Meet Pádraic Randles

Rooms Division Operations Lead | Pulitzer Amsterdam

What motivated you to join Hospitality, and what brought you to Lore Group?

I have been immersed in the hospitality industry for as long as I can remember. Growing up my parents ran a B&B in our family home, and had some holiday cottages to welcome guests to. You could say hospitality is in my DNA, and so it was a natural progression for me to decide to pursue a career within the hospitality industry.

Lore Group attracted me because the style of service which is offered resonates with me a lot. I like that we can provide very high-quality service to a five-star level, but in an unpretentious manner. Anybody can walk into a Lore group hotel, will be welcomed with open arms and will feel comfortable. The design element is also very important for me, each hotel is completely different, and each space is beautifully designed which makes for an exceptional environment both to work and play.

What was your first role here, and how has your career progressed over time?

I joined Lore Group following my studies in Hospitality, as part of the Design Your Career (DYC) graduate program in London. This program gave me a very good grounding in which I have been able to launch my career from. During the DYC I worked in two Lore Group hotels, and gained exposure into Front of House, Guest Engagement, Rooms Reservations, Revenue Management & Housekeeping. This base allowed me to move into the role of Assistant Front Office Manager in One Hundred Shoreditch which I enjoyed for 15 months. Finally I got the opportunity to move to Amsterdam and join the team as a Rooms Division Operations Lead which is my current role.

What does a typical day look like for you?

There is no such thing as a typical day when working in hotel operations. The variety that this role comes with is one of the most exciting parts of the job and no two days are the same. I can start my day by welcoming VIP’s at reception and finish arranging for the arrival of large groups. The tasks involved in the role vary greatly which means it never gets boring.

What are some of your proudest achievements during your time here?

I am very proud to have been involved as the Hotel Champion in the launch our Lore Discovery loyalty program here at One Hundred Shoreditch. This project allowed us to get creative and set up a range of benefits and amenities, as well as train the team around the world of loyalty. We have successfully rolled out the program within the hotel, exceeding our targets, and created a loyal fan base of our lovely east London home.

What opportunities have you had here to develop new skills or advance your career?

I have been provided with very regular training during my time with the company, that has allowed me to develop my professional skills. The P&C team have a range of courses in which all of the team are encouraged to get involved in. Specifically I had extensive training during my Design Your Career program, and I look forward to taking the next step to enrol on the Navigate Your Career program. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to go on a task force, and assist in the opening of a new Lore Group hotel in the US.

How has Lore Group supported your career growth?

Lore Group has been a very good starting point for my career. The company has allowed me to develop my professional skills in a supportive environment, where even the CEO greets me by name. The size of the organisation gives one great scope to network with my colleagues within the other hotels internationally. The support I have received from my direct managers has allowed me to develop at a steady pace into the role that I have today.

How would you describe the culture at Lore Group?

The Lore group culture is very inclusive, it is a pleasure to come in to work every day and not have to wear a mask when dealing with our guests. We are encouraged to bring our full self to work, and this allows our personalities to shine. The leadership team is very present and always very approachable. This makes for a positive place to work.

What values or aspects of the Lore Group culture resonate most with you?

I like our aligned values of Family, Detail, Discovery & Spirit. I know that across the board in all our hotels, these values will be lived by the teams regardless of the style of hotel or location. Spirit is my favourite value, and I believe that it encompasses the essence of what Lore Group strives to offer.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start or advance their career in this field?

When looking at getting into the hospitality industry, I would recommend finding a brand that resonates with you and your values. There is a different type of hotel or restaurant for each day of the year, and you need to make sure the one that you choose to work in aligns with you. Take into consideration, culture, design, style of service and if it is a place that you would be excited to go and visit. If it is somewhere that excites you, then it’s probably a good fit.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

I find it rewarding when we can provide a great experience for guests. Even something very small can have a huge impact on a person’s day, and is what can make the difference between a good experience, and a great experience. It is the little things that count, and our team is empowered to make guest experiences special, and respond to our guests needs.

What’s your favourite thing about working here?

The best part about working at Lore Group is the team that I get to work with. Everybody cares about the work which they are doing, and we all share the same goal which is to provide an exceptional guest experience. From the CEO to the Front Desk Agents, We work as a team and are here to support each other.