5 • Yacht Managing Director

Staff Connection; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury hospitality management firm in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Operations Manager. The ideal candidate must have a proven track record in luxury hospitality or yacht management, with at least 10 years in a senior role such as MD or CEO. Responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, managing budgets, and building relationships with high-net-worth individuals. This role demands strong leadership, financial acumen, and the ability to handle high-pressure scenarios.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in luxury hospitality or yacht management.
• 10+ years experience in a senior role like MD or CEO.
• Ability to manage high-pressure situations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations within the organisation.
• Develop and manage budgets.
• Manage procurement, suppliers, and inventory.
• Drive charter sales and marketing initiatives.
• Build long-term client relationships, especially with VIPs.

Skills

Leadership

Financial acumen

Guest relations

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Hospitality or Business

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Management: Oversee day-to-day operations within the organisation.
• Implement SOPs for safety, guest service, and luxury standards.
• Financial & Commercial Oversight: Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reports.
• Drive charter sales, events, and partnerships.
• Manage procurement, suppliers, and inventory.
• Ensure profitability and cost efficiency.
• Guest & Client Relations: Uphold 5â guest experience.
• Build long-term client relationships, especially with VIP / high-net-worth individuals.
• Manage feedback, complaints, and service recovery with professionalism.
• Strategic Leadership: Work closely with owners or directors to set strategic direction.
• Explore growth opportunities.
• Oversee marketing & business development initiatives.

Required Experience & Skills

• Proven track record in luxury hospitality, yachting, cruise, or 5â hotel / resort management.
• Strong leadership & people management skills.
• Solid financial acumen and P&L management experience.
• Exceptional guest relations, discretion, and problem-solving ability.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Degree in Hospitality | Business
• SA Local citizens
• Minimum 10yrs experience within a SENIOR role eg MD or CEO in the hospitality or yacht environment
• Professional, polished, and approachable.
• Strategic thinker who can balance operations and luxury guest experience.
• Strong business development skills.
• Able to manage high-pressure situations with diplomacy.
• Cape Townbased (or willing to relocate), with flexibility to travel if required.