revitalised. Knowing that the environment we create contributes to their happiness and relaxation gives me a real sense of pride. "

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?

I bring strong people skills to the workplace, which I believe are essential for building trust, motivating the team, and fostering a positive culture. I make it a priority to spend time with colleagues, sharing my knowledge and supporting their development. This helps create a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. I also have a growth mindset and and think outside the box — I challenge the status quo to find new ways to improve our operations and enhance the guest and colleague experience.

Being adaptable and open to change allows me to stay ahead in an evolving industry and drive continuous business development. Combined with my organisational skills and operational experience, these qualities make me a well-rounded leader who’s committed to both team success and business growth.

What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?

My biggest takeaway from school was maths. Having a solid understanding of maths and being confident with numbers has really supported me in becoming the business manager I am today. If I could do things again, I’d go back and study Excel more deeply. It’s such a valuable tool, not only in management but in life. I planned and managed our wedding using my basic Excel Skills.

What is your education to date?

I didn’t pursue further education through college, but I have completed a number of vocational qualifications in leisure and hospitality management.

What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?

Over the years, I’ve done quite a few in-house courses at Center Parcs, and they’ve really helped me grow. Sometimes you don’t even notice it right away, but those trainings play a big part in shaping who you become as a colleague, an employee, and a manager. They cover all sorts of things—leadership, customer service, health and safety—and all of it adds up to giving you the tools you need to do the job well and support your team.

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

Some of the most rewarding moments in my career have been supporting the opening of Center Parcs Longford Forest and growing two units—the Outdoor activities and Aqua Sana Forest Spa — into successful businesses. Seeing these teams become strong, driven, motivated, and high-performing has been incredibly fulfilling.

What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?

Some of the personal qualities that have really helped me in my career include a strong work ethic and loyalty. I’m committed to giving my best and sticking with the team and business through challenges and growth. Time management is another key quality — juggling multiple priorities effectively is essential in a fast-paced environment like ours. I also have a growth mindset, which means I’m always looking for ways to learn, improve, and adapt. This mindset helps me stay open to new ideas and challenges, which is important in an industry that’s always evolving.

Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?

Yes. Not only does it allow me and my Wife the free time to spend enjoying life, but the role & industry both support wellness which we embrace and enjoy.

What advice would you give to someone considering this job?

"My advice to someone considering this job would be to really listen — listen to the team, listen to the business, and listen to the guests. Understanding what’s happening on the ground and where the business needs to go is crucial. It’s also important to be open to change. Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the best or only way. Being willing to challenge the status quo and think outside the box is key to success in this role."

What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?

Trust your team
Work with the team
Do it for the team

Without a happy team no business or manager would last a day.

Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?

I have actively sought opportunities to enhance my skills throughout my career. Recently, I worked with a business coach to further develop my leadership abilities and to focus on areas where I recognise I face challenges. This coaching has helped me become more effective in managing teams and driving business performance.

What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?

Experience in the beauty industry or similar can definitely provide a good background for this position, though it’s not essential. What’s really important is having experience in leisure and hospitality, where you learn to work with a large, diverse team and deal with hundreds or even thousands of guests every day & week, each with different expectations, wants, and needs. This kind of environment helps build strong people skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage fast-paced operations—all key for succeeding in this role.

What is your current job title?

Spa Manager at Center Parcs Aqua Sana Forest.