Enjoy being pamperedFlawless service at The Headland
Our staff
Step inside and everything will be taken care of by our friendly, professional staff. Your pleasure is our priority; the dedicated, personal service of our team ensures that at The Headland Hotel you will be treated like a special guest. We pride ourselves on good old-fashioned values and demand high standards of our staff.
Investors In People
We are delighted to confirm that we have been awarded a Gold Status for our Investors in People review this year.
Join the team
The Headland Hotel, Newquay, offers a wide range of career opportunities within its welcoming team. Whether for full-time, part-time, seasonal or year-round work, there are regular employment opportunities at our renowned hotel in Cornwall. The staff play a vital role in the success of our four-star hotel, and we invest in their training and development in order for them to reach their full potential. A friendly, professional atmosphere underlies and supports the maintenance of our high standards, and all team members are encouraged to undertake relevant training courses. Opportunities vary from reception and administration posts, to housekeeping and hospitality work. Several members of our staff have been encouraged to progress within The Headland Hotel, and have achieved management positions at a relatively young age.
For details of current vacancies please go to Careers and Vacancies
Meet the Team
Veryan Armstrong
Veryan Armstrong, General Manager
I am a fourth generation hotelier, and grew up knowing I wanted to work in hotels from about 10 years old. With my parents owning The Headland, many family suppers were spent listening to stories of goings on at the hotel!
In school holidays during my teens I worked at The Headland in Children's Entertainment taking trips to the zoo and supervising swimming galas, Housekeeping, Reception, Reservations, and The Terrace. With a summer spent in the pastry section of the Kitchen, and The Terrace kitchen, I decided that Front of House was more preferable, and focused my attentions there.
After graduating from Exeter University, I worked in at The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay, for a summer, followed by France for six months as a Chef....it was an interesting experience.....serving a medium rare fillet steak with truffles, along with room temperature Evian water, to a poodle, who was wearing snow booties!
In 2006 was thrilled to be offered a job at the most acclaimed family run hotel in England, The Goring (AA 5 red stars), and had a wonderful three years in London, progressing to being in charge of Reservations & Revenue.
In early 2009 I rejoined the family business in Cornwall, as Sales, Marketing & Revenue Manager, before being offered the position of General Manager in early 2011. I am very excited about our ongoing rennovation plans that started in September 2011, and cannot wait to take a dip in the indoor pool when it is completed for early May 2012.
Rich (see further down page) and I will be marrying in September 2012!
Darryl Reburn
Darryl Reburn, Deputy General Manager (Hotel)
After successfully completing a B/Tec Diploma in Hotel, Catering and Institutional Operations at North Devon College in Barnstaple, Darryl worked for Brend Hotels. This enabled some valuable years to be spent in a number of different properties and locations to complete their management training programme. Darryl located to Cornwall accepting the position of deputy manager and then later general manager at The Royal Duchy Hotel in Falmouth. He spent many happy years in Falmouth taking the hotel through various increases in star and accolade ratings, plus the 1999 eclipse and Millennium night celebrations. The pinnacle of his career so far has been when he served lunch to Her Majesty The Queen and her guests in 2006.
Darryl decided to join von Essen Hotels in 2008, as the general manager of Fowey Hall and Spa, a position he held for several years, he says it was a very unique and rewarding property to manage.
Darryl joined The Headland in May 2011, saying ‘it is a fascinating and iconic building which has been lovingly maintained and invested in by its long standing owners, the Armstrong family. It is going to be a very exciting couple of years during the development of brand new spa and indoor pool'.
Adam Cornish
Adam Cornish, Deputy General Manager (Cottages)
Adam started his career by studying for an 'A' Level in Hospitality Management. He worked in a training role, via the departments at The Headland, before studying a Business Degree at Cornwall College.
Adam was promoted from Front of House Manager to his current role in May 2011, and has been at The Headland since 2004.
Adam says 'Ambition is the key to life, you can never aim too high.'
Jan Wilhelm
Head Chef
My grandma predicted I would have a career in the hospitality industry, after she watched me cooking, aged 14. She said that one day I was going to be a big chef on a cruise liner and travel the world. She was right! After completing my apprenticeship in Germany, I then moved to Guernsey. What was planned to be a season away from home, turned into 3 1/2 years living in St. Peter Port, Guernsey. I enjoyed the island and communal life very much. After one year back home, I then heading down under and spent 3 years in New Zealand. However, when I received a call from Guernsey from my old employer offering me the position of the Executive Chef, I happily accepted. 2011 has been a very special year for me, as it saw the arrival of my first born in March. In July I got married to my wife, and then in October we moved to Newquay and to The Headland. The Headland has ‘wowed' me from the very beginning with its charm, and I am very happy to have joined the team. With all the exciting plans in place, I am really looking forward to being part of it.
Jo Marsh
Jo Marsh, PA to the Directors and General Manager
I studied International Business at The Brunel University and was fortunate to get the opportunity to live in Russia and America during this time. I think this really marks the beginning of my interest in tourism and the hospitality industry.
During my career so far I have worked for both private and public sector companies, with my most interesting and rewarding position being PA to the Dorrien-Smith Family on Tresco, where I was fortunate enough to live for eight years.
After relocation and three years of introducing my little ones to the world, I now find that I am back in the throes of a fascinating and vibrant atmosphere at work, and I know that I am going to thoroughly enjoy working with the Armstrong Family. The Headland is a beautiful hotel, both internally and externally, and the team of people who work here are committed and enthusiastic.
The forthcoming changes in the hotel will no doubt lead to an extremely exciting future, which I am very proud to be part of.
Wenny Armstrong
Wenny Armstrong, Purchasing Manager
I have recently followed my sister, Veryan, and joined the family business my parents started over 30 years ago. My last job was in the purchasing department for a large food manufacturer for Waitrose, Morrisons and Sainsburys.
I run the Purchasing Team at The Headland and manage our suppliers to make sure we are buying the best seasonal produce, from the best local companies and at the best price.
I frequently visit our suppliers with our Head Chef to continue to build on our strong local relationships. I also regularly audit them on the quality of their produce, customer service and their general standards and values to make sure they match those we expect from each supplier.
We also attend lots of local trade shows to sniff out any good deals! If you are a Cornish food producer I would love to hear from you.
Rich Palmer
Richard Palmer, Technical Manager
I joined The Headland in October 2009 as the Technical Manager to oversee refurbishments to the building and assist with the implementation of the conference centre project. I have a very varied role which takes me all over the building assisting in most back of house departments to some degree including the management of the maintenance department.
My background is of a degree in Business and Financial Management from Exeter University followed by four years spent in the middle east working for yacht manufacturers doing sales and marketing, project management, racing campaign management, project costings and budgets, and yacht racing. After four years abroad, I decided it was the time to move back to the UK and to start a new career. Having not come from a hospitality background it has been a steep learning curve over my time at The Headland but I have transferred my skills over to this exciting industry.
2012 is going to be an exciting year for Veryan and me, when we marry in September!
Michelle Brown
Michelle Brown, Human Resources Manager, CIPD (associate)
Michelle has been with the hotel for 12 years, joining as a part time chambermaid at 18, progressing through the ranks and taking over as Head Housekeeper aged just 20. During her 4 years in this role she helped the hotel achieve excellent AA reports.
When the opportunity to take over the Human Resources role arose, Michelle saw it as an opportunity to progress her career further. Michelle has been supported in her professional development and is currently studying for a PDS (Professional Development Scheme) by CIPD flexible learning. In 2007, Michelle was awarded an Acorn award which is presented to only 30 high achievers in the hotel industry on a yearly basis. Despite her busy role, she still manages to maintain a good work life balance as she has three small children, a dog, a guinea pig and a Paramedic husband!
"My aim is to be at the top of my profession and keep developing!"
Grace Prior, Management Trainee & HR Assistant
After working as Cabin Crew for almost five years for a charter airline based at Gatwick, I really felt that the time had come to move closer to home. I relocated to Cornwall in May 2009, when I first started at The Headland as a Trainee Manager. After a few months, I really wanted to gain a qualification to enhance my knowledge and skills so in September of the same year started a Foundation Degree in Tourism Management. The Headland has fully supported me with this and has allowed me the flexibility to move around the different departments in the hotel to suit the modules I have been studying. This has allowed me to broaden my knowledge and experience as an employee.
I am currently gaining some experience in the HR Department, and I have recently taken on the extra responsibility of being a Duty Manager.
Grace says "I will soon be finishing my Foundation Degree, with the aim to then complete my BA Honours degree in Business Administration. Cornwall is a fantastic place to work and study, and The Headland has provided me with invaluable opportunities."
Louise Blenkinsop, FOH/Reservations Manager
As an ambitious young lady, I spent the first week of a school summer holiday introducing myself to all of the hotels in Falmouth in search of a part-time job to enable me to be a little independent, and it was at 15 years old that I found myself in the grand old Falmouth Hotel working in the restaurant. This was my first foray into the hospitality industry! I stayed there throughout my studies, enjoying many memorable moments (the Eclipse in 2000 with guests arriving by helicopter on the front lawn was ever so glamorous for a young girl!). After finishing my A Levels, I went on to study Journalism at University College Falmouth, and left the hotel to gain experience in other areas. Having combined university life with a lengthy position in a local public house, and a sales position, I joined the reception team at the Best Western Falmouth Beach Hotel as a trainee. I relished being back within a hotel environment and enjoyed the variety my new role provided. In one of the largest hotels in Cornwall no two days were the same! I spent six happy years at the Falmouth Beach, having progressed to Reception Manager, and also a member of the Duty Management team. Due to the nature of my dual role I had gained a wealth of experience in all Front of House operations and a close relationship with all our return guests.
I was thrilled to join the Headland team in July 2011 as Reservations Manager, and am excited to be taking my hospitality career in a different direction. I am delighted to be working in such an impressive property, and with a family that have such heritage within the industry. It is going to be interesting to see all the new developments fall into place - I am certainly looking forward to helping the Headland grow!
Jude Gallacher
Jude Gallacher, Executive Housekeeper
I was born in Darlington, and started my working life in my home town, cleaning schools, government buildings and public houses. I gained my BICS 1.2.3.and moved up the job role from a cleaner to a ‘Cleaning and Training Manager' working for the County Council.
In 1994 I moved to Cornwall, and started working for a hotel chain in the role of Head Housekeeper. I was in charge of one new opening initially, but then went on to do all the openings and training within the housekeeping departments for the chain in the South West. Just after leaving the hotel chain, I gained my NVQ Assessor award.
In September 2005 I came to work at the Headland in the role of Housekeeper of the hotel, very shortly after that I took over the responsibility for the 40 cottages. It wasn't too long before I stepped up again and became the Executive housekeeper for the entire organisation. With the help of my team we have been able to gain a 100% cleanliness score for the cottages from the VisitEngland inspector, and 100 % in our mystery shopper report several times.
In the time that I have been here I have been voted ‘Manager of the year' three times and have been runner up twice. I was very proud to collect my first ‘H' badge for five years service at The Headland in September 2010.
We have some very exciting changes happening within the hotel over the next 5 years and I am really looking forward to being part of it.
Jude and her brilliant Housekeeping Team
Some key members of the team; Morwenna, Jude, Agnes, Marilyn, Dainora, Jessica, Ana, Cathy, Shena, Justina, Zara, Peep, Gyorgy, Danuta, Maire and Rey.
Morwenna Yeo, Deputy Housekeeper
Morwenna has studied A level in Hospitality Management and NVQ's in Food Preparation and Food and Drink service.
After completing college I was employed by the 4 star Royal Duchy Hotel in Falmouth as Trainee Manager. After a year of working in all departments I realised Housekeeping was where I belong. I took over the Assistant Head Housekeeper role and within a year was promoted to Head Housekeeper.
After 5 years at the Royal Duchy I decided to venture outside of Cornwall and went to work at a 4 red star hotel - Rhinefield House, in the New Forest, as Head Housekeeper. But after 18 months of working in the New Forest and living in Southampton, I missed the Cornish way of life. I moved back and joined the Headland team in July 2009, as Assistant Head Housekeeper.
I am very much looking forward to the new developments at the Headland and maintaining the high standards in the housekeeping department.
Dianne Viljoen
Dianne Viljoen, Sales Manager
I started my career in the hotel industry in 1992 working for Protea Hotels, South Africa's largest and leading hotel group. I then embarked on a very different challenge and went work for a Coastal based hotel group in Durban, a new Conference and Leisure Resort- Kapenta Bay After traveling I worked for the Accor Hotel Group as Sales Manager for the Mercure Inn Midrand. I was headhunted by Caesars Palace Casino Resort Gauteng. We returned to our family in the UK after my second son was born.
In 2005 I returned to the work for the Holiday Inn Express in Croydon, South East London. I was offered a position by our competitor hotel the Croydon Park, a four star hotel within the Clarion Ireland Group. I accepted and faced my biggest challenges. I was given the responsibility of managing the Reservations Team along with the Conference and Events team. The Front Office Team were also given to me to manage, giving me an all round experience. I was offered a position with the Principal Hayley Group as Sales Manager for the Selsdon Park Hotel and Golf Club, focusing purely on sales for the hotel.
In April 2010 my husband was given a transfer to Cornwall with his company. This proved to be a wonderful opportunity for our family to enjoy the breathtaking beaches and the magnificent lifestyle that every family yearns for. I started at the Headland Hotel in January 2011 and am so proud to be a part of this amazing family run hotel with fantastic and exciting new developments happening all the time!
Matt Hansen, IT Assistant & Duty Manager
In October 2005 I started work at The Headland, as a Hall Porter, but after one year the bright lights of the Terrace Bar & Restaurant drew me in, and I moved departments. I very much enjoyed my time in the bar and dispense learning about all kinds of wines and up-selling different wines for different dishes.
In August 2007 The Headland offered me sponsorship to obtain a study visa to remain at the hotel for the business management three year program. It was all going through until last minute complication with papers, and unfortunately I had to return back to South Africa.
Between 2007 and 2010 I furthered my IT skills in South Africa, from computer repairs and sales, to network installations. In August 2010 I was fortunate to be able to return to the UK on a spousal visa after getting married to a beautiful English woman, and with the full support, help and willingness of The Headland I returned and started work in the bar again.
From January 2011 I took over the position of IT Assistant from Mike Booth, looking after and maintaining as many technical, computer and network related issues as can get my hands on. I am also involved in duty management for part of the week. I intend to further my IT knowledge with practice and hoping to study various Microsoft certificates and networking courses in the coming years.
It is exciting to be part of such a fast growing and vibrant organisation - I am looking forward to all the future prospects that working at The Headland can give me!
Claire Robinson
Claire Robinson - Events Manager
Claire has recently been promoted to Events Manager, following nearly two years of being our Senior Events Coordinator. During this time she has successfully developed the event business we have here at the hotel. She is fantastic at liaising with all our clients and meeting their individual needs to make each event truly memorable. Claire recently achieved a Diploma in Event Management and Wedding Planning and passed with distinction, making her the most qualified person to plan your event! With a degree in Media and a background in Publishing and PR, the hotel industry has been an exciting challenge. The future development plans for the hotel and the brand new conferencing center is something she can't wait to get her hands on and run to its full potential.
Toni Sorsby, Junior Assistant Manager
Manager of the Year 2011
I grew up in Manchester where I was home schooled by my parents. At the age of 13 my parents moved the family down to beautiful Cornwall for a better way of life and none of us have ever looked back. After finishing my education I was unsure what I wanted to do in life, and then I found The Headland. In October 2004 I started my first job at the Headland. I joined as a children's entertainer, whilst working in the hotel I took great interest in the restaurants. I asked to do some extra shifts in The Terrace, it was then I realised that this was where I wanted to be in hospitality. So I worked my way up the ladder to Terrace Supervisor followed by Assistant Terrace Manager, then Assistant Food and Beverage Manager. For me this was a great achievement. Now I have the chance to make someone's holiday really special and the opportunity to create memories through guest interaction. I recently have been given the best opportunity in my career so far, as I have been promoted to the role of Junior Assistant Manager.
I have so much more to learn and I am so grateful for the opportunities that the Armstrongs have given me. I am proud to work for such a unique company and see myself here for years to come.
Rob Walker
Rob Walker, Head Porter
I have spent the majority of my career (22 years) in the railway industry, where I gained skills and experience in areas such as management improvement, procedure writing, risk assessments and safety and quality management systems. During this time I also gained a Degree in Occupational Safety & Health. I started working at The Headland as a Hall Porter, and progressed to the position of Head Porter. This has involved me holding fire safety training sessions for new starters and for refresher courses. As the main person at the ‘front of house', it is essential to greet guests and make them feel welcome and assist where ever I can.
