Assistant Operations Manager – Hotel Group (Frequent Travel)
We are looking for a hands-on Assistant Operations Manager to work closely with the COO in overseeing the day-to-day operations of our hotel portfolio across Malaysia.
This is not a desk-based administrative or personal assistant position.
You will work directly with Hotel Managers and department heads across multiple properties to ensure operational issues are resolved, management instructions are carried out, projects stay on schedule and hotel standards are maintained.
The role requires frequent travel to our hotel properties throughout Malaysia.
We are looking for someone who takes ownership, follows through and solves problems — not someone who simply reports problems and waits for instructions.
For the right person, this position offers significant exposure to multi-property hotel operations and the opportunity to grow into a larger Group Operations / senior management role as the hotel group expands.
Key Responsibilities
Multi-Property Hotel Operations
- Support the COO in overseeing day-to-day operations across multiple hotel properties.
- Work closely with Hotel Managers and department heads on operational matters.
- Follow up on management instructions, action plans and deadlines.
- Monitor operational standards and identify areas requiring improvement.
- Assist Hotel Managers in resolving operational challenges.
- Identify important operational risks and elevate matters when necessary.
- Recommend practical solutions instead of simply reporting problems.
Hotel Visits & Operational Inspections
- Travel frequently to hotel properties throughout Malaysia.
- Conduct regular operational and property inspections.
- Review guest rooms, front office, housekeeping, F&B, maintenance and overall hotel conditions.
- Identify operational weaknesses, maintenance issues and areas requiring improvement.
- Prepare clear inspection findings, photographs and action lists.
- Follow up with responsible teams until outstanding matters are completed.
- Review occupancy, revenue, guest feedback, operational issues and other relevant KPIs.
- Identify underperforming hotels or departments.
- Work with Hotel Managers to understand performance issues and develop corrective actions.
- Prepare concise management reports and updates for the COO.
Projects & Follow-Up
- Coordinate operational improvement projects across different hotels.
- Follow up on renovation, maintenance, procurement and hotel improvement projects when required.
- Coordinate between hotel management, contractors, suppliers and Head Office.
- Track project deadlines and outstanding action items.
- Ensure responsible parties deliver according to agreed timelines.
- Provide regular progress updates to the COO.
Management Support
- Attend operational and management meetings when required.
- Prepare meeting minutes, action items and follow-up schedules.
- Follow up with department heads and Hotel Managers after meetings.
- Represent the COO in operational discussions when authorised.
- Assist in resolving urgent operational matters when the COO is unavailable.
- Ensure important issues do not remain unresolved due to poor communication or lack of follow-up.
Requirements
- Diploma or Degree in Hospitality Management, Business Management or a related field is preferred.
- Minimum 3 years of relevant working experience, preferably within the hotel or hospitality industry.
- Previous hands-on experience in hotel operations or hotel management.
- Good understanding of day-to-day hotel operations.
- Experience managing or coordinating across multiple departments is an advantage.
- Strong organisational and follow-up skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.
- Able to communicate confidently with Hotel Managers, department heads, suppliers and contractors.
- Able to work independently with limited supervision.
- Able to manage multiple properties, projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Able to prepare clear reports and management updates.
- Good command of English and Bahasa Malaysia.
- Possess a valid driving licence.
- Must be willing and able to travel frequently throughout Malaysia.
Who We Are Looking For
- Takes ownership and gets things done.
- Does not require constant instructions or supervision.
- Is comfortable following up firmly with people and holding them accountable for deadlines.
- Can visit a hotel, observe the operation and identify problems.
- Investigates problems before making conclusions.
- Thinks about solutions instead of simply highlighting issues.
- Understands when to make a decision and when to escape.
- Can communicate effectively with both senior management and operational employees.
- Is organised and comfortable handling several priorities at the same time.
- Is willing to spend significant time visiting properties rather than working entirely from the office.
- Has the ambition to grow into a larger leadership position within the Group.