Head of Operations - Boutique Hotel Group

Placements24; United States; Hybrid; USD 121,000 - 194,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Head of Operations to oversee operations across a boutique hotel group, with a focus on Paarl flagship property. The role demands strategic leadership, operational excellence, and a relentless focus on guest experience.

The candidate will manage department heads, optimize profitability, and implement innovative strategies while upholding brand standards across the portfolio.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in hotel operations management with 5+ years in a senior leadership role
• Experience managing multiple properties or a large single property
• Strong understanding of F&B, Rooms Division, and Sales & Marketing operations
• Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills
• Demonstrated financial management, budgeting, and P&L responsibility
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Bachelor's in Hospitality Management or related; MBA/advanced degree a plus
• Ability to travel frequently between properties (Paarl, Western Cape)
• Results-oriented with a commitment to excellence

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations across all hotels in the group
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance guest satisfaction and profitability
• Lead and mentor department heads for strong performance
• Control budgets, manage costs, and identify revenue opportunities
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards
• Maintain and elevate brand standards and service quality
• Drive operational innovation and best practices in hotel management
• Collaborate with executive team on strategic planning and financial performance
• Oversee guest relations and resolve high-level service issues
• Allocate resources efficiently and manage staff across departments

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Financial management

Negotiation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a growing boutique hotel group with properties across the Western Cape, is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Operations to oversee all operational aspects across their portfolio, with a key focus on their flagship property in Paarl, Western Cape. This senior leadership role demands a comprehensive understanding of hotel management, driving operational excellence, and ensuring consistent brand standards are met. You will be responsible for managing department heads, optimizing profitability, implementing innovative operational strategies, and fostering a culture of exceptional guest service. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a proven track record in multi-property hotel management and a passion for delivering superior guest experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of all hotels within the group, ensuring efficiency and quality.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance guest satisfaction and profitability.
• Manage and mentor department heads, ensuring effective leadership and team performance.
• Control budgets, manage costs, and identify opportunities for revenue enhancement.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and legal regulations across properties.
• Maintain and elevate brand standards and service quality across the portfolio.
• Drive operational innovation and implement best practices in hotel management.
• Liaise with the executive team on strategic planning and financial performance.
• Oversee guest relations and resolve high-level customer service issues.
• Ensure efficient resource allocation and staff management across all departments.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in hotel operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., General Manager, Director of Operations).
• Proven experience managing multiple hotel properties or a large single property.
• Strong understanding of all hotel operational departments, including F&B, Rooms Division, and Sales & Marketing.
• Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability in financial management, budgeting, and P&L responsibility.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• Ability to travel frequently between properties, particularly to Paarl, Western Cape.
• A results-oriented approach with a commitment to achieving excellence.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary, performance-based bonuses, comprehensive health benefits, and significant opportunities for career advancement within a growing hotel group. This role provides strategic oversight of operations based out of the beautiful Paarl, Western Cape region, offering a blend of remote work flexibility and on-site leadership. You will be instrumental in shaping the future success of the brand and have a direct impact on guest experiences across the portfolio. Join a dynamic leadership team committed to innovation and excellence in boutique hospitality.