Lead the transformation of one of Norway’s most iconic destinations

Hamn i Senja is entering a defining new phase. As the first of several Sport Impact Norco’s Nordic basecamps network, Hamn i Senja is being repositioned as a premium adventure basecamp in Northern Norway – rooted in nature, Nordic culture, outstanding hospitality, and unparalleled adventure and activity offerings.

We are now seeking a General Manager (GM) with a strong background in hotel and resort operations, capable of leading a comprehensive operational, cultural, and commercial transformation in close partnership with an engaged Board and owners.

This is not a caretaker role. It is a change leadership through operational excellence role.

The Role – purpose and scope

As General Manager, you are the overall leader of Hamn i Senja and fully accountable for:

• Operational excellence across accommodation, F&B, activities and guest experience

• Financial performance, cost control and profitability

• Leading the repositioning into a Premium Adventure Basecamp

• Building culture, competence and leadership depth in the organisation

• Translating the vision, quality standards and Premium Adventure definition into daily operations

You will work closely with the Board on strategy, transformation priorities and long‑term development, while maintaining strong hands‑on leadership in daily operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Transformation and repositioning leadership

• Lead the implementation of our quality standards at Hamn i Senja

• Translate the Premium Adventure concept into concrete products, services, rituals, and guest journeys

• Drive cultural change from traditional hotel operations to a modern, experience‑led basecamp mindset

• Act as a role model for host culture, storytelling, sustainability, and nature‑first thinking

Operational excellence

• Ensure high and consistent quality across all departments: rooms, F&B, activities, service, and maintenance

• Build smooth, predictable, and safe operations year‑round

• Develop strong collaboration between accommodation, F&B, and activity teams

• Ensure guest flow, logistics, and experiences feel seamless and personal

• Financial management and performance

• Full P&L responsibility with KPI and forecast reporting

• Strong cost control, forecasting, budgeting, and cash‑flow management

• Improve operational efficiency without compromising guest experience

• Drive sustainable revenue growth through pricing, packaging, activities, and F&B

People, leadership, and culture

• Build and lead a strong management team

• Develop a high‑performance, values‑driven culture aligned with Sport Impact and “Hamn‑family” values

• Recruit, develop, and retain talent in a competitive labour market

• Ensure clear structures, accountability, and leadership presence across the organisation

Product, experience, and F&B development

• Further develop Hamn i Senja’s adventure portfolio (signature adventures, daily activities, micro‑moments)

• Ensure food & beverage reflects “taste of place” – local, seasonal, story‑driven Nordic cuisine

• Work actively with chefs, guides and hosts to elevate storytelling and guest engagement

Sustainability and community

• Ensure compliance with sustainability and regenerative commitments

• Actively engage with local communities, suppliers and partners

• Make Hamn i Senja a positive contributor to nature, culture and local economy

Reporting and governance

• Reports to: Board of Directors, Senja Hospitality Holding AS

• Works closely with: Owners, Board and CEO - Sport Impact Norco

Candidate Profile

Experience and background

• Proven General Manager / senior leadership experience from hotel, resort or destination‑based hospitality

• Strong operational background – understands the reality of running a complex, year‑round operation

• Documented financial and commercial results

• Experience leading change, transformation or repositioning processes

• Experience from nature‑based tourism, adventure travel or premium hospitality is a strong advantage

• Formal education is an advantage but may be compensated by relevant leadership experience.

Leadership style and personal qualities

• Clear, calm and trustworthy leader with strong execution power

• Hands‑on, visible and present – leads by example

• Strong people leader who builds motivation, ownership and pride

• Commercially minded, yet deeply guest‑ and quality‑oriented

• Structured, resilient and comfortable with complexity and seasonality

• Genuinely passionate about nature, outdoor life and place‑based experiences

Language

• Fluent English (spoken and written) – working language

• Scandinavian language skills are an advantage, but no prerequisite

Why Join Hamn i Senja Now?

• Lead one of Norway’s most exciting repositioning journeys in hospitality

• Be part of building the “Flagship of Arctic Adventures”

• Work with engaged staff, owners and an ambitious, competent Board

• Shape a destination with real impact – for guests, employees, community and nature

Practical information

Location: Hamn i Senja, Norway

Start date: As soon as possible / by agreement

Compensation: Competitive, based on experience

Hamn i Senja is an established, award‑winning coastal resort with year‑round operations, an international guest mix, and a long history of nature‑based experiences. The property includes accommodation (74 rooms), restaurant & bar, meeting facilities, a fleet of explorer vessels and a wide portfolio of sea‑ and land‑based activities. Once a vibrant fishing village, the destination Hamn i Senja is located at one of the most dramatic and picturesque areas on the north side of the island Senja.

Significant investments have been made over the past 35 years, and we are on the verge of a real transformation through new investments, development and expansion opportunities that are secured by the new ownership structure with Sport Impact Norco (66%) and IKO Holding (34%), through the JV Senja Hospitality Holding.

Hamn i Senja is the pilot destination for Sport Impact Norco's Nordic basecamps concept, setting the benchmark for future adventure destinations in the network.