Hotel GM — Growth & Guest Experience Leader

Garner Hotel; West Coast Division; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Garner Hotel Kota Kinabalu is seeking a General Manager to lead daily operations, guest experience and brand compliance for a franchised property. You will work closely with the owner and stakeholders to balance Garner standards with local needs and market realities.

You will recruit and develop a high‑performing team, manage budgets and lead pre‑opening or conversion activities, while ensuring safe, profitable and guest‑centric service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Five to ten years of hotel management experience, preferably with an international hotel operator.
• Pre-opening, rebranding, renovation, or major conversion experience is highly desirable.
• Strong owner and stakeholder management skills with the ability to build trust and resolve issues.
• Ability to balance brand requirements, franchise obligations and owner expectations.
• Calm, decisive and resilient under pressure with sound judgement.
• Clear communicator with strong commercial, financial and operational acumen.
• Local market knowledge of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, or Malaysia is preferred; ability to adapt quickly.
• Fluent English is required; additional languages preferred (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese dialects).

Responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day operation of a franchised Garner hotel, driving guest experience and brand compliance.
• Recruit, lead, coach and retain a capable hotel team aligned with conversion, ramp‑up and ongoing operations.
• Prepare and manage annual budgets, cash flow and marketing plans while monitoring performance.
• Engage with the owner and stakeholders to balance Garner standards with owner expectations.
• Lead pre-opening, conversion activities and operational readiness, including staffing and go‑live execution.
• Represent the brand professionally in the local community and ensure responsible business practices.
• Communicate progress, risks and priorities clearly to the owner and regional teams.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Financial acumen

Operational discipline

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hotel Administration or related

Job description

Garner Hotel Kota Kinabalu is seeking a General Manager to lead daily operations, guest experience and brand compliance for a franchised property. You will work closely with the owner and stakeholders to balance Garner standards with local needs and market realities.

You will recruit and develop a high‑performing team, manage budgets and lead pre‑opening or conversion activities, while ensuring safe, profitable and guest‑centric service.