Hotel Manager - Avani Kota Kinabalu Hotel (Pre Opening Team)

Minor International; West Coast Division; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hotel management company is looking for an experienced hotel operations manager for Avani Kota Kinabalu Hotel in Sabah, Malaysia, set to open in 2026. The role involves implementing strategies across operational departments and leading a team to ensure a high standard of service while managing budgets. Candidates should have a tertiary qualification in Hospitality/Business Management and extensive experience in operational and financial management within the hotel sector.

Qualifications

• Extensive operational and financial management experience within a Hotel and Food & Beverage environment.
• Ability to drive a culture of accountability and promote staff engagement.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and learning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day‑to‑day operational activities of the hotel.
• Support the development, training and mentoring of team members.
• Manage the quality improvement process in areas of customer service.

Skills

Operational management

Financial management

Leadership

Customer service

Communication skills

Education

Tertiary qualification in Hospitality/Business Management

Job description

Minor Hotels is an international hotel owner, operator, and investor with a portfolio of more than 536 hotels in operation. Minor Hotels passionately explores new possibilities in hospitality with a diverse portfolio of properties designed intelligently to appeal to different kinds of travelers, serving new passions as well as personal needs. Through our Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana, Tivoli, NH Hotel Group, Four Seasons, St. Regis, Marriott, and Minor International properties, across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe, and South America.

Avani Hotels & Resorts is a vibrant upscale brand offering relaxed comfort and contemporary style. Avani was launched in response to an increasingly influential group of discerning travelers who appreciate stylish design and excellent service, but also demand great value. Avani hotels are designed for the way we travel now. And we think it’s all about balance. Balance between coolness and kindness, between design and function, and between service and privacy.

Avani Kota Kinabalu Hotel is set to open in Q2 2026 with 378 new keys ready to welcome business and leisure travellers with trademark AVANI sleep satisfaction, contemporary living spaces, and honest food. The hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant and a rooftop pool & bar, as well as 855 square metres of meeting space, perfect for conferences or social functions.

Job Responsibilities

Within this, the key responsibilities for this position are:

• Implement the hotel strategy across all operational departments.
• Provide a single point of leadership for all operational activities in the hotel, and to effectively lead and manage the day‑to‑day operational activities of the hotel.
• Support and implement all corporate programmes and guidelines.
• Actively support the development, training and mentoring of team members.
• Manage the quality improvement process in areas of customer service and team member satisfaction.
• Demonstrate leadership by example.
• Motivate and build a working environment in which team members are productive and innovative.
• Demonstrate self‑confidence, energy and enthusiasm.
• Represent the hotel in public, community and meetings using effective public speaking and presentation skills.
• Identify and lead positive public relations and teamwork opportunities.
• Establish, measure, monitor and evaluate process policies and procedures.
• Use problem‑solving methodology for decision making and follow up.
• Develop business plan and evaluate business trends to modify strategies.
• Interpret, analyse and manage budget to meet business objectives.
• Provide constructive coaching and counseling to team members.
• Develop and train department heads to fully understand and effectively perform their job.
• Be in charge of the hotel in the absence of the General Manager according to given authorisation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the General Manager.

Qualifications

To be successful you will require the following experience:

• Tertiary qualification in Hospitality/Business Management.
• Extensive operational and financial management experience within a Hotel and Food & Beverage environment.
• Demonstrated strategic and operational leadership experience, with the ability to drive a culture of accountability and promote staff engagement.
• A proven track record of maintaining excellent product and service standards whilst maximising revenue and minimising expenses.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain solid working relationships with guests, owners and staff.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and learning.
• Ability to build, maintain and seek new opportunities/partnerships within the local market.
• A positive and energetic attitude.
• An infectious passion for delivering a memorable guest experience and creating loyalty of guests.