Director- Cape Town Hotel School

Cape Peninsula University of Technology; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Cape Town seeks a Director for its Hotel School. This role involves managing operations, financial oversight, and strategic development of academic programs. The ideal candidate should hold a PhD in Hospitality with at least 10 years of relevant experience, including 5 years in a senior management role, and be prepared to contribute to the school's vision through strategic leadership and academic excellence.

Qualifications

• 10 years of relevant experience in higher education.
• 5+ years of managerial experience.
• Strong research publication record.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Cape Town Hotel School's operations.
• Develop and upgrade course offerings.
• Control departmental budgets and finances.

Skills

PhD/Doctorate/D Tech degree in Hospitality or related field

Master's in hospitality management

10 years' relevant post qualification experience

5 years at senior managerial level

Evidence of research publications

Evidence of successful supervision

Education

PhD or similar in Hospitality

Master's in Hospitality Management

Job description

Director- Cape Town Hotel School - (8378)

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Job Title

Director- Cape Town Hotel School

Faculty

Business and Management Sciences

Department

Cape Peninsula University of Technology -> Business and Management Sciences -> Cape Town Hotel School

Campus/Location

Job Type

Permanent

Occupational Function

Support / Admin

Number of Positions

1

Annual Salary Package (incl. Medical Aid rate based on principal member only)

To be confirmed

Advert Closing Date

19/1/2026

Job Purpose

The Director: Cape Town Hotel School is responsible for the overall management of Cape Town Hotel School acts as visionary, academic and financial leader, manages the School and School's budget through to achieve the planned level of strategic and operational performance and productivity according to the faculty strategic objectives proved levels of financial, academic and management authority and constraints.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• PhD/Doctorate/D Tech degree in Hospitality (Hotel, Food and Beverage, Professional Cookery, Food Services Management) or Related field (Commerce and Management related field).
• An underpinning master's in hospitality management (Hotel, Food and Beverage, Professional Cookery, Food Services Management).
• At least 10 years' relevant post qualification experience within a reputable academic higher education institution.
• At least 5 years at senior level involving managerial responsibility.
• Evidence of research publications in DHET accredited journals.
• Evidence of successful supervision.

Recommendation

• A strong knowledge of hospitality subject areas combined with a broad Hospitality background enabling contributions to be teaching.
• Knowledge of the higher education landscape in South Africa.
• Professional body affiliation (Where applicable).

Key Performance Areas / Principal Accountabilities

Academic Management

• Collaborate in providing input for faculty strategic objectives and department strategic objectives.
• Manage the resources of the department to achieve the strategic objectives of the faculty and department.
• Determine objectives through analysis of the external and internal environment.
• Determine overall strategy by course offerings contribution to strategic objectives.
• Ensure continuous growth and sustainability of the department.
• Appropriate enrolment of students for offered courses.
• Implement faculty strategic objectives and management decisions.
• Use discretion to delegate functions to ensure effective operation while maintaining accountability.
• Serve as a member of faculty management committee, presenting departmental activities.

Administration and Management Key Areas

• Conduct analysis of resource utilization and report to the Dean.
• Ensure effective administrative functioning of all department sections.
• Provide the Dean with information on student numbers, projections, space, equipment and staffing.
• Compile and maintain class, lecture and room timetables.
• Coordinate academic staff for examinations and invigilation.
• Ensure correct management of test and examination results.
• Enhance administration communication within the school.
• Maintain up‑to‑date administrative records for quality assurance.
• Lead operations of the CTHS Restaurant, ensuring financial viability and quality assurance.

Teaching and Learning Key Areas

• Develop new and upgrade existing courses under supervision.
• Ensure student selection according to set criteria.
• Manage information on course content.
• Conduct day and evening classes according to departmental plan.
• Control all student evaluation forms.
• Monitor student progress and analyse exams to identify problem areas and take corrective steps.

Budget and Finance Key Areas

• Control expenditure of Restaurant Operations and Academic Departments.
• Develop financial management systems to stimulate growth.
• Develop financial accountability and reporting systems with Finance Department.
• Enhance profitability by encouraging entrepreneurial ventures.
• Develop re‑investment framework from generated income.
• Draft realistic capital and current budgets and ensure adherence.

Human Resource Management Key Areas

• Improve the research profile of the faculty through staff encouragement.
• Recruit quality human resources for the school.
• Provide support to staff for core business activities.
• Improve communication channels between academic, technical and support staff.
• Implement performance management for the school.
• Manage performance of staff members according to approved performance agreement system.
• Lead staff conjunction with faculty management.
• Ensure fair allocation of tasks to all staff members.
• Take responsibility for staffing for the department.
• Maintain head count within approved budgets.
• Participate in Recruitment and Selection for vacant positions.
• Organise orientation for new appointments.
• Submit recommendations to Dean for appointment of part‑time lecturers and examiners.
• Continuously update curriculum and assessment criteria.
• Improve student pass rates and reduce attrition by early support identification.

Community/Industry Partnership, Industry Alliance & Partnership

• Develop and promote linkages with industry partners to improve curriculum relevance.
• Re‑affirm established industry workstations and increase participation.
• Develop external network connecting CPUT to industry community.
• Maintain current awareness of industry and partnership opportunities.
• Develop leadership, management development and short courses.
• Implement CPUT Co‑operatives Education Policy.
• Liaise with Co‑operative Education Department for student placement planning.
• Ensure integration of placement outcomes into academic study.
• Maintain CTHS Management Industry board.

Personal/Professional Development

• Attend conferences, seminars and workshops for self‑development.
• Conduct research and surveys regularly to stay abreast.

Policy Development / Implementation

• Determine areas requiring policy development.
• Manage policy development process for the faculty.
• Ensure policy effectiveness.

Project Management

• Initiate projects for the faculty.
• Manage faculty projects when nominated to contribute to faculty projects.

Research

• Ensure CPUT research policy is carried out encouraging research projects.
• Facilitate research in line with faculty objectives and research targets.
• Provide proper research guidance to staff and students.
• Analyse research output and make adjustments.
• Allocate research tasks fairly to staff members.
• Liaise with Research Development Department for collaboration.

Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure safety, health and safety rules and procedures are adhered to.
• Liaise with health and safety department on related matters.
• Manage risk management of the department and satellite campus.
• Ability to manage change.
• Strong commercial acumen.
• High level communication skills (written, oral & interpersonal).
• Strategic marketing planning skills.
• Negotiation skills and ability to influence.
• Highly self‑motivated.
• Effective leadership skills and team orientation.
• Diplomacy, listening and questioning skills.
• The ability to manage a broad‑ranging portfolio.
• The ability to negotiate with clients and parts to conclude satisfactory deals and agreements.
• Must be self‑sufficient, capable of setting own work strategies and working with minimal guidance.
• Continuous learning.
• Ability to manage performance standards.
• Building partnerships.
• Mentoring and coaching.
• Financial management skills.

General Information

NB: Internal applicants interested in Senior lecturer/ Associate/Professor positions are encouraged to apply through the Promotion of Academic Staff process if they are eligible. To ensure fairness and consistency, all applications will be assessed against the criteria for Promotion of Academic staff at the respective level(s) applied for. All applicants must satisfy the criteria for promotion to be considered and will be required to submit a portfolio of evidence. In instances where a post is advertised across two levels or more (e.g., Senior lecturer/ Associate Professor/ Professor), preference may be given to applicants who meet the requirements at a higher level. Applicants must specify the level at which their application(s) should be considered. The University reserves the right to appoint at a lower level.

Closing Date: 19 January 2026

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology is committed to Employment Equity and aims to attract and retain talented individuals to achieve our equity objectives and therefore, people from the designated groups, including those with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to applicants whose appointment contributes towards the achievement of demographic representation. We reserve the right not to make an appointment.

Copyright, Cape Peninsula University of Technology.